Car rental for Issyk-Kul

North shore or south

The north — Cholpon-Ata, Bosteri, Kara-Oi: beaches, hotels, infrastructure, smooth asphalt. The south — Kaji-Say, Barskoon, Skazka canyon: wild beaches, gorges, waterfalls and far fewer people. A full loop around the lake is roughly 450 km — doable in a day, better spread over two or three.

What it costs

At 5,000 KGS per day on a four-day rental, split between four people that is about 1,250 KGS each per day — with the freedom to go wherever you want. A marshrutka to Cholpon-Ata is cheaper one way, but you will pay for taxis along the shore.

On the road

Fuel stations are frequent on the main highway but sparse on the southern shore — fill up early. Air conditioning matters in summer: the shore regularly passes 35°C. We set no mileage limits, so drive as much as you like.

Which car

For paved roads around the lake a sedan is plenty — the Camry Hybrid uses about 4.5 l/100 km, so the round trip costs roughly 25 litres of fuel. If you plan to head up Barskoon gorge or onto the jailoo, take four-wheel drive.