Tourism

Tourism in Kyrgyzstan and Issyk Kul region perspectives

Lake Issyk-Kul: second biggest alpine lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in Mexico

Standing at over 1,600m and being surrounded by the Tien-Shan mountains, some of which reach 7,000m, it truly is the pearl of Central Asia. Issyk-Kul is common knowledge among citizens of the former Soviet states for its pristine nature and healing resorts

Getting there

British Mediterranean has three flights a week from London to Bishkek. Bishkek is connected with Istanbul, Moscow, Kiev and Novosibirsk. It's also a possibility to fly into Almaty in Kazakstan and catch a bus for the three hour ride to Bishkek (a Kazakstan transit visa is required). Trains run from Bishkek a few times a week to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Almaty and Krasnoyarsk (Siberia), and daily to Moscow. There are frequent buses between Bishkek and Tashkent and Almaty, though you often have to change buses at the border; a seasonal bus service links Osh and Kashgar via the Irkeshtam Pass and special jeep tours cross from Bishkek to Kashgar via the Torugart Pass.

Issyk-Kul is reachable by car from Almaty in 5 hours, from Tashkent in 8 hours and from Bishkek itself in 3 hours. The roads are wide, direct and quite scenic.

Issyk-Kul Has the Potential to Compete with Switzerland, Nepal, and Macau Resorts

Mountain Sports/Adventure Tourism

The Kyrgyz Republic is frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” because of its high mountain valleys that are suitable for skiing, mountain climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking
Over a million of tourists visit Issyk Kul annually
Adventure tourists represent a huge opportunity for Kyrgyzstan, especially for the Issy-Kul region
Skiing, for example, is an industry worth $150bn globally
However, Kyrgyzstan attracts relatively few skiers annually due to outdated lifts and lack of modern lodging

Lakeside Recreation and Health Centers

Issyk Kul hotels and resorts are limited to local brands, world class tourists shy away from a destination without the familiar Hilton or a Marriott brand
Issyk Kul could tap into the rapidly growing multi-billion dollar medical tourism industry where patients could go to recover from urgent or elective medical procedures with a chance to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear Issyk-Kul waters. Kyrgyz health centers have the potential to offer packages that include hotel, treatment and post-operation vacation.
Over twenty unique thermo mineral springs are in active use but some are in disrepair since their construction during the Soviet Union
In addition to tourism, Issyk Kul is a perfect location to host many international summits by the World Bank and the Bishkek International Banking Conference that are held on the shores of Issyk-Kul

Issyk Kul Has the Potential to Become the Next Asian Gambling Destination

Gambling Industry Opportunities

Currently, the gambling industry in Kyrgyzstan is concentrated in the capital, Bishkek, and has not been introduced in Issyk Kul resort area yet
Creation of the second “Monte Carlo of the Orient” (the first is in Macau, China) can attract tourists and gamblers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and western China as well as other countries
Luxurious casinos and hotels will provide year-round flow of tourists
Country legislation favors large gambling businesses and offers relatively favorable tax base
- Many Kazakhs travel to Kyrgyzstan because the gambling business has been outlawed which has contributed to growing Kyrgyz gambling revenue
- Majority of Kazakh gamblers come to Kyrgyzstan due to geographical proximity and relatively low prices
- Chinese and Russian travelers are also attracted to Kyrgyzstan due to geographical proximity and low prices

Issyk Kul Resort Area Construction is Booming, but There is Still a Need for Quality Services

Investments in Issyk Kul went from $6.5mm (2003A) to $16.1mm (2007A)
Recreational industry revenues in Issyk Kul region went up by 67% in the last 4 years
13.7% CAGR from 2003A-2007A
120 small and medium-scale hotels and sanatoriums, no large scale projects
Construction cost of one squared meter is US $500, while the sale price varies between US $1,500-5,000
Casinos and gambling business in general is not established

Note: Data from the National Statistic s Committee .
Notes: Historical exchange rates data from National Bank of Kyrgyz Republic.

Issyk Kul as a Place for Year-round Recreation

Ski resorts located in Karakol (400 km. from Bishkek)

Five ski lifts
Mountainside lodging is limited to ten rooms in the nearby hotel and two cottages for rent
Ski season is relatively long, typically lasting from November to April although it lasts all year for those willing to trek higher into the mountains where the snow never melts
Heli-skiing is highly popular among guests

Golf clubs: despite an ideal climate, clean air, wonderful views, hilly lowlands, and fields crossed with tree lines there are no golf courses in the Issyk Kul region

A golf course on the relatively flat north shore of Lake Issyk Kul might be helpful in attracting western tourists