Things To Do
in Anan’evo

Wide views of Issyk-Kul (visible from nearby spots), pastel skies reflecting on the water and distant mountain silhouettes—excellent for golden-hour photography.

Summer jailoos with grazing horses and yurts offer classic nomadic landscape shots and candid cultural portraits.

Steep river-cut gorges with cascades, cliffs and wildflowers provide dramatic landscape compositions; scout for viewpoints above the river.

Photograph daily life—market stalls, bread ovens, shepherds and handicraft practice—ask permission before shooting portraits.

The national dish of Kyrgyzstan: boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over wide noodles with onion broth—commonly served at family gatherings and guesthouses.

Must-Try!

Steamed meat dumplings (mutton or beef) often served with sour cream or spicy sauce; you can find them at village homes and small restaurants.

Small pieces of fried dough served as a snack or with tea—common at breakfasts and celebratory events.

Fermented mare's milk, a traditional drink best tried at a yurt camp or from local herders.

Small daily market selling fresh dairy, bread, seasonal vegetables and roadside shashlik stands; for larger markets and more variety visit Karakol or Cholpon-Ata.

In summer you’ll find stalls selling grilled meat, fresh fruit, and boorsok near popular picnic or hiking spots.

Always greet hosts and elders politely; accept tea when offered—refusing can be seen as impolite. Use both hands for handshakes when appropriate.

Dress modestly in villages—avoid overly revealing clothes, especially in conservative settings and when visiting mosques or family homes.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders; some may prefer not to be photographed.

Remove shoes when entering a home—your host may offer slippers; bring a small gift (tea, sweets) to show appreciation.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—small tips (5–10% or rounding up) for restaurant servers, guides and drivers are customary. For guesthouse hosts, a modest gift or tip for good service is welcome.

Cash (Kyrgyz som) is king in villages—many places don’t accept cards. ATMs are available in larger towns like Karakol or Balykchy; bring enough cash for remote stays. Credit cards accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants.

Warm days (20–30°C/68–86°F) with cool nights; peak season for swimming, horseback riding and yurt camps. Expect more tourists near the lake and road traffic on weekends.

Crisp, clear weather with colorful foliage in late September–October; ideal for hiking and photography, but evenings cool quickly.

Cold and snowy with sub-zero temperatures; many mountain roads can be closed, and services are reduced—great for quiet stays and nearby skiing if you have winter gear.

Variable weather—late snowmelt, muddy trails and a burst of wildflowers; some high trails remain snowbound till late spring.

Short to moderate hikes up nearby river gorges offer waterfalls, cliff views and alpine meadows—suitable for day trips from the village.

Gentle multi-hour hikes to summer pastures where you can see herds, shepherds and temporary yurt settlements; ideal in summer months.

Access points into the Terskey Alatau (depending on exact route and guide) provide longer trekking options and high-mountain scenery—hire experienced guides for multi-day hikes.

Short ridge trails near the village give panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks—great for sunrise and sunset photography.

Closest airport to the Issyk-Kul lake area (Tamchy/Cholpon-Ata) with seasonal and limited connections; from there you can hire a taxi or arrange a transfer to the village (typically under 1–2 hours depending on exact location).

Main international gateway in Bishkek (about 3–4 hours drive to Issyk-Kul area); good for international flights and many domestic connections—hire a shared taxi, marshrutka or private transfer to reach Anan'evo.

The largest group—maintain many traditional customs, language (Kyrgyz) and pastoral livelihoods.

Present in smaller numbers, especially in nearby towns; Russian is commonly used as a lingua franca.

Smaller minority groups contribute to the cultural mix in the Issyk-Kul region and nearby market towns.

Summer tourists and domestic travelers who come to enjoy the lake and mountain activities.

Horse culture is central—riding is a common pastime and used for both leisure and work; local riding opportunities are widely available.

Traditional mounted team sport where riders compete to place a goat carcass in a goal—spectator events occur in the region and at festivals.

Common community sports in villages and towns; local matches and wrestling are popular at cultural events.

Skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts in winter attract enthusiasts when conditions allow.