TOURISM IN KYRGYZSTAN - Tourism in Central Asia: Cultural Potential and Challenges - page 264

Issyk-Kul is a “wonder of nature” (Kantarcı, 2006) and sometimes
called “the pearl of Central Asia” (Azizova, 2010). It has a very unique
characteristic: although it lays at the top of a very high mountain with very
low temperatures, it never freezes. This is mostly due to the hot springs
flowing into the lake, making the water temperature always above zero. So
the lake never freezes even in the winter, easing the temperature along its
coasts (Capisani, 2000). There are also high levels of underground ther-
mal activity in the region, warming the waters of Issyk-Kul (Kort, 2004).
The lake is one of the most important tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan.
Along its shores, there is a particular location, Cholpan-Ata, known as the
“Montreux” of the Issyk-Kul (Capisani, 2000). Cholpan-Ata is the most
famous place along the Issyk-Kyl, offering opportunities for climbing, ski-
ing and swimming. There are several summer resorts and health spas as
well as many rocky terrains to attract tourists here (Balbay, 1999; Cap-
isani, 2000). The town of Karakol is another important location along the
banks of the Issyk-Kul, becoming more important with its newly opened
ski resorts, national park and developing nature tourism (Werner 2003).
One unfortunate incident that negatively affected Issyk-Kul's post-
Soviet prospects was the accident in which trucks of the Canadian-Kyrgyz
joint venture operating the Kumtor goldmine crashed and dumped highly
poisonous cyanide that they were carrying to the rivers flowing into the
lake (Kort, 2004; Sievers, 2003; The World Bank, 2001). As a result of the
accident, there was some ecological damage to Issyk-Kul and fish, birds
and other small animals ended up dead (Balbay, 1999).
The Chui region, where Bishkek is located, is excellent in terms of eco
and mountain tourisms as well as rafting within the boundaries of Ala-
Archa National Park. The park is also used for daily picnics. One of the
most important historical artifacts in the country, the Burana Minaret (or
Burana Tower) is also in Chui.
The Osh region takes its name from the ancient city of Osh, which
comes second after Bishkek in terms of its population. The city lies across
the banks of the Ak-Buura (“White Camel”) River and at the footsteps of
the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Özcan, 2010). 8 As such, Osh also offers oppor-
tunities for winter sports and mountain tourism. Furthermore, the Kara-
Koi Valley, with its clean air, is a convenient location for health tourism
(Seval et al., 2003). However, Osh is also important for historical reasons.
8 Kyrgyzstan: Then and Now . 1993. USA: Lerner Publishing Company, Geography Department, 19.