Bokonbayevo

Bokonbayevo is a village in Kyrgyzstan.

Bokonbayevo is a small, laid back city near the southern shore of Issyk Kul lake. Tourists use it mainly as rest/sleep stop between Bishkek and Karakol, although there are some interesting sights nearby.

Marshrutkas from Bishkek leave from the Western Bus Station (350 som, 5-6 hr). Take any one that goes the "southern route" towards Karakol. Or head to Balykchy first and take any marshrutkas going east on the southern route from here. Any of these should go through Bokonbayevo.

Walking or taxi (50 som).

• 42.064276.99341 Kan Dobo Ruins and Museum (near Tuura-Suu, south of Bokonbayevo). Ruins of an ancient 6th-12th century settlement.  (updated Mar 2019)

• Issyk Kul lake

• Eagle hunting show (4,500 som or more, depending on your negotiation skills)

• Horse riding (tours to a nearby viewpoint, 6 hr roundtrip, from 3,100 som for 2 people + guide)

Bokonbayevo has several small shops and local markets where visitors can purchase everyday necessities, snacks, drinks, and basic travel supplies. During the summer season, local artisans may offer handmade felt products, traditional Kyrgyz souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Several family-run cafés and guesthouses in Bokonbayevo serve traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. Popular dishes include laghman, manty, plov, shashlik, and freshly baked bread. Many guesthouses can prepare homemade meals upon request, often using locally sourced ingredients.

Tea is the most common beverage and is served in most cafés and guesthouses. Visitors can also try traditional fermented drinks such as kymyz (fermented mare's milk) during the summer months. A small selection of soft drinks and bottled beverages is available in local shops.

• 76.99641376.9964131 Akbermet Guest House, Калканова, 54 Bokonbayevo, ☏ +996 707 116 060. 4-bed dormitory. 800 som, incl. breakfast 890 som.  (updated May 2024)
• Guesthouse Gulmira, 107 Sekeev Street, ☏ +996 777 274 190. €19/double room. (updated Aug 2018)
• 42.11212176.9784212 Guest House Milana, Комузчу Бектур 27, Bokonbayevo, ☏ +996 707758273, +996 702097728. Comfortable, lovely family and not far from the center. Great view of the mountains. Also serves breakfast and dinner. 300 som, incl. breakfast 500 som.  (updated Aug 2019)
• 42.1634477.029183 Various Yurt Camps (just northwest of Tong (Тон) village).  (updated Nov 2018) for example traditional yurt camp - "Sonun" around 55 usd per night with breakfast.

• Karakol – With stops at the Fairy Tale Canyon, Barskoon waterfalls and Jeti Oguz on the way.
• Tong – Popular with locals for its Salt Lake.
• Tamga – With the Barskoon waterfalls is 50 km east of Bokonbayevo. The waterfall 20 km from the highway to the south.