Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
#1589
42.651289, 77.074981
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cholpon-Ata is a picturesque resort town on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, known for its stunning landscapes and proximity to the mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 15,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps, with some cafes offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 85 KGS; ATMs are available, and major banks offer currency exchange services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Beeline and O! Mobile are popular providers for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks include Kompanion and Bank of Asia. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and apartments; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but having cash is recommended, especially for small transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Altyn Aiyl and guesthouses provide budget-friendly lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kyrgyzstan Business Center offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kaktus has a nice ambiance and Wi-Fi, suitable for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups occur occasionally; check online platforms for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats offer updates on community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Taxi operates in Cholpon-Ata, providing convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, especially during peak tourist seasons. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cholpon-Ata Beach is easily accessible and offers lovely views of Lake Issyk-Kul. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Manas serves flights to and from Bishkek. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines operates flights that connect through Istanbul. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Bishkek-Issyk-Kul highway for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train station in Cholpon-Ata; buses are the primary means of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and shared taxis provide economical transport; no specific passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses (marshrutkas) are available to nearby towns like Balykchy. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Hospital of Cholpon-Ata provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local fitness centers offer yoga classes, especially in summer. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Zarya Gym provide workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available in town, with services at budget-friendly prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak, a traditional Kyrgyz dish, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants such as Cafe Kaktus offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafes serve local desserts like chak-chak, a sweet pastry. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Central Market provide fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kyrgyz online stores are limited; locals use global platforms like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No prominent grocery delivery options; shops are widely accessible. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some local bars offer live music occasionally. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kyrgyz Brewery produces local beers; visits may be available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars exist; local shops sell wines from the region. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit street vendors for local delicacies, especially near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and some cafés offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Burana Tower, a historical site near Cholpon-Ata. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of History and Culture exhibits local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Archaeological sites near the town showcase ancient civilizations. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nearby mosques reflect local architecture and culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Issyk-Kul Festival in July attracts local and international visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town itself is a blend of cultural experiences with local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are held at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central market offers crafts, local produce, and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances take place during summer events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local murals can be found; however, this is limited. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes may be offered at local guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local crafts can be found at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Eldest residential structures reflect the traditional Kyrgyz lifestyle. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nomadic heritage is preserved through local festivals and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kolkhoz Lake and nearby mountains provide excellent hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Semenova-Chak National Park is a short distance away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths along Lake Issyk-Kul are ideal for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Numerous viewpoints along the lake offer breathtaking snapshots. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Issyk-Kul attracts various bird species, great for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along the lake allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; small local shops offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited classes; expat groups often facilitate language exchanges. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No dedicated libraries; cafes serve as informal study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; entertainment centers may offer basic games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No prominent casinos; local entertainment focuses on traditional activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $21,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% flat rate for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis; income earned outside Kyrgyzstan is not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in certain conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on asset value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate on property transfer. |