Understand
Balykchy is the gateway to Issyk Kul. It sits on the western bank of the lake. It was formerly known as Ribachie Ð ÑбаÑие, Russian for fisherman and after independence was re-named with the Kyrgyz word. It was known as the center of the lake's fishing fleet, but has suffered a major decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It now only on the path to the tourist sites of the lake, but largely by-passed.
It is interesting to note the micro-climates of the Issyk Kul, especially around Balykchy as there is little green or snow at all times.
