By taxi
You can arrange a van or taxi from Almaty or Bishkek. A hired driver one-way from Bishkek will cost up to $100. Leave from the western bus station ÐападнÑй авÑовокзал Zapadniy avtovokzal to get to Issyk Kul. A seat in a 4-person shared car to Cholpon Ata will cost about 500â1000 som. Beware that prices may differ largely between different drivers and be prepared to bargain. You may wish to team up with other travelers or locals and negotiate a price together, locals often pleased to ensure that you pay the local fare. Prices may be higher on weekends or peak season.
By train
There is also a scenic train ride from Bishkek to Balykchy. The train is slower than bus or car, and there is only one train to Balykchy departing early morning and returning back at afternoon. But the train ride boasts amazing views of the mountain pass. And the tickets are very cheap, for 70 som. Beware that the train cabin will reach high temperatures in summer.