Balykchy Town on Issyk-Kul Lake

Local vendors in yurts peddling their wares along the A365.
We are about 14km west of Balykchy town.

______________________

Balykchy

The gateway to Issyk-Kul Lake, this former fishing town is located on the western edge of Issyk-Kul Lake. Locals and tourists alike would stop for a break here .....eat and buy smoked lake fish...and admire the lake view.

Issyk-Kul Lake smoked fish waiting for local/tourist to buy

More vendors peddling smoked fish and fruits by the buckets...apples, apricots and plums even dried cheese balls mostly bought by local and Kazakh tourists.

Apricots, nectarines and apples sold by the bucket

Buckthorn berries in glass jars.... and a couple of buckets of black currants... to make jam ...
The buckthorn berries and black currants makes up the bulk of wild berries produced in the Issyk-Kul region, all of which are for local consumption.

Dried cheese and more buckthorn berries.

Dad taking a closer look at Issyk-Kul smoked fish... only used to eat fresh sea fish... not entirely sure what to do with these..

 

Packed lunch....local dishes - paloo and laghman.
Click here for more info on these local dishes.

Leaving Balykchy for Cholpon Ata Town, 77 km away.
We won't reach Cholpon Ata today though..

Spending some time on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake watching the sun set.
We are near Toru-Aygyr village.

Dazzling Issyk-Kul Lake....