Kaji-Say

Kaji-Say (Kyrgyz: Кажы-Сай) is a village on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 60 km east of Bokonbaevo and 80 km west of Karakol. The population is about 5,000. The village developed during the Soviet era as an industrial centre for uranium and coal mining, but has since declined.

Today Kaji-Say is a quiet village with lake access, popular with travellers seeking the less-crowded southern shore. The nearby uranium mine has left environmental concerns, but the village itself and the lakefront are safe. The climate is continental: warm summers (25-30°C) and cold winters.

By Plane

Tamchy Airport (IKU IATA) is about 120 km northwest across the lake.

By Car / Road

Marshrutkas along the southern shore road between Balykchy and Karakol pass through Kaji-Say. From Karakol about 1.5 hours (150–200 som). Shared taxis cost 400–700 som.

Walkable.

• Lake Issyk-Kul — Quiet, undeveloped beaches on the southern shore.

• Soviet-era industrial ruins — Abandoned mining infrastructure visible from the village.

• Lake swimming — Quiet and uncrowded.

• Photography of lake and mountain scenery.

• Small cafe or chaikhana — 150–250 som.

Tea, bottled water.

• Homestay — 500–1,000 som.

• Village shop for basic provisions.

• Bokonbaevo (60 km west) — Main village on the southern shore.
• Karakol (80 km east) — Major tourist centre.
• Barskoon (40 km east) — Waterfall and gorge.