Cholpon-Ata Travel Guide

Preetty much the most touristy place in Kyrgyzstan. You will find yourself amongst former soviets from all over the place. Also, this is where alot of the former soviet cycling teams train. So, ladies keep your eyes out for hot guys in spandex :) The lake is really nice, don't drink the tap water under any circumstances. The lake never freezes... however it never gets very warm either... 

Kyrgyz resort, which may make it interesting if you know some Russian, homestays here can be fun and there will be touts waiting for your bus/marshrutka when it arrives. The place itself is hardly happening, but you will get an impression of real life here plus the lake itself is notable as the second largest at this height after Titicaca...

nice laid-back soviet-style tourist resort at the lake. you can also enter the mountains just behind the town.