A logical starting point

When you’re driving from Bishkek towards Lake Issyk-Kul and have passed the town of Tokmok – known for the historic Burana Tower – the next town on your route is Balykchy. Located on the western tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, this former fishing town serves as an important transport hub because it’s the end point of the main road and the only passenger train line coming from Bishkek to the Issyk-Kul region. Balykchy is therefore often considered the gateway or logical starting point for travelers visiting the lake area, whether they plan to explore the northern or southern shore.

A hidden gem for Soviet history enthusiasts

Although there might not seem to be much to do or see in Balykchy at first, and most travellers only stop briefly to grab a bite or change buses before continuing on to the sunny beaches of Cholpon-Ata or the mountains around Karakol, we still think the town has it’s own unique charm and is definitely worth exploring if you’re interested in Soviet heritage.

In Balykchy, which translates to “fisherman” in Kyrgyz, time seems to have stood still. Abandoned shipyards, derelict buildings, and long-closed factories tell the story of a town where fishing, shipbuilding, and other industries once flourished. Today, these remnants offer a unique glimpse into the region’s industrial past, making Balykchy feel like an open-air museum of Soviet heritage.

If you have a bit of extra time in Balykchy, here are a few interesting spots worth checking out.

1. The abandoned port

Before heading straight to the port, it’s worth taking a quick look at the former Agitpunkt, located nearby at approximately 42.45338, 76.18921. An Agitpunkt (short for Agitatsionny Punkt, or “agitation point”) was a Soviet propaganda center used to educate and ideologically “inspire” the population, especially in rural or industrial areas. These centers were part of the USSR’s broader campaign to spread Communist ideals and loyalty to the state. A bust of Lenin still stands proudly at the entrance and cannot be missed!

In the same area, you’ll also find a monument featuring old murals that depict a map of the lake alongside Soviet propaganda messages. A few meters further, there’s also a nice sculpture of a worker.

To visit the old port we recommend to park somewhere here 42.451222, 76.184972 and to continue on foot. Just follow the railway tracks. Keep in mind that the port is technically off-limits, so getting close to the crane or boats isn’t allowed, at least not officially.

2. Old factories in the northern part of the city

If you’re interested in seeing more industrial relics, head to the northern part of town. A good place to start is around 42.46655, 76.21089, where you’ll find an old factory with some faded Soviet propaganda still visible on the wall.

The slogan says: «Там где партия – там успех, там победа!» (“Where the Party is, there is success, there is victory!”)

Don’t forget to check out the entrance as well. There’s still a piece of wall adorned with all the decorations that the factory received during Soviet times. Apparently, this was the model Soviet factory, exactly how Lenin envisioned it! It must have been a great honor to work here.

Nearby, at 42.4738, 76.21391, there’s another factory with an interesting gate featuring a hammer and sickle motif. The surrounding walls still bear faded flags of former Soviet republics. On the way, you can make a quick stop at 42.47009, 76.2151 to see a well-preserved bas-relief, another great example of Soviet-era art.

3. Big Lenin head on the roof of the DOSAAF school

On the other site of the town you will find a big Lenin head on the roof of a former DOSAAF school.

DOSAAF (an acronym for the Russian Добровольное Общество Содействия Армии, Авиации и Флоту, which translates to Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy) was a Soviet paramilitary organization established to prepare civilians (especially youth) for military service and promote military‑technical skills.

4. War memorials (Soviet-Afghan War and Second World War)

As in most cities of the former USSR, Balykchy is home to several war memorials, quiet reminders of a complex past:

At 42.45934, 76.20637 you will find a Second World War memorial. It’s a sculpture depicting a woman and child. There’s also an eternal flame, which unfortunately no longer burns.

At 42.45943, 76.17483 you will see a T-55 tank memorial, commemorating the Kyrgyz soldiers who fought in the Soviet-Afghan war (1979–1989).

More than just a stop away

Most travellers just pass through Balykchy without paying much attention — but if you take a bit of extra time, you’ll discover a town full of quiet surprises. Its abandoned factories, forgotten monuments, and fading Soviet murals offer a unique glimpse into a different era. For anyone interested in Soviet history, it’s definitely worth a closer look.

Have you come across other places like Balykchy with unexpected Soviet relics? Let us know!