What's the challenge?
X-WATERS Issyk-Kul is for the strong of spirit!
Issyk-Kul is not just a lake, it is a majestic natural arena where crystal-clear waters meet majestic mountain peaks. Join the X-WATERS Issyk-Kul and discover the beauty of this unique place!
Issyk-Kul is one of the deepest lakes in the world. Its clear water hides an incredible variety of underwater life and has unique healing properties due to its mountainous location and the cleanest ecology of the region.
Surrounded by the impressive mountains of the Tien Shan, Lake Issyk-Kul pleases the eye with its purest waters and picturesque landscapes. Here you can enjoy the fresh air, the scent of pine needles and the sounds of nature, which will create the perfect atmosphere for your swim.
It's not just a swim — it's an opportunity to test your strength, overcome yourself and feel freedom. The X-WATERS Issyk-Kul takes place at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level, which adds more stress on the body and requires preparation and endurance.
The bright sun, fresh mountain air and the indescribable beauty of the landscapes will create the atmosphere of true adventure and the unity with nature.
Immerse yourself in the amazing nature of Kyrgyzstan, feel its power and harmony.
Get unforgettable impressions and a boost of energy for the whole next year!
Join the chat for swim participants in Telegram
The starting point is located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, on the beach of the Kapriz Recreation Center (Baktuu-Dolonotu village). Location of the swim
By private car:
Route: Bishkek → Kemin → Balykchy → Bosteri → Baktuu-Dolonotu → Kapriz. Travel time: 4-5 hours. Distance: approximately 260 km. The road is completely paved and in good condition.
For GPS, you can use the following coordinates: 42.6418, 77.1553.
By taxi:
The most comfortable option without your own car. From Bishkek, you can order: Yandex Go Intercity; a private taxi; a transfer from the boarding house. The total cost of a car is typically around 5,000–9,000 som, depending on the season, vehicle class, and pickup location.
By bus:
The most economical option. Buses depart regularly from Bishkek's Western Bus Station: Bishkek → Cholpon-Ata; Bishkek → Bosteri; Bishkek → Karakol.
It's most convenient to get off at Baktuu-Dolonotu, Bosteri, or Cholpon-Ata, then take a local taxi to Kapriz (usually a 5–15-minute ride). The boarding house is approximately 5 km from Cholpon-Ata.
By train:
In the summer, there is a regular train service from Bishkek to Balykchy, as well as luxury tourist carriages. From Balykchy, transfer by taxi to Kapriz (approximately 40 km).
If you book accommodation directly, you can check with the Kapriz administration about the availability of group or individual transfers from Bishkek or Manas Airport. The boarding house is approximately 40 km from Tamchy Airport and approximately 282 km from Manas Airport. We do not recommend taking public transportation from the airport.
The following items are prohibited from entering the starting area: weapons, piercing and cutting objects, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, beverages and food in glass and metal containers, and aerosols. Participants and spectators must undergo security screening to enter the starting area.
Distances
plan
the distance
plan
• 500 m
Participants start from the beach, swim to the first buoy on the right, continue to the next buoy, then return to the finish arch. Swim around all buoys on the right. Swim counter-clockwise.
• 1 mile
Participants start from the beach, swim to the first buoy, then complete 3 laps around all buoys and return to the finish arch. As shown at the diagram, 3 laps must be swum along the dotted line. On reaching the first buoy, approach and touch it. Swim around all buoys keeping them to your left. After the third lap, swim directly to the finish. Swim counter-clockwise.
• 5 k
Swimmers board a boat at the pier that takes them to Point A (the starting point). A mass start is given from the boat, and participants swim to Point B, finishing under the arch in the start area on the beach.
- one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world, at 1607 meters above sea level;
- never freezes, even in winter, thanks to geothermal springs and saline water - hence the name "Warm Lake"(from Kyrgyz language);
- water clarity up to 20 meters, with color ranging from turquoise to deep blue depending on weather and time of day;
- surrounded by a ring of majestic Tien Shan mountains that provide a stunning background and protect from strong winds.
The region's climate is mild and sunny: even in summer, there's no exhausting heat, making swimming comfortable and safe.
Issyk-Kul is not only natural wonder but also a place rich in history and culture: along the shore you can find ancient petroglyphs, ruins of churches, archaeological sites, and the true spirit of the East.
A swim in Issyk-Kul is about sport - but not only. It's about spirit, beauty, freedom, and a feeling that stays with you.
Registration for a swim
Before registering, please read Swim Regulations and Standard contract
Select a distance:
Registration for a swim
if you would like to purchase a slot as a gift
Thank you for your registration
You’ve already bought this distance or you’ve chosen a distance that cannot be combined with your previous slot.
Choose the swim for your age
Please make sure you have separate accounts for kid’s and your own registration
Agenda
X-WATERS Issyk-Kul 2026
Preliminary schedule:
August 28, Friday
10:00-12:00 Registration. Pick up starter packs
15:00-20:00 Registration. Pick up starter packs
August 29, Saturday
07:00 Opening of the venue
07:00-08:20 Pick up chips 5 k
08:20-08:30 5 k briefing
08:25-08:50 Boarding of the 5 k participants on the boats
08:25-08:55 Pick up chips X‑KIDS
08:55-09:10 Water test for X‑KIDS participants
08:55-10:20 Pick up chips 500 m and 1 mile
09:00 Departure of the boats for the 5 k distance
09:10-09:20 X‑KIDS briefing
09:25 X‑KIDS 50 m start
09:30 Water test for 5 k participants
09:35 X‑KIDS 200 m start
09:40 5 k start
10:00-13:00 Pressotherapy
10:20-10:30 Water test for the 500 m participants
10:30-10:35 500 m briefing
10:30-11:30 Percussion massage (Theragun)
10:40 500 m start
11:00-11:15 Water test for the 1 mile participants
11:15-11:20 1 mile briefing
11:25 1 mile start
13:30-14:00 Closing ceremony
14:20-15:10 Award ceremony
15:10 World Class anthem, photo session
The exact schedule will be known closer to the start. You will receive a participant's booklet 2 weeks before the event.
How to get there:
The starting point is located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, on the beach of the Kapriz Recreation Center (Baktuu-Dolonotu village).
Location of the swim
By private car:
Route: Bishkek → Kemin → Balykchy → Bosteri → Baktuu-Dolonotu → Kapriz. Travel time: 4-5 hours. Distance: approximately 260 km. The road is completely paved and in good condition.
For GPS, you can use the following coordinates: 42.6418, 77.1553.
By taxi:
The most comfortable option without your own car. From Bishkek, you can order: Yandex Go Intercity; a private taxi; a transfer from the boarding house. The total cost of a car is typically around 5,000–9,000 som, depending on the season, vehicle class, and pickup location.
By bus:
The most economical option. Buses depart regularly from Bishkek's Western Bus Station: Bishkek → Cholpon-Ata; Bishkek → Bosteri; Bishkek → Karakol.
It's most convenient to get off at Baktuu-Dolonotu, Bosteri, or Cholpon-Ata, then take a local taxi to Kapriz (usually a 5–15-minute ride). The boarding house is approximately 5 km from Cholpon-Ata.
By train:
In the summer, there is a regular train service from Bishkek to Balykchy, as well as luxury tourist carriages. From Balykchy, transfer by taxi to Kapriz (approximately 40 km).
If you book accommodation directly, you can check with the Kapriz administration about the availability of group or individual transfers from Bishkek or Manas Airport. The boarding house is approximately 40 km from Tamchy Airport and approximately 282 km from Manas Airport. We do not recommend taking public transportation from the airport.
The following items are prohibited from entering the starting area: weapons, piercing and cutting objects, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, beverages and food in glass and metal containers, and aerosols. Participants and spectators must undergo security screening to enter the starting area.
Would you like to be our partner
Swim partners
Official partners
FOB51419
Compass Building,
Al Shohada Road,
AL Hamra Industrial Zone-FZ,
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
COMING SOON!
SOLD OUT!
