Tashkent to launch train service to Issyk-Kul starting summer 2025

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to launch a new tourist train route between Tashkent and Issyk-Kul, starting in the summer of 2025. The “Tashkent-Balykchy” train service is expected to increase tourist flows to the popular Issyk-Kul Lake area, known for its scenic beauty and recreational appeal.

Photo: Uzbekistan Railways

This agreement followed a bilateral meeting between Z. Narzullaev, Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways, and A. Sakiev, Head of Kyrgyz Railways, held as part of the 81st session of the Council for Rail Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). During the meeting, the two sides discussed strategies to enhance cargo transport volumes and implement tariff discounts for freight services.

Negotiations also included the transportation of key goods such as coal and cement between the two countries, leveraging the resources of Uzbekistan’s rail freight company, “Temiryul Cargo.” Plans to repair weighing station infrastructure for cargo management were also outlined.

In addition to the new tourism route, the two nations agreed to collaborate on training Kyrgyz railway personnel at Uzbekistan Railways’ training centers, with a specific focus on setting up specialized educational programs.

#tourism #Kyrgyzstan #train #Issyk-Kul