The two shores of Issyk-Kul have genuinely different personalities, and which one you prioritize depends on what you're after.
The north shore, running from Bishkek toward Cholpon-Ata, is the resort side — beach towns, the petroglyph field, and gorges like Grigorievka and Semenovka that see noticeably fewer visitors than their south-shore equivalents. The south shore, closer to Karakol, is where most of the well-known names sit: Jeti-Oguz, Skazka Canyon, Barskoon waterfall — busier, but for good reason.
If your base is Karakol and time is limited, the south shore is the practical default. If you have extra days and want quieter alternatives to the same style of scenery, the north shore's gorges are worth the longer drive around the lake.
Zoomy