The most visited lakes in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, a country with untouched nature, there are about 2,000 lakes, ranging from large to small. Each lake is unique and beautiful in its own way. Below you will find information about the most popular and beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan:

Issyk-Kol

Lake Issyk-Kol, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, is the largest, most popular and most visited lake in the country. Issyk-Kul is the second largest mountain lake in the world. Translated from the Kyrgyz language, it means “Hot Lake”, since it does not freeze even in winter. In summer, the water temperature warms up to +27 degrees, while in winter the average temperature is –4 ° С.

The opportunity to visit the Issyk-Kol-Lake all year round, crystal clear water, magnificent beaches, good hotels make this truly magical place popular.

Son-Kol

Lake Son-Kol, located in the Naryn region at an altitude of over 3016 meters, is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. The temperature of the lake warms up to 11 degrees in summer, while in winter it drops to -20 degrees, and the average water temperature is -3.5 degrees. The lake is located on a mountainous plain and surrounded by meadows in which animals graze in the summer. There are no trees in this area, but here you will see edelweiss and other mountain flowers.

Today, Son-Kul has a large selection of yurt camps: from the simplest to the most comfortable ones with a toilet and shower. This place also attracts by the fact that there is neither connection nor the Internet, which many use as a “digital detox”, that is, a rest from social networks.

The pristine beauty of Son-Kul, the opportunity to spend the night in a yurt and get to know the life, traditions and culture of nomads makes this place one of the most must-see places in the country. That is why the Son-Kul Lake is a must when on vacation in Kyrgyzstan.

Sary Chelek

Lake Sary Chelek is one of the most beautiful lakes not only in Kyrgyzstan, but throughout Central Asia. Located on the territory of the Sary-Chelek biosphere reserve in the Jalal-Abad region. The flora and fauna of the reserve is very rich and includes about 40 species of mammals, 170 species of birds and 1200 species of herbaceous plants. “Sary-Chelek” in translation from the Kyrgyz language means “Yellow bowl”. The water temperature in summer is about 19 degrees, in winter — from 0 to 4 degrees.

Kel-Suu

Lake Kel-Suu is located in the Naryn region at an altitude of 3500 meters near the border with China. Translated from the Kyrgyz language, “Kel-Suu” means “incoming water” and this is for good reason. The lake is notable for the fact that it can disappear and then fill up again. Therefore, it is important to take into account the fact that the lake may not be found. The length of the lake is 9 kilometers, and the width is from 500 meters to 2 kilometers. Kel-Suu was formed by a strong earthquake and is surrounded by steep cliffs that give it a fantastic look.

Kel-Suu is truly one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan, leaving no one indifferent. The incredible beauty of the lake will justify its inaccessibility and will be at the top of the most popular places during your trip in Kyrgyzstan.

Ala-Kol

Lake Ala-Kol is located on Terskey-Ala-Too on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul between the Karakol and Altyn-Arashan gorges. It is located at an altitude of over 3500 meters and has a bright turquoise color. Translated from Kyrgyz Ala-Kol means “variegated lake”.

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan is very popular and trekking to Lake Ala Kol is growing in popularity. The hiking track to the lake is very popular, although it is not the easiest one. The most accessible route starts in the Karakol gorge and ends in Altyn-Arashan.

Chatyr-Kol

Lake Chatyr-Kol, located in the Naryn region at an altitude of 3500m, is one of the largest lakes in Kyrgyzstan and the highest of the lakes in the Tien Shan. Translated from the Kyrgyz language it means “Heavenly Lake”. In summer, the temperature ranges from 6 to 16 degrees, while in winter it drops to -50 degrees.

Chatyr-Kul is located in the Chatyr-Kul lowland, on the territory of the Atbashi region and is bounded in the north by the At-Bashy ridges, in the south — by Torugart.

Earlier the article was published here.

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