Lake

The Issyk-Kul lake has a length of 182 km, a maximum width of 60 km and covers an area of ​​6,236 km². This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1,606 m, it reaches 668 m deep. 

About 118 rivers and streams flow into the lake. The largest are the Djyrgalan (Jergalan) and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs and snowmelt, and it has no outlet. Its south side is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range of wild beauty. The lake water is slightly saline and level down about 5 cm per year.

Kara-Suu Gorge forms one of the wild and scenic valleys of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. In its upper section, the river is known as the Kyzyl-Suu, which rises at the foot of the impressive Chatkal Range. Here the landscape becomes more rugged, with wide grey cliffs and steep mountain slopes framing the valley.

Kara-Suu Lake lies in a beautiful valley on the southern bank of the Naryn River, along the route between Jetigen and Arslanbob villages. It should not be confused with the other Kara-Suu Lake located near Sary-Chelek.

Stretching approximately 6.5 km in length and up to 1.5 km wide, the lake was most likely formed by a massive landslide that blocked the valley. Although a rough dirt road leads to the lake, it is far more enjoyable to reach it on foot or horseback, allowing you to fully appreciate the surrounding landscapes.

Kara-Suu Lake (Kara-Kamysh) lies within the beautiful landscapes of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, in a neighboring valley not far from the famous Sary-Chelek Lake. The lake stretches for about 1.3 km and is known locally as Kara-Kamysh, meaning “black reeds,” a name inspired by the dark vegetation growing along its shores. On most topographic maps, however, the lake is labeled Kara-Suu, which translates as “black water.”

Tucked away in the remote Kurumduk Valley of southeastern Naryn Region, Kel-Suu Lake (meaning “Lake of Water” in Kyrgyz) is one of the most breathtaking and secluded natural wonders in Kyrgyzstan. Perched at an altitude of 3,510 meters, this mountain lake stretches over 10 kilometers in length and varies in width from 100 to 800 meters. It's framed by towering granite cliffs, sculpted canyons, icy peaks, and lush alpine meadows — a dreamlike setting that offers dramatic landscapes in every season.

Ala Kul lake (or Ala Koel in Kyrgyz) is located in the upper part of the river Kurgaktor at an altitude of 3523 meters. The lake is 70 meters deep. Its origin is glacial and some glaciers are still visible, especially in the north of the lake. There is no island and the name in Kyrgyz means "colorfull". The lake can be reach by foot only in one day, from Altyn Arashan refuge or from Karakol valley.

Lake Aï-Kel is located in Batken Oblast, in the Turkestan mountain range, at the source of the Ak-Suu river. The lake was formed by the retreat of the glacier, and blocked by its morraine. It is 2km long for a width of 600 meters.

Chatyr-Kul lake is an endorheic lake on the south-western side of the At-Bashi  range in the district of Naryn Province. On the south, the road linking Bishkek to Kashgar runs alongside the lake and exceptional mineral water sources. But it is above all the summer habitat of many species of migratory birds. The name of the lake means “Celestial Lake” in Kyrgyz (literally "Roof Lake"). The lake and around it is part of the Karatal-Japyryk State Nature Reserve. The lake is a Ramsar site of globally significant biodiversity.

The Chokoly Lakes or Chokoli-Kol Lakes are a group of a dozen lakes on the south side of the Juuku Pass. Only the large lake on the east side has a river flowing into the Arabel Suu River. The length of the largest lake is about 3 km.

As soon as you wake up and decide to look out of the tent, you are immediately greeted by an incredible view of the lake, which, like a natural mirror, beckons with its beauty in the early morning.

Probably this is one of the most beautiful places, which is great for camping.

Issyk Ata valley, with its thermal baths, is located 80 km east of Bishkek. Sanatorium and outdoor swimming pools are the altitude of 1775m. An ideal destination on weekends.

The Issyk Ata  valley also offers many opportunities of hiking routes for enthusiasts, routes of mountaineering  to the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatoo, start point for trekking to nearby valleys or to Lake Song Kul.