issyk kul lake
Tucked into the mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan, issyk kul lake has drawn visitors for centuries.
The jewel in the crown of two mountain ranges that soar skyward in eastern Kyrgyzstan, issyk kul lake glistens in the summer sun, shimmering during winter days as well, and providing a year-round playground for adventurers. The lake is the seventh deepest in the world, tenth largest by volume, and second only in size among saline lakes to the vast Caspian Sea.
Encompassing 6,236 square kilometres (2,408 square miles), issyk kul lake is a wonderland for the traveller and a trove of subject matter for scientific study and evaluation as well. Situated along the ancient Silk Road, it beckons to those seeking fresh mountain air, stunning views, and health-related resorts. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Central Asia’, the lake is embraced on all sides by the Terskey and Kungei Ala-Too mountains of the northern Tien Shan range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its crystal waters average a depth of more than 278 metres (913 feet), while the surrounding peaks soar to more than 4,855 metres (15,928 feet).
Despite the lake’s altitude of 1,607 metres (5,272 feet) above sea level, the climate is relatively mild, both in winter and summer, with moderate temperatures and seasonal snow. The focal point of the surrounding area for commerce and urban living is the town of Cholpon-Ata, a drive of 262 kilometres (163 miles) from Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. On the northern shore of issyk kul lake, Cholpon-Ata offers hotel accommodation and thriving bars and restaurants, Beaches are scattered at lakeside, a short walk from the centre of town. Several major air carriers serve Bishkek, and car rental facilities are located in the airport, Kyrgyzstan Air Company operates flights into Cholpon-Ata.
While issyk kul lake was not well known in the West until Russian explorers published accounts of their journeys in the 1800s, the surrounding area was well populated for centuries. Ancient history abounds, and the crossroads of cultures is apparent in petroglyphs left by peoples of the past. Ruins of towns that bustled with activity centuries ago remain, some along the shoreline and others submerged beneath the deep blue of the lake. With the decline of the merchant traffic along the Silk Road during the 15th century, the population ebbed, but the allure of the region revived with its spectacular blend of mountain and lake, water and stone, ancient and modern.
Today, issyk kul lake welcomes hiking enthusiasts, who find the winding courses exhilarating. At Altyn Arashan, visitors complete their trek with a soaking in the hot springs. Others choose to sunbathe along the lake's shore, and during the winter months the ski resort of Karakol is quite busy. About a half-hour drive from Karakol, the Jeti-Oguz, or Seven Bulls. rock formation of striking red sandstone emerges in a scenic valley, and the location of the town on the eastern edge of issyk kul lake makes it ideal as a base for excursions into the surrounding area.
issyk kul lake was a popular holiday spot during the Soviet era, and numerous health facilities, holiday homes and small rentals were built. Recently, an economic resurgence has led to the construction of new resort properties.