Kyrgyzstan’s Best Lakes

Known for its beautiful, overflowing mountains, with over 1,900 alpine lakes resting within the peaks like gems, the Kyrgyzstan lakes are worth a mention. Every lake is different from the others due to the diversity of elevation, landscape and weather found in Kyrgyzstan. However, the group of the following 6 lakes will give you an idea of Kyrgyzstan’s beauty are like.

Lake Issyk Kul

Midst the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan’s eastern parts, the Issyk Kul lake, the second largest saline lake and the tenth largest lake in the world by volume offers a panoramic view to its visitors. Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz language means “warm lake”. This is kind of ironical as Issyk Kul is surrounded by snow-capped peaks on three sides. However, the lake never freezes.

The lake is a site of a globally important biodiversity.

Lake Kel Tor

Located near the Kegety Gorge, Lake Kel Tor is a brilliant turquoise blue lake bordered by rippling green mountains, tall meadows and spruce forests. The springs and summers find the place bleeding in hues of deep, rich green colour covered in wildflowers.

Lake Son Kul

An alpine lake in northern Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan, Son Kul Lake lies at an altitude of 3016 metres above sea level. The second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan the Son Kul Lake is also the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan.

Surrounded by a thick summer pasture and mountain peaks, the lake though inaccessible is highly praised in and around the region. This astonishing place grounds many different yurts that offers bread, mare’s milk, jam and other dairy products.

Lake Mertzbacher

A moraine glacier lake located in east Kyrgyzstan, Lake Mertzbacher lake has 2 pools- an upper and a lower pool. Often called the “Disappearing Lake”, Lake Mertzbacher is the phoenix of Kyrgyzstan lakes. The lake can discharge up to 1000 litres per second and is located at an altitude of 3,304 meters.

Glacial meltdown causes massive destruction of infrastructure and major flooding. However, the lake forms an iconic view in between the Tien Shan Mountains and the Inylchek Glaciers.

Lake Kel Suu

Lake Kel Suu has the most mysterious atmosphere of all Kyrgyzstan lakes.

Surrounded by sheer rugged cliffs with hidden caves, the lake is not easily accessible and can be reached from July to August. An alpine lake in the At-Bashi District of Naryn Province, fed and drained by the Kurumduk River is worth a visit. Lake Kel Suu’s waters reflect a bright turquoise colour complementing the surrounding dark rock.

Lake Sary-Chelek

A mountain lake located in Sary-Chelek Natural Reserve in Jalal-Abad Province, lake Sary-Chelek lies in the western parts of Kyrgyzstan.

The lake lies on the eastern end of the Chatkal range and is a collection of smaller lakes.

The lakes of Kyrgyzstan are all gorgeous and picture worthy. The alpine lakes can be reached by trekking, horseback riding tours and cycling. You will never regret visiting the alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan. Book your tour to Kyrgyzstan’s best lakes. Call us or visit our website to book your tours now.