On the territory of Kyrgyzstan, there are about two thousand high-mountain lakes, but the pearl of the country and the entire Tien Shan is Lake Issyk-Kul or Issyk-Kel (translated from Kyrgyz - "hot lake", from Old Turkic - "sacred lake") with an area of 6236 sq. ... km with a maximum depth of 702 m.
The first mention of Issyk-Kul is found in the Chinese chronicles of the late 2nd century BC, where it is called Zhe-Hai ("warm sea"). The lake lies in the north-east of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 1606.7 m above sea level, in a vast tectonic basin formed more than 50 million years ago. Directly adjacent to the lake is a narrow lakeside plain, dissected by the channels of many rivers (about 80). The hollow is surrounded by the Terskey-Ala-Too ("facing from the sun") and Kyungoy-Ala-Too ("facing the sun") ridges, rising to heights of 4500-5000 m. from the north and hot air from the deserts of Central Asia, because the climate here is quite mild, which makes Issyk-Kul one of the largest resorts in Central Asia. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C (here it is, the source of the origin of his name). The swimming season lasts 6 months, and outdoor recreation is possible all year round.
The purest rivers flowing from the mountains constantly replenish the lake basin, however, the water in Issyk-Kul itself is salty (5.8 ppm at the surface, up to 18 ppm in depth), which, together with the unique mineral composition of local rivers, gives the never-freezing lake water a thick blue color ... At the same time, depending on the place and time of day, the color of the water can vary from pale blue to dark blue tones. And the transparency of the water in the open part of the reservoir reaches 12-16 m. The beauty of the lake is simply amazing, P.P.Semenov-Tien-Shansky compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and he preferred Issyk-Kul. The coastline of the lake is quite indented - there are about 20 picturesque bays and bays. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for a spa holiday with mud and thermal treatments.
Around the lake stretched a whole string of resort towns and villages, many of which during the Soviet era were of all-Union significance and popularity. The best resorts are Cholpon-Ata on the northern coast (once it was a resort of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, now the Museum of Local Lore is interesting here), Karakol with its wooden Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, the wooden Dungan mosque and the Przhevalsky Museum is the best starting point for exploring the lake and adjacent mountainous regions, the towns of Tyup, Ottuk, Balykchi (Rybachye) and others. Also good are the famous Altyn-Arashan gorge (located 30 km east of Karakol at an altitude of 3000 m) with its beautiful landscapes and hot springs, the nearby Issyk-Ata mineral water deposit (77 km southeast of Bishkek), the gold mines of Kumtor (south Issyk-Kul coast), the majestic Jolbors gorge, the cliffs of the Djety-Oguz canyon, the Boom gorge with its fantastic red rocks and a waterfall in the Barskoon gorge (the height of the waterfall is about 100 m).
On the territory of the Issykul region, there are about 1,500 historical monuments, of which 320 are under the protection of the state. The most significant of them are the Saka "Tsarsky kurgan" (VII century BC - II century AD) near the village of Kurmenty, the burial grounds of Kok-Bulak and Karashar (a total of about a thousand burials of the Usun tribes), covered with Tibetan with religious writings, the Tamga-Tash stone (VI-I centuries BC), a cluster of petroglyphs (II millennium BC - VIII century AD) at Cholpon-Ata and further along the coast to Tamchy, as well as Cape Holy Nose at the northeastern end of the lake - the location of the legendary monastery of the Armenian Christian Church (IV-V centuries), which, according to legend, is the grave of the holy Apostle Matthew. And at the bottom of the lake there are ruins of about two dozen flooded ancient cities - Sary-Bulun, Koisary, Ulan (XII century) and so on, which died with the rise in the water level in Issyk-Kul. They contain many historical and cultural values of the Saka-Usun period (I millennium BC) and the early Middle Ages.
The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.
The most beautiful and largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Issyk-Kul lake... It is located in the northeastern part of the republic between the ranges of the Northern Tien Shan: Kungei Ala-Too (facing the sun) and Terskey Ala-Too (facing away from the sun) at an altitude of 1609 m above sea level. Issyk-Kul lake one of the largest mountain lakes in the world.
The basin of the lake, surrounded on all sides by powerful mountain ranges, remained for a long time an inaccessible region of Kyrgyzstan. Now you can get here by the road passing through the famous Boom Gorge, there are also 2 airports in the basin: Cholpon-Ata, located near the resort town, and Tamchi International Airport, which was built and opened in the summer of 2003 on the basis of a military airport.
Here are some figures about this unique place, attracting an increasing number of tourists: the volume of all water is 1738 km², the area of the water surface is 6236 km², the length of the coastline is 688 km, the average depth is 278 m, the maximum depth is almost 2.5 times more and equal to 668 m, length Issyk-Kul from West to East is 182 km, and from South to North - 58 km. Over the past two centuries, the level of Lake Issyk-Kulpon has been decreasing and, as a result, both the depth and the length of the coastline are decreasing. According to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, since 1886, he fell by 4 m, according to other sources, by 9 m.
Due to the great depth of the lake, the water does not have time to completely cool down - the lake never freezes, except at some shores. Issyk-Kul is translated from Kyrgyz as "Hot Lake". The ancient Kyrgyz called this pearl of the country "Tuz-Kul" - "Salt Lake" for the salty taste of water, which is not suitable for drinking either for humans or animals.
Issyk-Kul lake climate
Issyk-Kul lake belongs to the formed tectonic way and due to the orographic isolation of the basin - the climate here is peculiar, almost maritime. It is softer, warmer and more humid than in other depressions of the Tien Shan, located at the same height. According to the thermal regime, Issyk-Kul is a subtropical lake. Here, on the coast of the lake, it is moderately warm in summer, and not cold in winter. The average air temperature in January is minus 2 - minus 10 degrees, in July - plus 17 - plus 18. The average water temperature in summer is plus 21 - plus 23, in winter - minus 3 - minus 4. The western part of the basin is dry, rains are rare, snow almost never falls out. In the western mountains bordering the lake, only 115 mm of precipitation falls, on the eastern shore - about 600 mm. However, in recent years, the amount of precipitation has increased - the impact of Global Warming is also noticeable in Kyrgyzstan.
To Issyk-Kul lake more than 80 rivers and rivulets-tributaries flow in, but not a single river carries its waters away from this azure lake, which causes the accumulation of salts (water salinity - 5.90%). The largest rivers flowing into the lake are Tyup (103 km) and Jergalan (81 km), the length of the rest does not exceed 50 km. Once upon a time, the Chu River, flowing along the western edge of the basin, carried its waters into the lake.
The contrast of natural zones is varied: in the east there are steppes on dark chestnut soils, along the mountain slopes in the west there is a semi-desert, but in the east, at the same heights, especially along the Terskey Ala-Too gorges, there are dense spruce forests. The organic world of the lake is also diverse - about 20 species of fish live here, 10 of them are acclimatized. Issyk-Kul is inhabited by: chebak, carp, marinka, osman, pike perch, bream, mirror carp, grass carp, Amurdarya and Sivan trout, whitefish and other fish.
Issyk-Kul lake nature
Large vertical extent Issyk-Kul lake, the complexity of the relief, significant fluctuations in hydrothermal indicators and other environmental factors have led to a wide variety of flora and fauna in the Issyk-Kul basin. Different types of vegetation are located at relatively close distances from each other - wormwood and solanchak deserts, soddy steppes, tall-grass and alpine meadows, coniferous and deciduous forests and shrubs. The most notable representatives of shrubs on the shore of the lake are sea buckthorn thickets, and in alpine meadows there is a yellow edelweiss listed in the Red Book.
Woody vegetation is represented mainly by shrenk spruce forests. Spruce forests are distributed mainly on the northern slopes of the mountains bordering Lake Issyk-Kul. Spruce grows in separate massifs, islets, interspersed with glades, scree and rock outcrops, alternating with meadows. The mountain slopes are rich in thickets of wild rose, barberry, currant, mountain ash, juniper. In the lower reaches along the river banks, in more humid places, willows are abundant. In the east of the valley, they form deciduous lines.
The fauna of the Issyk-Kul includes 50 species of mammals, 285 - birds, 11 - reptiles, 31 - fish, 4 - amphibians. Black-throated loon, bittern, black stork, mallard, gray duck, demoiselle crane, common gull, blue kingfisher nest near the coastal waters of the lake and the rivers flowing into it. A large number of bird species occur during wintering and migration. Typical of them are: gray heron, swans, gray goose. In the 40s, over 100 thousand waterfowl wintered here. By the end of the 60s, their number was reduced by half. Thanks to the introduction of a 2-km protective zone, the prohibition of gun hunting on the coast, the number of wintering birds has increased and now amounts to 70-80 thousand individuals.
The lake is inhabited by 11 aboriginal and more than 10 acclimatized fish: osman, marinka, chebak and chebachok, carp, trout, tench, bream, etc. Osman, bream, marinka, carp, carp, carp, trout, pike perch, chebak and chebachok are of commercial importance. The latter are also objects of traditional recreational fishing.
Additional information about the lake Issyk-Kul- Guides:
Basic moments
Issyk-Kul is one of the deepest lakes in the world, located in the north-east of Kyrgyzstan in the Tien Shan mountains at an altitude of 1600 meters. The lake reaches 180 km in length, and its width varies from 30 to 60 km. The average depth of the lake is 300 meters, but in some places it reaches 700 meters. In terms of the purity and transparency of the water, the lake is second only to Baikal. Due to the huge water column, the lake does not have time to cool down and never freezes. About 80 rivers and tributaries flowing down from the Tien Shan glaciers flow into Issyk-Kul. But there is no drainage from the lake, and it accumulates all the valuable minerals brought by rivers and rains.
Beautiful scenery of the lake
The climate in the vicinity of Issyk-Kul is moderately marine. The sun pleases with its appearance more often than on the Black Sea coast. But there is no sweltering southern heat here, and there is no frost in winter. The average summer temperature is +24 ° C, the water warms up to +22 ... + 24 degrees. In winter, the thermometer rarely drops below 6 degrees below zero.
Hundreds of thousands of birds spend the winter or rest on the non-freezing lake during flights, watching which nature lovers will spend many fascinating hours.
Why go
Issyk-Kul gives incredible opportunities for recreation and health improvement - the purest mountain-sea air, thermal springs available all year round, therapeutic mud and healing mineral water. For a good rest, a year-round tourist infrastructure has been created here - comfortable housing, comfortable sandy beaches, cafes, cinemas, discos, boat and catamarans rental. The guests of Issyk-Kul are offered fascinating excursions to places untouched by civilization. Fans of outdoor activities will gladly take part in mountain climbing, hiking and horseback riding, and rafting. For those wishing to see the underwater world, diving into the lake to a depth of more than 20 meters is organized. Hang gliding over the beautiful Issyk-Kul will be one of the most exciting adventures in your life!
Fishermen will appreciate fishing on the lake - bream, carp, trout, tench, carp are found here.
There are only a few places on Earth with such a unique microclimate - the air contains a huge amount of iodine ions, sea salts, ozone, and the Issyk-Kul water is a truly magical storehouse - it contains all the useful chemical elements and trace elements, which, together with a weak alkaline reaction, have a powerful healing effect on the human body.
Tamchy resort beachResorts and attractions
The northern coast of Issyk-Kul is more comfortable, there are a lot of hotels for every taste and good entertainment infrastructure at the guests' service. The Cholpon-Ata resort is located here, the mineral waters of which are similar in composition to the Essentuki springs. Local silt and hydrogen sulphide mud are famous for their analgesic and antibacterial properties. The local attractions, a water park and a 70-meter Ferris wheel are worthy of attention. In the vicinity of Cholpon-Ata, take a look at the Stone Garden, where you will see the unique ruins of the city from the times of the Great Silk Road.
Not far from Cholpon-Ata there is the village of Bosteri, famous for its fair and local apricots, cherries, and honey.
For a quiet family vacation, the village of Bulan-Sogotu is perfect.
In the village of Korumdu you can see an ethnographic zone with ancient petroglyphs.
The shallow beach near the village of Sara-oi will satisfy vacationers with children.
Near the village of Ak-Suu, you can plunge into unique springs - although they are located next to each other, the water in them differs in composition (hydrogen sulfide and radon) and in temperature (from +32 to +50).
Fans of esotericism consider it their duty to reach the local shrine of Tanga Tash, three gigantic stones lying at a distance of a kilometer from each other.
A 5-hour drive from Issyk-Kul lies the Dead Lake with healing mud and so salty water that it is impossible to drown in this reservoir. The chemical composition of the lake water is equivalent to that of the Dead Sea in Israel. Local mud is very effective in treating colds and skin conditions. If you come here, be prepared for the fact that the lake is not equipped in any way, on its banks there are only yurts, where you will be offered dishes of the national Kyrgyz cuisine. In no case do not try to take out the water - this is punishable by a large fine.
To the east of Issyk-Kul is the legendary Sentash pass - it was here that Tamerlane ordered to fill his famous stone heaps.
Be sure to go on an excursion to at least one of the most beautiful local gorges - Jety-Oguz with a zoological reserve and hydrogen sulfide springs; Barskhan, along which the Great Silk Road ran; Boom with a botanical reserve; Barskaun with magnificent waterfalls and a monument to Yuri Gagarin, who loved to visit these places.
Residence
It offers tourists more than two hundred sanatoriums with excellent medical facilities, boarding houses, rest homes, mini-hotels. Those who want to get as close as possible to nature and enjoy the local exoticism are offered traditional Kyrgyz yurts for living.
Tien Shan mountains view
Helpful information
- Do not buy alcoholic beverages in markets and small shops - there is a danger of buying counterfeit products.
- During forest walks, do not eat unfamiliar berries and plants, do not pick mushrooms that you do not know.
- It is more profitable to buy souvenirs and things not in Issyk-Kul, but in Bishkek's Dordoi market.
How to get there
We fly by plane to Bishkek or Alma-Ata, then by bus or train we go to Issyk-Kul. From Bishkek the road will take 4 hours, from Almaty 8 hours. To cross the borders of Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, a Russian passport is enough.
Many people who are going to go to rest on the shore of the Kyrgyz analogue of the Russian Baikal are sure that the water in Issyk-Kul is just as fresh. However, those who have been there have a completely different opinion. And that similarity is limited only by purity and size. So ?
Indeed, this is one of the main questions that worries potential guests of this fertile land. That is, is it possible to consider this water body really the closest analogue of the Baikal one. Yes, this body of water is one of the largest on the planet. The same applies to the purity of the content. According to this indicator, it is second only to Baikal. Depending on the time of day, the color of the surface changes: from blue to dark green. Cleanliness is achieved here due to the fact that only mountain rivers flow into it. And those, as you know, originate from snow-white glaciers.
In total, 80 rivers flow into Issyk-Kul. Some of them flow through saline soil, rich in salts. Since none of it flows out, the mineralization of the contents is constantly increasing. Hence the salinity of the local water.
It contains a large amount of sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate (almost 6% of the total). Due to these elements, the liquid becomes so multicolored and completely undrinkable.
However, while bathing, it has a very beneficial effect on the body. Of course, this is not the Dead Sea, which can easily keep anyone on the surface. Here, the density of the liquid is not that high. In addition, it contains a lot of oxygen.
To catch or not to catch?
What kind of living creatures can be found in such a mineralized environment? Is it worth taking tackle and counting on prey? These are serious questions for some potential tourists. I do not want to be trapped, having spent a wasted vacation on the shore without a single bite. For many species of fish, the conditions here have proven to be very suitable. True, the lake fauna used to be more diverse and was caught by fishermen in much larger numbers than now. There were marinka, osman, chebak. They in any form and degree of readiness could be purchased along the entire coast.
But these times have sunk into oblivion. Thanks to the introduction of predatory pike perch and trout here, the population of traditional local fish faded very quickly. So if the target is a predator, then this plan may well be feasible.
However, it should be borne in mind that there is no ice fishing here as a class. And not at all because in the harsh winter months there is no one here and the road here is closed, due to the abnormally low values on the thermometer. At this time, the average temperature here is -5. Due to its extraordinary depth and mineral composition, this body of water never freezes.
Crimea or Issyk-Kul?
But you shouldn't go here just for fish. This area can bring other joys as well. Many people doubt that in high altitude conditions, the temperature of the contents of the lake can reach suitable for swimming. But, as practice shows, this is not the case. In July, the water here warms up to 24 degrees. Yes, there is no suffocating heat here in summer. Due to the fact that the area is surrounded by mountains. Therefore, the climate here is more pleasant than, say, on the Black Sea coast, where it is often unbearably hot. At the same time, there are at least 300 sunny days here. And this is more than in the Crimea. And certainly more than on Baikal. So you can relax here even in winter. Naturally, in January they will not be able to plunge into the water, but it is quite possible to take a walk around the surroundings and get some air.
Answer from Danila Serbenyuk[guru]
not salty!)) Baikal is also a lake, and more !!!
Answer from Victoria Kormilina (Kostenko)[newbie]
Yet many seas are larger
Answer from User deleted[guru]
Everything that has no outlet to the World Ocean is called lakes, and it is salty because there are solanchaks.
Answer from User deleted[guru]
not fair! agree with you! incredible beauty!
Answer from Rus[guru]
By definition, the sea is part of the world's oceans. Everything that does not communicate with the ocean no less than the strait is not the sea. By the way, the Caspian is a lake called the "Caspian Sea". And the Aral, until it dried up, although it was called the sea, was a lake. And pay attention: based on the definition, the sea cannot dry up, if the discharge (evaporation) of water exceeds its arrival along the rivers and due to precipitation, the shortage will be compensated by the inflow through the strait. And through what strait can water get to Issyk-Kul?
