Lake Issyk Kul: A Spectacular Mountain Lake in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan boasts a number of spectacular mountain lakes. It is possible to travel through spectacular mountain scenery and experience the traditional life of the Kyrgyz while staying in yurts. There are also opportunities for spectacular horse treks and hikes throughout.
Lake Issyk Kul, which means “hot lake” in the Kyrgyz language, is situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name.
The lake’s southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Teskey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan mountains. The Kyungey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan runs parallel to the north shore.
Lake Issyk Kul
A number of small towns surround the lake. These fell on hard times after the break-up of the USSR, but now hotel complexes are being refurbished and simple private bed-and-breakfast pensions (guest houses) are being established for a new generation of health and leisure visitors. For those who like a beach holiday, Lake Issyk Kul offers beaches surrounded with beautiful mountains.
Lake Issyk Kul is 182 kilometers long, and up to 60 kilometers, and covers an area of 6,236 square kilometers. This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca in South America. Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters, it reaches 668 meters in depth. It is also the site of an ancient city from 2500 years ago, and archaeological excavations are still going on.
Over 100 rivers and streams flow into the lake; the largest are the Djyrgalan and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs, and snow melt-off. The lake has no current outlet, but some scientists reckon that, deep underground, lake water filters into the Chu River.
Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.
The landscape of Kyrgyzstan offers some excellent opportunities for cycling. A 13 day package tour taking in some of the best cycling is on offer, as well as shorter trips of between 2 and 4 days out of Naryn.
Hiking holidays allow you to enjoy the mountains of Kyrgyzstan up close as you climb stunning passes, pass through pretty valleys and camp in the heart of some awe-inspiring landscapes.
The Kyrgyz are renowned for their nomadic heritage and the horse plays a central role in the daily nomadic life that many still live out as they take their animals up to mountain pastures in the summer. What better way to explore this nomadic landscape than through a horse trek!
Siteseeing Tours in Kyrgyzstan
A tour around Kyrgyzstan gives the experience of a lifetime as you travel through diverse landscapes and interact with the local culture.
Best way to travel to Kyrgyzstan from UK or USA is on BMI
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