Issyk-Kul lake
Lake Issyk-Kul - a mountain drainless lake (1610 m above sea level), included in the list of the deepest lakes in the world (698 m), located between the Tien Shan ranges. The astronauts call it the eye of the Earth for its color and shape, and the locals call it a pearl because of its framing with snowy peaks
Where to stay in Issyk-Kul lake
The uniqueness of the lake is in its origin: about 80 rivers and streams flow into it, but not a single one flows out of it. Externally, Issyk-Kul resembles the sea and many species of fish, animals and birds live in it and around. Migratory birds (ducks, swans, flamingos, etc.) always make halts here for several days. Yes, the lake is not covered with ice, hence the name, in translation - “hot lake”.
The high concentration of useful natural salts and minerals in the water and air make the entire water area and coastal area especially valuable.
The northern coast is more focused on lovers of resorts with all the stuff of a beach holiday.
The mountains on the southern coast are much closer. Famous canyons are popular here, including Fairy Tale (Skazka), Barskoon Gorge and overnight stays in authentic yurts on the jailoo under very close stars. A great opportunity to experience the life of nomads, tasting national dishes from hospitably burning cauldrons and barbecues.
Glaciers and snow peaks rise in the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul region:
- Pobeda Peak, 7439 m, the highest point of the Tien Shan;
- Khan-Tengri, 7010 m, translated as “Lord of the Sky”.
At the same time, almost the entire coastal part of the lake is equipped to receive tourists and guests of the country. Here you can easily find a suitable vacation spot for every taste and budget. And most importantly - in any season!
Picturesque landscape with mirror blue water and sky on sunny days, with green blankets of mountain slopes in warm seasons, or splendor of off-season clouds with golden tints of colors of autumn forests and groves are always attractive.
The purity of the waters of the lake attracts not only swimmers, but also deep-sea divers who study the settlements that have sunk many centuries ago.
In the summer season, sandy beaches are filled with vacationers and workers of various entertainment services. It offers water and coastal entertainment (boating, motor ship, yacht, water skiing, scooter, diving, parasailing and many others). There are also off-site tours through the gorges, to the salt (dead) lake, waterfalls, hot springs, both on foot and on horseback.
In the cold seasons, health and spa-camps and boarding houses provide medical and recreational services, and the snow-capped mountains near Karakol are appetizing for skiers and extreme sports enthusiasts. By the way, the ski base is well equipped.
Tours around the Issyk-Kul lake are suitable for everyone, because of comfortable tourist infrastructure:
- asphalt road (will be appreciated by car drivers and motorists, as well as cyclists);
- abundance of sanatoriums, boarding houses, guest houses, etc.;
- roadside and coastal yurts for guests;
- cafe;
- landscape gorges (Semenovskoe, Grigorievskoe);
- hot mineral springs;
- waterfalls;
- dead lake with healing clay;
- horse rides;
- observational natural sites;
- boat tours,
- educational museums.
Sacred Issyk-Kul is an energizing place, and here you can easily find a nice corner for meditation and unity with yourself. Do not miss the open-air petroglyph museum near Cholpon-Ata, with its mysterious writings of ancient people.
The peculiarity of human memory is to store the brightest emotions from looking at the beauty of Kyrgyzstan with its snow-white peaks and glaciers, turquoise mountain rivers, fragrant forests, groves and flowers, as well as an abundance of roadside yurts with colorful national eco-cuisine in all tourist destinations of the country.
Foreign guests certainly note the desire to return again and again for both aesthetic outdoor recreation and gastro tours.
Trout farms have become favorite places for hearty, tasty, healthy and budget-friendly meals, because this red fish fills the consumer with rare vitamins and minerals.