Kel-Suu lake. Kyrgyzstan
Month of the year to visit: from June to September
Kel-Suu lake is a southeastern beauty of the country, located near the border with China at an altitude of 3,500 meters in the Kokshaal-Too mountains, in the Naryn region. Here, you will encounter guest yurts adorned in the traditional nomadic style. The mesmerizing view includes snow-capped peaks, shimmering reflections of intersecting rivers, evergreen forests, flowery meadows, boundless blue sky, and emerald water in the warm seasons.
The rocky mountains are dotted with caves and hollows, while the freshwater lake is surrounded by waterfalls. The mystery is further enhanced by the ever-changing color of the water, depending on the season and the light. The water level in the lake fluctuates, sometimes leading to its shallowing.
The secret of this location's popularity lies in its enchanting aura, filled with mysterious legends and indescribable shades of water, ranging from delicate blue to deep indigo. According to one legend, it is said that the gates of hell once opened here, and evil creatures emerged. However, upon witnessing this, the Almighty sprinkled the sacred water of the lake upon them, transforming them into peculiar rock formations.
The rocky mountains are dotted with caves and hollows, while the freshwater lake is surrounded by waterfalls. The mystery is further enhanced by the ever-changing color of the water, depending on the season and the light. The water level in the lake fluctuates, sometimes leading to its shallowing.
The secret of this location's popularity lies in its enchanting aura, filled with mysterious legends and indescribable shades of water, ranging from delicate blue to deep indigo. According to one legend, it is said that the gates of hell once opened here, and evil creatures emerged. However, upon witnessing this, the Almighty sprinkled the sacred water of the lake upon them, transforming them into peculiar rock formations.
Visiting this location requires some effort, as the route is challenging. While a significant portion of the road is paved, the final stretch to the lake can be traversed on foot or, more commonly, by horseback. It is a route of high difficulty for auto, moto, and bicycle tourists. The best time to visit is from July to September, as the season for less experienced tourists is limited during this period.
Lake Kel-Suu lures visitors with:
- The invigorating mountain air
- Colorful rocks of peculiar shapes
- Picturesque waterfalls
- Mysterious caves and hollows
- Abundance of flower-covered meadows
- Murmuring rivers
- Pristine streams
- Hospitality of the nomadic yurts
- Ample opportunities for photography
- Plenty of picnic spots
There is an opportunity to spend the night in the mountains, either in a yurt or a tent, a few kilometers away from the lake. The resting spot is especially favored by tourists due to the scenic beauty of the intersecting rivers, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
Other places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
Kegety Gorge is a wonderful place near the capital of Kyrgyzstan at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level. Not a classic gorge is appreciated by tourists for its spaciousness - wide and long, about 27 km.
Within our republic's territory, there exist numerous architectural monuments, with one of the most renowned being the Burana Tower. The term "Burana" is derived from the word "monora," which means minaret. The minaret is a part of the ancient Burana settlement, situated 12 kilometers from the town of Tokmok and 80 kilometers from Bishkek. Burana Tower stands as one of the oldest structures within our republic. Its construction dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Originally, the minaret's height reached 40 meters, and according to some researchers, possibly 45 meters. Its upper section was crowned with a dome-shaped lantern, similar to other structures of its kind. However, due to the consequences of an earthquake that occurred around the 15th or 16th centuries, the upper portion was destroyed. As of today, the tower's height stands at 21.7 meters.
Sary Chelek is an enchanting place that captivates even the most discerning enthusiasts of flora and fauna. The most popular route leads to Lake Sary Chelek, located near the Chatkal Range at an altitude of 1940 m.
The national park Ala-Archa is a picturesque delight for the eyes, it is located nearby Bishkek, Ala-Too Kyrgyz ridges. The national park stretches at an altitude of 1600-4860m and is a favorite place of citizens and guests of the capital.
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
Karakol (formerly known as Przhevalsk from 1889 to 1922 and from 1939 to 1992) is the fourth most populous city in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. The city is located near the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul, approximately 150 kilometers from the Kyrgyz-Chinese border and 380 kilometers from the capital, Bishkek. Geographically, it is situated at an elevation ranging from 1690 to 1850 meters above sea level.
Tours in Kyrgyzstan
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