Informations
Issyk-Kul Lake, located in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan, is one of the most fascinating natural gems of Central Asia.
Its name literally means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz, due to its remarkable feature of almost never freezing, even in winter, despite being 1,607 meters above sea level.
Covering an area of 6,236 km², stretching 178 km in length and up to 60 km in width, Issyk-Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in South America.
Its maximum depth reaches 668 meters, making it also one of the deepest lakes in Asia.
It is an endorheic lake, meaning it does not drain into any ocean; the water it receives, from dozens of nearby glacial rivers, leaves only through evaporation.
The climate around the lake is mild by mountain standards: winters are cold but not extreme, and summers are warm and sunny, which led to the development of many beach resorts during the Soviet era.
Even today, villages like Cholpon-Ata, Tamchy, Bosteri, and Sary-Oy attract both local and foreign tourists with their golden beaches, turquoise waters, and idyllic setting between lake and mountain.
But Issyk-Kul is much more than its beaches.
It is also a land rich in archaeological heritage, including the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata dating back to the Bronze Age, and the submerged ruins of ancient cities at the lake’s bottom.
Nature and hiking lovers will enjoy exploring the Jeti-Oguz gorges, the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, or the Skazka canyons, all located near the lakeshore.
The lake and its surroundings are also home to diverse wildlife, with over 20 fish species — several of them endemic — and a major migratory bird route, earning the area UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status since 2001.
Issyk-Kul has also been a Ramsar site since 1976, in recognition of its global ecological importance.
Nomadic traditions are still very much alive: around the lake, visitors can discover yurts, herders' camps, and participate in Kyrgyz cultural festivals featuring music, horseback sports, and local crafts.
Horseback treks, hikes to glaciers, and baths in Soviet-era sanatoriums are among the experiences available around the lake.
Issyk-Kul is accessible from the capital, Bishkek, within 6 to 7 hours by road via either the northern or southern route.
A full tour around the lake is possible in one day (about 669 km), but it is highly recommended to take several days to fully enjoy the variety of landscapes and activities.
In summary, Issyk-Kul is not just a high-altitude beach destination: it is a sacred, ecological, historical, and cultural place — a crossroads of mountains, steppes, and traditions.
Between swimming, adventure, discovery, and contemplation, it offers full immersion into the soul of Kyrgyzstan.