Central Asia, in addition to numerous attractions, can safely boast of its zest - Lake Issyk-Kul. This unique lake is simultaneously one of the thirty largest lakes on the planet both in terms of area and depth.
Mountainous Issyk-Kul continues to attract the attention of the tourist community. The flow of tourists is increasing every year. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows where Issyk-Kul Lake is located and what it is famous for.
Issyk-Kul is located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. This republic was part of the Soviet Union, and its attraction belonged to a huge country. Getting to the lake at that time was not difficult. Today, in order to enjoy the beauty of one of the deepest lakes in the world, you will have to cross several states with which Kyrgyzstan borders: China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Lake Issyk-Kul is one of the top largest lakes in the world in terms of area and ranks seventh in.
1609 meters above sea level determines the location of the Kyrgyz lake. The exact location of Issyk-Kul can be found on a geographical map. If you look at it carefully, then the first thing you come across is the Northern Tien-Shan mountain system. The Teskei-Ala-Tau and Kungei-Ala-Tau ridges surround the reservoir on both sides.
Issyk-Kul has four bays: Pokrovsky, Tyupsky, Dzhergalansky, Rybachy. The coastline of the lake swung almost 700 km. The size of Lake Issyk Kul is impressive. Issyk-Kul measures one hundred and eighty-two kilometers from west to east, and fifty-eight kilometers from north to south. The climate in Kyrgyzstan is very mild, so even in the most severe winter the lake is not covered with ice. For several decades, Issyk-Kul has been experiencing cyclical water levels. It either increases or decreases.
The lake is of interest not only as a tourist attraction, but also as an object for research. An amazing view of the lake is visible even from space. It did not leave indifferent any astronaut. They all as one admire the Kyrgyz reservoir. The legendary conqueror of space, Alexei Leonov, compared the mountain miracle with the human eye. Usually tourists combine a visit to Issyk-Kul Lake and
What kind of water is in Issyk Kul: salty or fresh
The answer to this question is more likely to be given by its regular visitors, who will confidently confirm its salinity. However, the discoverers of the alpine lake are sure that the water in it is fresh. This opinion comes from an erroneous comparison of Issyk-Kul with Lake Baikal. However, the similarity of the two lakes ends with the large size and purest water.
In order to find out for sure what kind of water is in Issyk-Kul, let's approach the solution of this issue from a scientific point of view.
Issyk-Kul is a closed lake. It has no connection with the oceans. Approximately eighty tributaries flow into the lake. Dzhergalan and Tyup flow from the east, and Kutemaldy from the west. The last channel belongs to the Chu River, which flows very close to the lake. The six-kilometer Kutemaldy replenishes Issyk-Kul only in the spring flood.
Issyk-Kul can be considered the center of the accumulation of glacial rivers, which carry dissolved mineral salts in their waters: sodium, sulfate, chloride and magnesium. This lake can rightfully be considered a health resort of European and even world significance, thanks to its healing mineral water.
Where did the name of the lake come from?
There are several explanations for the origin of the name Issyk-Kul. If we take into account the origin of the words in the name of the lake, then they have Turkic roots. The Turkic words Issiқ-Kul became the progenitors of the modern name Issyk-Kul. The Kyrgyz spelling of lake Ysyk köl means "hot lake" because it does not freeze during the winter season. We already know that this is due to the mild climate, very salty water and the huge reserves of heat stored in the depths of Issyk-Kul.
EM. Murzaev, a Soviet physicist and geographer, who at one time studied the history of the origin of the name of the lake, is inclined to a theory that goes far into antiquity. Indigenous Kyrgyz consider Issyk-Kul a sacred lake. His holiness has been honored by the nation for many centuries, preserving it today. The ancient name is Tuz Kul, that is, "salt lake".
Reasons to visit Issyk-Kul
The most important argument for going to Issyk-Kul as soon as possible is to put your health in order. This is an amazing place that combines fresh mountain air and healing mineral water. The health resort is waiting for its visitors from the second half of June until the end of summer. Since those wishing to improve their health are growing every year, medical institutions are also increasing depending on demand. In addition to sanatoriums and boarding houses, you can stay in hotels, holiday houses, complexes for tourists.
Issyk-Kul is a favorite place for avid fishermen. The species diversity of fish includes about twenty families. Most of it was brought intentionally and adapted to mountain water. One of the acclimatized species is gegharkuni, imported from Armenia. Fishermen often brag about their catch of trout and chebak. It happens that individuals more than 15 kilograms fall.
The alpine lake is very attractive for those who like to contemplate beautiful places on planet Earth. Issyk-Kul, like Baikal, beckons with its clean and transparent water. Throughout the day, you can observe how the color palette of water changes. The color scheme plays with a variety of colors: it dazzles the eye with emerald tints, then blue waves excite the heart with their pressure.
No less fascinating is Issyk-Kul with its sights and legends.
Legends and secrets of the Kyrgyz miracle
Issyk-Kul is full of mysteries and legends. Guides with special interest tell about local sacraments and legends. In confirmation of the mystery of the alpine lake, let's get acquainted with some of them.
The first legend tells how the mountain pool appeared. It happened in the distant past, when there was no reservoir at all. And in its present place stood a magnificent city. But the life of a large settlement was interrupted in an instant. During a strong earthquake, the earth parted and "swallowed" the city along with its inhabitants, leaving a huge depression in its place. The huge depression began to rapidly fill with water and turned into a mountain lake.
As it turned out later, not all residents died in that disaster. Several girls remained alive, who on the day of the tragedy went to the mountains for brushwood. Grief so overwhelmed the young beauties that they could not come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. As soon as the sun rose, they came to the reservoir and sobbed bitterly, suffering from the loss of loved ones. There were so many tears that they turned the fresh water of the lake into salt. It was the burning tears of suffering girls that gave the name to Lake Issyk, which is translated as “hot”. The Kyrgyz added Kul to the first word, which means lake.
The elders confirm that the character of Issyk-Kul fully corresponds to its name. If you peer into the waters of the lake for a long time, you can clearly trace its mood, similar to the experiences of the surviving girls. The transparent emerald color during the calm envelops with its magic, and the crazy waves raging in the storm are ready to tear the shore to shreds.
No less entertaining is the legend of Tamerlane. The Turkic commander went to the lake three times in seven years. The veracity of this legend is evidenced by a pass located in the eastern part of the lake. It was formed during the military campaigns of Tamerlane in these lands. Each time, making another campaign to capture the local population, the Central Asian conqueror ordered the soldiers to take one stone at a time and put them in one place. When the whole army passed, a stone mountain formed at this place. However, Tamerlane's conquests failed. He never managed to conquer the indigenous tribes. The local population turned out to be quite dodgy. Tribes before the approach of the Tamerlane army migrated from the country and waited in secluded places. Tamerlane could not stay on the Kyrgyz territory for a long time, he had to conquer other lands. Returning back, the commander gave the order to each warrior to take a stone from the first pile and transfer it to another. In this way, Tamerlane counted his soldiers. Hence the name of the artificial mountain "Santas" - counting stones.
There are about two thousand high-mountain lakes on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, but the pearl of the country and the entire Tien Shan is Lake Issyk-Kul or Issyk-Kel (translated from Kyrgyz - "hot lake", from ancient Turkic - "sacred lake") with an area of 6236 square meters. . km with a maximum depth of 702 m.
The first mention of Issyk-Kul is found in the Chinese chronicles of the end of the 2nd century BC, where it is called Zhe-Khai ("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 a ring of the Terskey-Ala-Too ("facing away from the sun") and Kyungoy-Ala-Too ("facing towards the sun") ranges, rising to altitudes of 4500-5000 m. The ring of mountains, as it were, protects the lakeside depression from the penetration of cold air 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 down 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, coupled with the unique mineral composition of local rivers, gives the never-freezing water of the lake a deep 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-Tian-Shansky compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and 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 treatment.
A whole string of resort towns and villages stretched around the lake, many of which had all-Union significance and popularity during the Soviet era. The best resorts are Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore (once it was a resort of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, now the Museum of Local Lore is of interest 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 lakeside and adjacent mountainous areas, the towns of Tyup, Ottuk, Balykchy (Rybachye) and others. Also good is 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 (southern coast of Issyk-Kul), the majestic Dzholbors gorge, the cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon, the Boom gorge with its fantastic red rocks and the waterfall in the Barskoon gorge (the height of the waterfall is about 100 m).
There are about 1,500 historical monuments on the territory of the Issyk-Kul region, of which 320 are under state protection. The most significant of them include the Saka "Royal Mound" (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 burial places of the Usun tribes), inscribed with Tibetan the Tamga-Tash stone (VI-I centuries BC), the accumulation of petroglyphs (II millennium BC - VIII century AD) near Cholpon-Ata and further along the coast to Tamchy, as well as Cape Svyatoy Nos on the northeastern tip of the lake - the location of the legendary monastery of the Armenian Christian Church (IV-V centuries) in which, according to legend, the tomb of the holy Apostle Matthew is located. And at the bottom of the lake are the ruins of about two dozen flooded ancient cities - Sary-Bulun, Koisary, Ulan (XII century) and so on, which died with rising water levels in Issyk-Kul. They found a lot of 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.
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 length of the lake reaches 180 km, 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 purity and transparency of water, the lake is second only to Baikal. Due to the huge water column, the lake does not have time to cool and never freezes. About 80 rivers and tributaries flow into Issyk-Kul, flowing from the Tien Shan glaciers. But there is no runoff from the lake, and it accumulates all the valuable minerals brought by rivers and rains.
Beautiful lake scenery
The climate in the vicinity of Issyk-Kul is temperate maritime. The sun pleases with its appearance more often than on the Black Sea coast. But there is no sweltering southern heat, and there are no frosts 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 ice-free lake during their migrations, and nature lovers will spend many exciting hours watching them.
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 catamaran rentals. Guests of Issyk-Kul are offered fascinating excursions to places untouched by civilization. Fans of outdoor activities will be happy to take part in mountain climbing, hiking and horseback riding, rafting. For those wishing to see the underwater world, diving into the lake to a depth of more than 20 meters is organized. A hang glider flight 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 water of Issyk-Kul is a truly magical storehouse - it contains all the useful chemical elements and microelements, which, coupled with a weak alkaline reaction, have 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 a good entertainment infrastructure. The Cholpon-Ata resort is located here, the mineral waters of which are similar in composition to the Essentuki springs. Local silt and hydrogen sulfide muds are famous for their analgesic and antibacterial properties. Worthy of attention are local attractions, a water park and a 70-meter Ferris wheel. In the vicinity of Cholpon-Ata, look into the Stone Garden, where you will see the unique ruins of the city from the time 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 relaxing family holiday, the village of Bulan-Sogotu is perfect.
In Korumdu village you can see an ethnographic zone with ancient petroglyphs.
A shallow beach near the village of Sara-oy will satisfy vacationers with children.
Near the Ak-Suu village 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 water of the lake is equivalent to the water of the Dead Sea in Israel. Local mud is very effective in the treatment of colds and skin diseases. If you come here, be prepared for the fact that the lake is not equipped in any way, there are only yurts on its shores, where you will be offered dishes of the national Kyrgyz cuisine. In no case do not try to take out water - you are punished for this with a large fine.
To the east of Issyk-Kul is the legendary Sentash Pass - it was here that Tamerlane ordered to pour 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; Barskoon with magnificent waterfalls and a monument to Yuri Gagarin, who loved to visit these places.
Accommodation
More than two hundred sanatoriums with excellent medical base, boarding houses, rest houses, mini-hotels are at the service of tourists. For those who want to get as close to nature as possible and enjoy the local exotic, traditional Kyrgyz yurts are offered for accommodation.
View of the Tien Shan mountains
Useful information
- Do not buy alcoholic beverages in the markets and in small shops - there is a danger of buying counterfeit products.
- During forest walks, do not eat unfamiliar berries and plants, do not pick mushrooms unknown to you.
- It is more profitable to buy souvenirs and things not at Issyk-Kul, but at the Dordoi market in Bishkek.
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.
Answer from Danila Serbenyuk[guru]
not salty!)) Baikal is also a lake, and more!!!
Answer from Victoria Kormilina (Kostenko)[newbie]
But still many seas are larger
Answer from User deleted[guru]
Everything that does not have access to the oceans is called lakes, and it is salty because there are salt marshes.
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. Anything that is not connected to the ocean by no less than a strait is not a 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 flow (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 which strait can water enter Issyk-Kul?
Many people who are going to go to rest on the shores 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 the similarity is limited only by purity and size. So ?
Indeed, this is one of the main issues that worries potential guests of this blessed land. That is, can this water body be considered really the closest analogue of Baikal. Yes, this reservoir is one of the largest on the planet. The same applies to the purity of the contents. 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. Purity here is achieved due to the fact that only mountain rivers flow into it. And those, as you know, originate from snow-white glaciers.
In total, effluents from 80 rivers enter Issyk-Kul. Some of them flow through saline soil rich in salts. Since none of it follows, 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 volume). Due to these elements, the liquid becomes so multi-colored and completely unsuitable for drinking.
However, during 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 so high. In addition, it contains a lot of oxygen.
To catch or not to catch?
What living creatures can be found in such a mineralized environment? Is it worth it to take gear and count on prey? These are serious questions for some potential tourists. I don’t want to get into a mess, spending a wasted vacation on the shore without a single bite. For many species of fish, the local conditions turned out to be very suitable. True, earlier the lake fauna was more diverse and was caught by fishermen in much larger numbers than now. Here were found marinka, osman, chebak. They could be purchased in any form and degree of readiness along the entire coast.
But those times are gone. Thanks to the importation of predatory pike perch and trout, the populations of traditional local fish very quickly disappeared. So, if the goal of catching is a predator, then this plan may well be feasible.
However, it is worth taking into account that winter fishing is not here as a class. And not at all because in the harsh winter months there is no one here and the road is blocked here, due to abnormally low values on the thermometer. At this time, the average temperature here is -5. Due to its extraordinary depth and mineral composition, this reservoir never freezes.
Crimea or Issyk-Kul?
But don't come here just for the fish. This area will be able to deliver other joys. Many doubt that in high altitude conditions, the temperature of the contents of the lake can reach a bathing temperature. But, as practice shows, this is not so. In July, the water here warms up to 24 degrees. Yes, in the summer there is no suffocating heat. 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 neighborhood and get some air.
