Kyrgyzstan is a relatively unknown country located in Central Asia; however the country is steadily gaining popularity with tourists and adventurers. The country has majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, and a wealth of cultural history making it a perfect holiday destination for anyone who loves the natural world. Beginning from the famous Issyk-Kul Lake to the isolated Chatyr-Kul, Kyrgyzstan boasts some of the best sceneries on planet earth. It doesn’t matter if you are a frequent global traveler, or if you have decided to travel for the first time, Kyrgyzstan has a lot to offer and should be on your list of countries to visit.
In this article, you shall be privileged to learn about the process of acquiring a visa to Kyrgyzstan before you consider traveling to this great destination. Despite the fact that all nationalities are allowed to get a visa on arrival, it is important to know the current rules depending on the country you reside in. Getting a Kyrgyzstan visa is not a problem and once you have secured one, then you can easily get to the wonderful lakes and other attractions. If it is a two-week trip or a month or even a couple of months, your first step towards witnessing this beauty is to get your visa to Kyrgyzstan.
Here is the list of the 8 most stunning lakes of Kyrgyzstan that will enchant your soul.
1.Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul is the largest and the most visited lake in Kyrgyzstan and therefore it is called the Pearl of Central Asia. This is one of the most fascinating saltwater lake which is situated between the Terskey Alatau and Kungey Alatau ranges. The lake stretches for more than 170 kilometers from north to south and can be as wide as 70 kilometers from east to west making Issyk-Kul one of the world’s largest enclosed saline lakes. Lively and beautiful, it is well liked by both residents and visitors, providing beach, hiking, and water activities such as sailing, kayaking, and swimming in its warm and clear waters. The area is very culturally diverse that there a lot of prehistoric paintings and archeological sites nearby.
2. Song-Kol Lake – A High Altitude Treasure
Song-Kol Lake is situated in the middle of the Kyrgyzstan’s mountains at the altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Song-Kol attracts many tourists with such features as natural landscapes and stunning quietness; the territory is covered with green meadows that invite tourists to hike, ride horses, and have a picnic. It is a favorite site for nomads who pitch their yurts along the edge of the lake in the summer. Due to the calmness of the place, beautiful scenery of the snowy mountains, Song-Kol is perfect for those tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty and calmness of the area.
3. Sary-Chelek Lake – A Hidden Treasure of the Mountain
Sary-Chelek Lake of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve is one of the less-known sights of Kyrgyzstan. This is a freshwater lake, which is located on the altitude of 1,900 meters and has aqua colour; the territory of the lake is covered by forests and the shores are rocky and steep. It is also famous for its stunning scenery, since the water of the lake is very transparent, and the mountains and the luxuriant vegetation around the lake are clearly reflected on the water. It is a perfect place for trekking and wildlife, as the reserve around the area has a number of trees and animals. Sary-Chelek turned out to be a rather calm and quite touristic place which gives the visitor a quiet and unhurried time.
4. Kel-Suu Lake – The Crystal-Clear Alpine Lake
Kel-Suu Lake is situated in the far-stretched corners of the southeast Kyrgyzstan close to the Chinese border. This is a beautiful alpine lake, which is particularly known by its intensely blue and green waters and the cliffs that drop steeply to the water edge. This lake can only be reached on foot, thus it is suitable for tourists who like to take challenges. This is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet time and a touch with nature since the area has not really been explored for tourism.
5. Ala-Kul Lake – The High-Altitude Alpine Beauty
Ala-Kul Lake is situated at an altitude of 3530m above the sea level and it is among the highest altitude lakes in the country of Kyrgyzstan. The lake is situated in a relatively young geologically region that features steep mountain slopes, and colourful alpine meadows. The trek to Ala Kul is a tough one, but the experience of the area will be well worth it. When you get to the lake, the water is bright blue and you get wonderful views of the Terskey Alatau Mountains. Ala-Kul is a place that should not be missed by any trekking or adventurous soul.
6. Chatyr-Kul Lake: The Isolated Treasure of Pamir Mountains
Chatyr-Kul Lake is located in the isolated area of the northern Pamir and has an elevation of 3,530 meters. This high altitude lake lies in the alpine region surrounded by large and vast barren lands and is famous for the mirror like reflection of snow clad peaks. Currently, Chatyr-Kul is not popular among tourists, and owing to its geographical location, it is very calm and quiet. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the untouched nature of Kyrgyzstan and do not pay much attention to the crowds.
7. Tuz-Köl Lake – The Salty Inland Sea
Tuz-Köl Lake is situated in the central part of Kyrgyzstan and is a second largest saline lake in Kyrgyzstan. Tuz-Köl is a popular destination known for its saline water, so if you are tired of sweetwater lakes, this place is for you. There is nothing around the lake but immense, treeless plains, which make the scenery rather otherworldly. Tuz-Köl does not attract as many tourists as Issyk-Kul; however, the area is rather calm, and it is a perfect spot for birding, as a great many migratory birds are found here.
8. Pskem Lake – The Mountain Oasis
Pskem Lake is a small lake situated in the Pskem Valley, on the foothills of the Western Tien Shan Mountains. The lake is located in rich forest country and is therefore ideal for those people who want to take a break from the busy world. The area surrounding the Pskem Lake is great for brief hiking, camping and picnicking and therefore it is a great place to visit for a family picnic or a weekend retreat in the great outdoors.
Conclusion
The lakes of Kyrgyzstan are among the most beautiful places to visit in Central Asia, as they are very different from one another. Starting from the biggest and well-known Issyk-Kul Lake to the less explored Sary-Chelek and Kel-Suu Lakes – every lake is unique in its beauty. Whatever type of vacation you are interested in, whether it is active tourism, or you want to enjoy the beautiful nature, you will be impressed by the lakes of Kyrgyzstan. Be sure to go and see these beautiful lakes and marvel at this beautiful and natural country.
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