Chatyr-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Chatyr-Kul Lake (Chatyr-Kel) is translated from Kyrgyz as "heavenly lake". The sky, reflected in the water, gives it a special color.

The lake is located in the Naryn region, not far from the Torugart pass leading to China. Chatyr-Kul is located between two ridges Torugart-Too and At bashi. The lake is the highest in the Tien Shan - it is located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. It is also the third largest lake in Kyrgyzstan after Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul. Chatyr-Kul occupies an area of 160 square kilometers, and the depth reaches 16.5 meters. About 17 rivers flow into the alpine lake, with only one constant.

It is very cold here – the average temperature for the year does not exceed -5 °C. At the same time, in winter, the temperature can reach -50 ° C. In the cold season, the lake is not just covered with ice – the water freezes to the bottom. Due to the sharply continental climate in summer, the temperature can reach +24 ° C, but it is impossible to swim here. The water temperature even on the warmest day does not exceed +10 ° C. But the lake is considered one of the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan. Many tourists come here to enjoy the picturesque views.

Chatyr-Kul Lake belongs to the Karatal-Zhapyryk State Reserve. The coastal zones of the lake are recognized as wetlands and are of worldwide importance. Thousands of migratory birds stop here. At the same time, the waters of Chatyr-Kul are absolutely fishless.

There are no trees near the lake, but there are a lot of plants here. Most of the herbs growing here are considered medicinal. There are hot springs near the lake.

To get to Chatyr-Kul, you need to get a special permit from the border guards. Because the reserve is home to snow leopards, red marmots and mountain goats listed in the Red Book, as well as many other wild animals. In addition, scientific research and monitoring of red Book animals, avifauna of wetlands and medicinal plants are constantly carried out on the territory of the reserve.