Issyk-Kul internal basin, located in the mountains north of the Tianshan Mountains, east of Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia). Issyk-Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, famous for its beautiful scenery and special attention from the scientific community. The lake has a length of 182 km, a width of more than 61 km and a surface area of 6,332 km2. 

The name of the lake in Kyrgyz means hot water lake, which means that it does not freeze in the winter even at an altitude of 1,700 m. Water temperature is from 20-23 degrees Celsius in July and from 36-37 degrees Celsius in January. Photo: Earth.

Issyk-Kul Lake water is clear blue, used to provide water for cattle, unable to drink and water plants because of its high mineral content. The lake is surrounded by Rocky deserts, prairies, meadows and fir forests. More than 20 types of fish live in Lake Issyk-Kul. Photo: Gkd.

The west and east banks are a hot place to avoid water flocks. In the early 1970s, about 300,000 people were residing in the river basin in the two major cities of Karakol, Balukchu and many villages near the lake. Issyk-Kul Lake shores become the resort of the locals with many motels. Photo: Burcarfoto.

In the mid-1970s, it began to develop as a tourist area for Central Asians and Russians. Most residents live near the lake to work in agriculture. Their main transport is horses and donkeys. Photo: Pamir Highway Adventure.

Due to its mild climate, the fruit is plentiful with good quality apricots, pears, apples and peaches. Melons, dried fish from the lake, grapes and chestnuts are also popular here. Visitors can visit the city of Karakol with 90,000 residents on the banks of the lake to explore the famous animal market every Sunday morning. Photo: Getcluey.