The pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul is a high alpine lake, the world’s 25th largest lake and the 7th deepest lake in the world. Located in the northeastern part of the republic, between the Kungei Ala-Too and Terskey Ala-Too ridges. Issyk-Kul means “warm lake”. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes.

Issyk-Kul Lake is tat an altitude of 1,607 meters above sea level. Lake is situated at the territory of the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve. Issyk-Kul Lake is 182 kilometers long and about 60 kilometers wide, with an area of 6,236 square kilometers.

Issyk-Kol is translated as a “warm lake” in the Kyrgyz language. Indeed, it never freezes. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped high mountain ranges – Kungoi Ala-Too (“sunny” slopes) on the North and Terskei Ala-Too (“shady” slopes) on the South part. These high mountain ranges give the lake a mild microclimate year-round. About 118 rivers and streams flow into the lake (Jyrgalan, Type, and even mineral hot springs), and no rivers come out. So that it gives healing creativeness for the waters and salinity of 0,6%. The biggest towns and villages around the Lake are Karakol, Cholpon-Ata, Balykchy, Bosteri, Kyzyl-Suu, Bokonbaevo.