Chatyr Kul

Chatyr-Kul Lake in the Ak Sai valley, near the border with China – lies at an altitude of 3500m, surrounded by high mountains.

This is one of the largest lakes in Kyrgyzstan and it is 16.5 m at it deepest point.

Some seventeen rivers feed the lake – but only one of them is permanent – the Kekaygyr.  

“Chatyr Kul” means “Heavenly lake” in Kyrgyz.

It is known as a resting place for several breeds of wild birds, although there are no fish in the lake. There are, however, freshwater shrimp. 

The temperature of the water is between 6 and 16°C between July and August – and in winter the air temperature can reach as low as -54 degrees.  

Those travelling to Torugart may be tempted to make a detour and stop here, but the land surrounding the lake is swampy and can be treacherous – and you need a special border permit. Nearby there are some hot springs.  There is a nature reserve here and a mausoleum at the Western end of the lake.