Issyk Lake

Nestled in a picturesque mountain gorge to the east of Almaty lies a unique body of water with a fascinating history—Lake Issyk, officially known as Issyk Zhasyl Kol. The local Kazakh inhabitants once referred to it as Jasyly-Kul, or the Green Lake. The first European to visit this enchanting lake, P.P. Semenov-Tian-Shansky, mentioned it in his work “Journey to the Tian Shan” during the years 1856–1857.

Located in the southwestern part of the Enbekshikazakh district of Kazakhstan’s Almaty region, this high-altitude lake is of a basin-type and has an ancient debris-flow tectonic origin. Lake Issyk was formed approximately 10,000 years ago when a massive rockslide sent a large boulder tumbling into the river, effectively blocking its flow. This natural dam, towering at 300 meters, marked the birth of the mountain lake.

Lake Issyk reaches depths of up to 80 meters, sits at an elevation of around 1,800 meters above sea level, and stretches 1,850 meters in length and 500 meters in width. The lake is replenished by the melting glaciers of the Zailiysky Alatau.

In the summer of 1963, a colossal mudflow completely obliterated this stunning ancient lake. A torrent of stones, mud, and debris cascaded down from the mountains along the Issyk River, sweeping away the natural dam in its path. In just five hours, the lake ceased to exist. This catastrophic event not only altered the landscape beyond recognition but also resulted in irreversible natural losses and tragic human casualties.

For decades, restoration efforts took place, culminating in the construction of a new dam and spillway structures in the 1990s. It took over forty years to restore the lake’s volume, which now occupies only half of its original area. The newly recreated Lake Issyk stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most intriguing natural attractions and holds significant recreational value.

Along the road to the lake, visitors can explore the Museum of the Golden Man (the State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum “Issyk”) and the Issyk burial mound dating back to the 4th–5th centuries BC, where the Saka warrior in golden armor was discovered, becoming a national symbol. As you navigate the winding mountain roads to the lake, you may also spot ancient rock carvings and reliefs, including a depiction of V.I. Lenin, created to commemorate the centenary of his birth. With a stroke of luck, you might even glimpse a depiction of a snow leopard on the cliffs.

Before reaching the lake, there is a viewing platform and a designated parking area for vehicles. A commemorative cross stands there in memory of the victims of the catastrophic mudflow on July 7, 1963. From this vantage point, breathtaking views unfold: the turquoise waters of the lake against a backdrop of wooded shores, dense coniferous forests on the mountainsides, and a young birch grove that once flourished at the lake’s bottom. Just below the parking area is a picnic spot equipped with gazebos.

The surrounding area of Lake Issyk is a wonderful location for year-round outdoor activities and tourism. One of the most popular attractions among active tourists is the “Kremlin Wall,” located near the lake within the Ile-Alatau National Park and Almaty Reserve. This sheer red granite cliff, stretching 500 meters and rising to a height of 120 meters, gets its name from its reddish hue.

The best time to visit the lake is in mid-summer or early autumn. During summer, temperatures in the area rarely exceed 25 degrees Celsius, while the water temperature hovers around 8 degrees. Swimming in the lake is not recommended, but visitors can enjoy boating on its serene waters.

As is common in mountainous regions, the weather at Lake Issyk can be highly unpredictable, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip.