Lakes in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is home to nearly 2,000 lakes, many of which are formed by glaciers and situated at high altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Though the majority are small, only 16 exceed a surface area of 1 square kilometer. Some lakes are temporary, appearing with the melting snow and disappearing when the water either evaporates or drains away.

The Kyrgyz word for lake is «kul,» as seen in famous lakes like Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul, and Chatyr-Kul.

Situated in the Ak-Sai Valley near the Chinese border, Chatyr-Kul lies at a lofty 3,500 meters, encircled by towering mountains. As one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest lakes, it reaches a depth of 16.5 meters (55 feet). Seventeen rivers feed into Chatyr-Kul, but only the Kekaygyr River flows throughout the year. In Kyrgyz, the name means «heavenly lake,» reflecting its remote and tranquil beauty.

Located along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Salty Lake—also known as Myortvoye Ozero (Dead Sea) in Russian—can be reached via a 13-kilometer dirt road that branches off from the main road. Nestled in a hollow separated from Issyk-Kul by dusty hills, this small lake is renowned for its high salt concentration.

In the heart of Kyrgyzstan, high in the Tian Shan mountains, lies Son-Kul Lake. Meaning «the last lake» in Kyrgyz, Son-Kul sits at an elevation of 3,016 meters (9,895 feet) above sea level. Measuring 29 kilometers (18 miles) long and 18 kilometers (11 miles) wide, with a depth of 13.2 meters (43 feet), it is the second-largest lake in the country. Its stunning landscapes and traditional nomadic culture make it a popular destination for travelers.

A favorite among trekkers, Ala-Kol sits along popular routes between Altyn-Arashan and the Karakol Gorge. Located at an altitude of 3,532 meters (11,588 feet), the lake is set in a barren, rocky valley surrounded by the peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too range. At 2.3 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and 700 meters (2,300 feet) wide, Ala-Kol is one of the largest lakes in the Issyk-Kul basin. Its crystal-clear waters, fed by glacial streams, form a stunning waterfall as they flow out. The lake remains frozen from October through May.

Merzbacher Lake is situated in the northeastern corner of Kyrgyzstan, where the ridges of the Tian Shan mountains meet, and the peaks rise to over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). At the foot of Khan Tengri, near the Inylchek Glacier, this remote lake lies near the borders with Kazakhstan and China. The glacier, stretching 60 kilometers (37 miles), covers an impressive 583 square kilometers (225 square miles) of ice, with some layers reaching depths of 540 meters (1,770 feet). This natural wonder is known for its rare and stunning phenomenon—disappearing and reappearing each year as the glacier melts and refreezes.

Nestled at 1,873 meters (6,145 feet) above sea level, Sary-Chelek Lake stretches for 7.5 kilometers (4.66 miles) in length, varying in width from 350 meters (1,150 feet) to 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). With a maximum depth of 234 meters (768 feet), it is the second-deepest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Its name, meaning «yellow bucket,» reflects the warm golden hues of the surrounding landscape during autumn.

Kol-Ukok Lake, found in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn Region within the Terskey Ala-Too Range, offers visitors a glimpse into traditional nomadic life. During summer, local shepherds graze their livestock nearby and often invite travelers to sample kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and kurut (dried salty yogurt). The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, foxes, mountain goats, and an abundance of wild plants such as edelweiss and wild garlic.

Rapidly gaining fame, Kel-Suu Lake is perched at an elevation of 3,514 meters (11,529 feet) and was only formed in the 1980s due to a landslide. The lake is flanked by sheer cliffs on one side and the towering Sary-Beles Mountain on the other. Located on the Kurumduk River, the lake’s waters often have a striking greenish hue. However, during the spring, the lake occasionally drains completely, leaving only the dry bed behind—a rare and fascinating natural occurrence.