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.
