Kara-Tokoy Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Lake Kara-Tokoy (Kara-Toko) is located in the northeast of the Chatkal ridge in the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan. It appeared as a result of an earthquake in the late XIX – early XX century.

Kara-Tokoy translates from Kyrgyz as "black forest". The lake is surrounded by mountains, surrounded by coniferous trees. In addition, the tops of the Tien Shan fir trees can be seen above the lake, which grow at the bottom of the reservoir.

Kara-Tokoy Lake is located in the picturesque valley of the same name. It is very beautiful here in summer. The meadows and valleys here look like they are stills from movies. There are many coniferous trees and an abundance of vegetation.

According to some data, the height of the lake above sea level is 2876 meters, according to others – 2918 meters. There is a glacier of the same name with a length of 1.9 kilometers and an area of 1.2 square kilometers near the Kara-Toka Lake. It is located at an altitude of 3370-3820 meters above sea level.

The Kara-Tokoy Lake is a deep dark blue color and attracts attention from afar. The water in the mountain lake is cold even in summer, but everyone who has come here is sure to take a dip.

Lake Kara-Tokoy is located near the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve in Jalal-Abad region, which is included in the UNESCO list of biosphere reserves. The protected area with an area of almost 24 thousand square kilometers is home to many animals and birds.

To get to the lake, you need to drive through the Chatkal Valley and the Kara-Buura pass. The pass is very beautiful, and all tourists are sure to take photos there. Please note that it is quite difficult to cross the pass in ordinary passenger cars.

The lake is gaining more and more popularity every year, not only among tourists, but also among local residents.