The Complete List of Lakes in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and valleys hold a wide variety of lakes, from broad, shallow basins to remote glacial tarns. These waters influence local livelihoods, provide habitat for wildlife, and form natural waypoints for hikers and drivers across the country.

There are 22 Lakes in Kyrgyzstan, ranging from Adygene Lake to Tulpar-Kol. For each entry you’ll find below the Coordinates (lat, lon),Elevation (m),Area (km2) so you can quickly compare location, altitude and size before planning a visit.

Which lakes are easiest for most visitors to reach?

The largest and most accessible lakes (like those near major roads or towns) can be reached by regular vehicles or short hikes, while many alpine lakes require 4×4 access, long dirt tracks or multi-day treks; check local transport options and seasonality before you go.

How stable are the coordinates, elevation and area figures listed below?

Coordinates are fixed, but elevation and area can vary with seasonal runoff and longer-term climate shifts; the figures below are reliable references for planning, but verify recent maps or satellite images for precise, up-to-date measurements.

Lakes in Kyrgyzstan

Images and Descriptions

Issyk-Kul

Note: Issyk-Kul is a huge alpine saline lake in northeastern Kyrgyzstan. It sits in a broad mountain basin and never freezes year-round. It serves as the country’s main lake for beaches, resorts, and regional maps, so include it as the headline lake.

Toktogul Reservoir

Note: Toktogul Reservoir is a large man-made lake on the main river system of Kyrgyzstan. It stores water for hydropower and irrigation and shapes river flow downstream. List it for its size, infrastructure role, and regional importance.

Song-Kul

Note: Song-Kul is a high-altitude pasture lake on a summer grazing plateau. Shepherds bring livestock and set up yurts on its shores each summer. Include it for traditional culture, alpine scenery, and seasonal access.

Chatyr-Kul

Note: Chatyr-Kul is a remote high mountain lake on a broad plateau. It sits at very high elevation and shows broad steppe and mountain views. Include it for high-altitude ecology and wilderness trekking.

Kirov Reservoir

Note: Kirov Reservoir is a regional water storage body used for irrigation and local water supply. It sits near settled areas and supports agriculture around it. Mention it for human-modified water features in Kyrgyzstan.

Orto-Tokoy Reservoir

Note: Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is a man-made lake used for water regulation and local recreation. It helps control seasonal flows and supports fishing and nearby roads. Add it to show diverse lake types beyond natural alpine basins.

Sary-Chelek

Note: Sary-Chelek is a deep, forested mountain lake inside a protected biosphere reserve. It sits among glacial valleys and supports rich plant and bird life. Include it for conservation value, hiking trails, and scenic photos.

Kel-Suu

Note: Kel-Suu is a remote, vivid-blue alpine lake high in the eastern mountains. It forms from glacial runoff and sits near wild ridges and passes. List it for dramatic color, remote trekking, and borderland scenery.

Merzbacher Lake

Note: Merzbacher Lake is a glacier-dammed lake that forms and drains repeatedly on an icefield. It causes sudden outburst floods when the ice dam fails. Include it for glaciology, hazard study, and unique hydrology.

Petrov Lake

Note: Petrov Lake is a high mountain lake of glacial origin. It lies in a narrow cirque and shows clear cold water and talus shores. Mention it as an example of small, scenic alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan.

Kulun Lake

Note: Kulun Lake is a glacially fed lake in the eastern ranges. It sits below steep peaks and feeds mountain streams. Add it for regional variety of high-altitude waterbodies.

Ala-Kul

Note: Ala-Kul is a classic high-mountain lake in a steep alpine basin. It requires a popular day hike or multi-day trek and shows bright blue water. Include it for trekking routes and alpine scenery near well-known trails.

Kara-Toko Lake

Note: Kara-Toko Lake is a mountain lake set in a rocky basin. It provides habitat for alpine plants and supports nearby shepherd routes. List it to show common small lakes used by local pastoralists.

Köl-Ükök

Note: Köl-Ükök is a smaller alpine lake among high ridgelines. It reflects surrounding peaks and feeds local streams. Include it as a typical glacial lake found in many Kyrgyz valleys.

Jashyl-Kel

Note: Jashyl-Kel, meaning ‘Green Lake,’ sits at high elevation and shows green-tinted water from mineral and plant life. It lies along trekking routes and near summer pastures. Add it for color variety and hiking interest.

Kara-Suu Lake

Note: Kara-Suu Lake is one of several lakes named Kara-Suu, meaning ‘black water.’ It sits in a mountain or steppe setting depending on the basin. Mention it and note possible name duplicates in different regions.

Iri-Kel

Note: Iri-Kel, meaning ‘large lake,’ is a sizeable glacial lake in a mountain valley. It feeds downstream watercourses and supports local grazing lands. Include it for its relative size among alpine lakes.

Besh-Tash Lake

Note: Besh-Tash Lake lies inside a scenic valley with steep walls and forested slopes. It sits in a protected area with trails and small settlements nearby. Include it for accessible mountain hiking and park status.

Tulpar-Kol

Note: Tulpar-Kol is a remote mountain lake named for the mythical winged horse. It sits in a high pass area and shows classic cirque features. List it for remote trekking and mountain lore.

Karakol Lake

Note: Karakol Lake sits near the town of Karakol and serves as a local recreation and hiking base. It lies below high alpine ridges and links to well-known trails. Include it for accessibility and proximity to services.

Adygene Lake

Note: Adygene Lake is a small, scenic lake in a mountain valley or reservoir basin near inhabited areas. It supports local fishing and short hikes. Add it to show lakes that serve both nature and local communities.

Aksay Lake

Note: Aksay Lake is a saline or seasonal lake on the lowland steppe or in a closed basin. It shows flat, open surroundings and salt-tolerant vegetation. Include it to represent lowland and saline lake types in Kyrgyzstan.

Lakes in Other Countries