Issyk Lake

70 kilometers east of Almaty, in one of the gorges of Zailiysky Alatau lies a lake, which is not much comparable both in its beauty and the tragedy of history.

Let’s start with the breathtaking scenery of these places. Issyk Lake is located at an altitude of 1760 m in the Issyk Gorge. According to geologists, the lake was formed more than 8 thousand years ago. Like most mountain lakes, Lake Issyk was created as a result of an avalanche, which subsequently formed a dam up to 300 meters high.
In clear weather, the color of the lake water acquires a bright turquoise hue, harmoniously complementing the amazing appearance of snowy mountain caps. In cloudy weather, the lake changes its colors to gray.

Issyk Lake has always impressed with the beauty of its guests; its photographs were even used for tourist postcards and brochures of the USSR. Despite the fact that the lake is considered to be a favorite place for visiting Almaty residents, only real «walruses» can swim here. The water temperature here does not rise above 9 degrees Celsius even in summer.

At the beginning of the article, we mentioned the tragedy that befell the local places. More than 50 years ago, in 1963, the usual calm surface of the lake was disturbed by a powerful mudflow, blowing everything in its path. The losses were colossal, huge waves broke perennial trees and demolished dams. Unfortunately, not only trees, but also houses were on the mudflow path. In four hours, the tragedy devastated the lake, destroyed the flora and claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

Today, frozen waves of clay, gigantic stones and a cross mounted on the mountain slopes in memory of the victims recall the tragedy.

Already in the early 1990s, the construction of a new dam and other structures was completed, but the depth of the lake is almost half less than the previous one, and a small, but no less beautiful lake remained from its former size.

How to get to Issyk Lake?
To get to the lake by car, you need:
— Drive straight along Kuldzhinsky highway
— Turn right, towards the city of Issyk after 35 km.
— Drive along the main road through the town
— Turning to the right will be a pointer to the lake
— At the ecological post we pay the entrance, about 400 tenge per person.
— We go up 8 km and enjoy the scenery of the lake!

The road to Lake Issyk is noteworthy in that it stores the most ancient and important moments in the history of Kazakhstan. A small section of the road runs along the section of the Great Silk Road. The richest merchant ships passed here, profitable deals were made, and in the eyes, for sure, it was replete with abundance of decorations. In addition to the Great Silk Road, the road to Lake Issyk is known for another historically important place. It was here that the famous Saka warrior in gold armor was found — Altyn Adam (Golden Man).

Important notes when visiting the lake:
— Unfortunately (or fortunately), the infrastructure around the lake is not well developed. There are no shops and guest houses, which means buying food or water will not work. You will need to take food with you.
— The weather here is extremely changeable. It is better to take some of the warm things with you.