Yssyk-Kul
Issyk Kul (also Ysyk Köl) is an endorheic lake in the northern Tien Shan mountains in northwestern Kyrgyzstan. It has a length of 182 km, a width of up to 60 km, and covers an area of 6,332 km². This makes it one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. Located at an altitude of 1,620m, it reaches 702m in depth. The lake is slightly saline and remains ice-free in winter. It is fed by springs and snow melt-off, and it has no outlet. Its southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Tien-Shan mountain range.
During the Soviet era, the lake became a popular vacation resort, with numerous boarding houses and vacation homes along its northern shore. During this period the lake also served as a secret testing ground for torpedoes.
The city of Karakol (formerly Przhevalsk), administrative seat of Issyk-Kul oblast, is located near the eastern tip of the lake and is a good base for excursions into the surrounding area. Its small old core contains an impressive wooden mosque and a wooden orthodox church that was used as a stable during Soviet times.
Sevan trout (an endemic fish of Lake Sevan in Armenia) was introduced into the lake in the 1970s. While it is an endangered species in its "home" lake, it has a much better chance to survive in the Issyk Kul.
See also: Balasagun
