Overview
The lake occupies a glacially scoured basin at 1,756–1,780 m, roughly 1,850 m long and 500 m wide. The shoreline path is easy and well-maintained, with gazebos and picnic spots at intervals. The water is a clear blue-green fed by glacial meltwater; do not expect to swim — it rarely exceeds 9–10 °C even in July. The man-made dam at the western end is visible from the main viewpoint and serves as a reminder of the 1963 mudflow that emptied the original lake. From the eastern end a rough trail continues up the gorge for those wanting a longer walk.
Open Issyk Lake in maps
Choose a map provider for this destination.
These links open only this place, not a full road-trip route. Links open in a new tab. 2GIS opens the map point; start navigation there.
Gallery
Jump to visit notes
Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Issyk Lake
Issyk Lake
Step 4 · 10 km from previous · 15 min drive
The lake occupies a glacially scoured basin at 1,756–1,780 m, roughly 1,850 m long and 500 m wide. The shoreline path is easy and well-maintained, with gazebos and picnic spots at intervals. The water is a clear blue-green fed by glacial meltwater; do not expect to swim — it rarely exceeds 9–10 °C even in July. The man-made dam at the western end is visible from the main viewpoint and serves as a reminder of the 1963 mudflow that emptied the original lake. From the eastern end a rough trail continues up the gorge for those wanting a longer walk.