Lake Issyk-Kul is a closed lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is one of the 30 largest lakes in the world in terms of area and the seventh deepest in the world. It is located in the north-east of the republic, between the ridges of Mount Beiten: its height is 1608 meters. Maximum depth 600 meters, width 60 km and length 127 km. The main feature of Issyk-Kul is its mountain and maritime climate. There are many sanatoriums and health centers where you can undergo therapeutic courses.
It should also be borne in mind that even in summer the weather in Issyk-Kul is quite capricious. During the day it can change several times: sun, rain, sun again and rain again. Therefore, you need to take warm clothes with you. Fans of active recreation prefer to travel through the Grigorievskoye, Semenovskoye, Jety-Oguz and Barskoon gorges. There are many secrets and legends on the coast of Issyk-Kul. There is also plenty of entertainment and delicious food. Since 2014, the World Nomad Games have been held in Issyk-Kul. This includes various ethnic sports competitions. For example, kok-boru (goat hunting), alysh (belt wrestling) and boys (games with cow bones). Players and tourists from all over the world come to the nomad games.
It is therefore impossible to think of the complex only as a museum. In the open air there are 5 chapels of world religions: Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist; Kyrgyz village, exhibition hall, Chingiz Aitmatov museum, a treasury of knowledge, the most beautiful Issyk-Kul pier with many sculptures. Here you can spend the day: get acquainted with the history, life and culture of Kyrgyzstan, take part in Kyrgyz games, and practice singing country songs. Rukh Ordo also often hosts concerts and cultural events. Trinity Church in Karakol is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people. This wooden church was built in 1895. There is a legend that it was built without a single nail, but this is not true. Believers from the cities of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Russia come to Karakol on September 7-8-9. Recently there is a celebration dedicated to the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Grigorievskaya Valley is located 60 km from Cholpon-Ata. It’s worth going here for the beautiful lake, covered with snow even in summer, and 2 mountain peaks – Kum-bel and Eshenbulak. The Inylchek Valley is located east of Issyk-Kul. You can get here by helicopter. Climbers usually come here. From here begins the ascent to the peaks of Khan Tengri, Pobeda and Lenin. The Altyn-Arashan gorge, located 10 km from Karakol, is famous not only for the rivers of the Arashan Mountains. People from all over the CIS go to Arashan hot springs for treatment both in summer and winter. Sources of hydrogen sulfide and radon help in the treatment of diseases of the heart, liver, joints and digestive organs. Jety-Oguz Valley is one of the most popular attractions, famous for its 7 red rocks that look like bulls. There are sanatoriums, hot springs, waterfalls and alpine lakes. Karakol National Park, located 10 km from the city, will appeal to lovers of alpine meadows, lakes and small waterfalls. For example, Lake Ala-Kul is worth a day trip. Also from here, beginning climbers can climb the mountain peaks of Fuchik, Przhevalsky, Zhukov, Telman, Gastello, Karakol and others. The height of the smallest peak, Fucik, is 4210 meters above sea level. The famous Jyrgalan valley is located 60 km from Karakol. It is here that the most famous Kyrgyz kumis cure is located. The Skazka Canyon is located near the village of Tosol, on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. Clay canyons appeared here due to the constant wind. In films about adventure and treasure, it looks magical. The Barskoon Valley is located 90 km from Karakol.
