Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.

What image comes to mind when you hear the word “lake”? Is it Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa? Or is it Lake Yamanaka, which reflects Mount Fuji?

In fact, there is a lake in the remote Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan that defies common sense. Lake Issyk-Kul, which is located at an altitude of around 1,600m, is a lake that seems to float in the sky. It is a mysterious lake that is nine times the size of Lake Biwa, and it never freezes, even in winter.

This time, we will be introducing the appeal of hidden spots where you can enjoy digital detox and the great outdoors to those who think “major tourist spots are not enough!”. Please read to the end!

Nine times the size of Lake Biwa? The truth about the giant blue eyes floating in the sky

Lake Issyk-Kul, a lake lying in the northeastern part of Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the Tien Shan Mountains, is the world’s second largest high mountain lake. Its mysterious appearance will take your breath away. First, we will take a closer look at the mysterious charm of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Is this really a lake? Amazing size and clarity

When I first heard about Lake Issyk-Kul, I was surprised, thinking, “Is this really a lake? It’s nine times the size of Lake Biwa, and the overwhelming scale is like an ocean. And the lake, surrounded by the Tian Shan mountain range, looks like a giant blue eye floating in the sky. It boasts the world’s second highest transparency, after Lake Baikal.

The mystery of a lake at an altitude of 1600m that is “warm”

Lake Issyk-Kul means “warm lake” in Kyrgyz. As the name suggests, it is located at an altitude of about 1600m, but it never freezes over throughout the year. Why doesn’t this lake freeze over? There are various theories, but the exact reason remains a mystery.

A lake with only an entrance? A mysterious flow of water

What’s interesting is the structure of this lake. Even though over 80 rivers flow into it, there is not a single river flowing out of it. You can’t help but tilt your head and wonder, “Isn’t this the ocean…? It really is a mystery.

Dragons? Giants? The mystery told by the lake

In fact, the Silk Road traveler, Tripitaka, is said to have visited Issyk-Kul Lake. In a record left over 1,300 years ago, it is written that “a deep blue salty lake where dragons and fish live together, and strange phenomena occur”.

Lake Issyk-Kul has long been the subject of legends such as “a dragon lives at the bottom of the lake” and “the footprints of giants remain”. Its mysterious environment, isolated from the outside world, may be nurturing an unknown ecosystem that has continued since ancient times.

Let’s go in search of the extraordinary! How to enjoy Lake Issyk-Kul

A luxurious time spent in the great outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We will introduce you to a special way of spending time that can only be experienced at Lake Issyk-Kul.

Spectacular hiking in the canyon in the sky

The Skaskakan Canyon on the southern coast is a spectacular spot where you can feel like you’re walking on air. With the Tian Shan Mountains as a backdrop, the hiking trail that gives you a panoramic view of the blue Lake Issyk-Kul is sure to make you exclaim “Wow!” every time you take a photo.

Time travel! Encountering art from 4000 years ago

In Cholpon-Ata on the northern coast, you can experience what it’s like to be in a time machine. The rock art museum has amazing works of art left behind by people 4,000 years ago. You can enjoy ancient art in an exploratory mood as you walk around the vast grounds, lined with various rocks.

Enjoying the resort life by the lake

Goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city! The resort area of Cholpon-Ata is a very popular summer resort in Kyrgyzstan. The comfortable temperatures, which even in midsummer rarely rise above 30 degrees, and the accommodation options, which range from yurt camps to luxury resorts, are the main attractions. In summer, the area is bustling with people from the capital, Bishkek, and overseas, who have come to escape the heat.

A great adventure on horseback, feeling like a nomad

If you want to graduate from the same old travel, a trip around Lake Issyk-Kul on horseback is perfect for you. There are plenty of spectacular viewpoints on both the north and south shores. It will surely satisfy your desire for something more than the usual sightseeing.

Practical information that turns “I want to go!” into “I can go!”

We introduce information that will resolve any concerns you may have about your trip, such as how to get to Lake Issyk-Kul and the best time of year to visit. Check it out before you travel!

How do you get there? How to get to Lake Issyk-Kul

The starting point for buses from the capital, Bishkek, to Lake Issyk-Kul is the West Bus Terminal. There, small buses called “marshrutkas” (minibuses) run regularly to Cholpon-Ata and Karakol.

The best season is from July to September.

We recommend visiting in the summer, when the surface of Lake Issyk-Kul shines a deep blue and the surrounding grasslands are enveloped in a vivid green. Because of its high altitude, even in midsummer the temperature rarely exceeds 30 degrees, and the climate is dry and comfortable. However, it can get cold in the mornings and evenings, so a jacket is essential.

Points to note when traveling to Lake Issyk-Kul

It takes more than four hours to get from Bishkek to Lake Issyk-Kul. Since marshrutkas depart on a shared basis, you may have to wait until the required number of passengers has been reached, so the journey may actually take longer. Make your travel plans with long-distance travel in mind. In some cases, it is recommended to include an overnight stay in your itinerary rather than just a day trip.

Would you like to experience something extraordinary, the size of nine Lake Biwa?

Lake Issyk-Kul is a tourist spot full of charm, with its “spectacular scenery”, “the fact that it is a lake but does not freeze”, “the fact that there are no rivers”, and “the fact that it is a resort”. If you want to reset your urban fatigue, why not go on an adventure to immerse yourself in ancient art by riding a horse along the lakeside? Your next travel destination is decided here!

Recommended! The best Lake Issyk-Kul horse riding tour

The most attractive way to experience Issyk-Kul Lake is to go for a ride around the lake. The view of the lake from the perspective of the nomads is truly exceptional.

At Astravel, we offer 4-night/5-day or 5-night/6-day horseback riding tours. We will guide you on a special trip where you can fully experience the culture and nature of Kyrgyzstan through various styles of accommodation.

Tour Highlights

• You can enjoy both Lake Issyk-Kul and famous tourist spots.
• Travel with peace of mind with a Japanese-speaking guide
• Beginners are welcome!
• From airport transfers to personal drivers, you can travel with peace of mind.

A horseback riding trip to Lake Issyk-Kul while enjoying the spectacular scenery. The special time you spend with the horses is sure to become an unforgettable memory.

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