Sunset cruise on the Issyk-Kul - Kyrgyzstan

The Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is 182 km long, 60 km wide and 668 m deep. The lake has several tributaries but no outflow. Thus, the water level varies depending on local weather conditions.

The salinity of the lake is approx. 0.6%, which makes it difficult to freeze even in winter. The Issyk-Kul lies at 1607 m above sea level and is the second largest mountain lake in the world.

Parts of the shore area near Karakol are leased to the Russian military, for torpedoes and torpedo controls tests.

We arrive at the shore of the lake to experience the sunset on the Issyk-Kul on a boat. Here one celebrates a bridal pair. There’s also a drone in action.

I also want to let the drone fly and start unpacking it. But the moment I’m done, we have to get on board. Outside on the lake, it is too risky for me, because the wind is too strong.

We prefer to talk to a nice lady from Munich, who has booked the boat tour via Destination Karakol. She tells us that she has already spent several holidays in Kyrgyzstan and is still enthusiastic.

Then also pay a visit to the captain.

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We are also enthusiastic because the setting sun wonderfully lights the Tian Shan with its over 7000 m high mountains.

In the north of the Issyk-Kul is the Transili-Alatau. Thick bands of clouds pass over it. In the west, the sky is blood-red.

After these wonderful impressions, we drive to the Ethnic Cafe Dastorkon for dinner. It is a recommendable Asian restaurant where you can eat cheap and excellent.

When leaving the restaurant we can exchange a few words with a nice German-Austrian travel group.

Please read on > From Karakol to Jyrgalan and Alakol-Jyrgalan Eco Center

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Disclosure: Our trip was organized in cooperation with Discover Kyrgyzstan, and made possible by the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). All opinions are our own.