Issyk-Kul: The Hot Lake

Issyk-Kul is a saline lake in the western Tian Shan mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan. Its name translates to Hot Lake.

Issyk-Kul stretches 182 kilometres long and reaches 668 metres deep. About 118 rivers flow into this basin.

Despite winter cold and high elevation, the water rarely freezes because of its salinity. Salinity makes ice optional.

The lake gained international recognition for its wetland importance.

Issyk-Kul was once part of the Qing dynasty territory. Manchu records called it Temurtu-Nor, meaning Iron Lake.

Divers discovered submerged settlements around the lake. Someone left the bronze cauldron behind.

During the Soviet era, the navy tested submarine and torpedo technology here. Torpedoes need their personal space.

Today the northern shore hosts refurbished hotels and private bed-and-breakfast rentals. Soviet sanitoria now host guests.