Song-Kul Lake is epicenter of ecotourism in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, July 10, 2019. / Kabar /. There are a lot of lakes in Kyrgyzstan. In addition to the famous Issyk-Kul lake, there are such lakes in the country as Song-Kul, Chatyr-Kul, Sary-Chelek and others.
The most famous of these is Song-Kul Lake. Song-Kul, which is translated as Last Lake and is located right in the middle of the Tien-Shan Mountains and is the epicenter of ecotourism. This is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level, 29 km long and 18 km wide. The average water temperature is 3.5 ° C, and in summer the water warms up to 11 ° C. In November, the lake freezes and thaws completely only in April. The lake lies on a mountain plain surrounded by meadows. Meadows are used as pasture for animals since the most ancient times. Shepherds bring livestock to the lake for the summer and live in yurts with their families, and during the rest of the year it turns into a deserted island.
Once there, a person seems to fall into a fairy tale, because the lake is very rich in vegetation, and rare species of animals and birds. The beauty of the lake is so fabulous that it leaves an indelible mark on the heart. Sitting on the shore of the lake one can see how, following the change in weather, the color of the lake change.
The nature of the lake is very rich in vegetation and rare species of animals and birds, although there is not a single tree in the area. There was absolutely no fish in the lake until it was specially brought in 1959. Nowadays, Song-Kul is famous for its fishes. The lake is home to 10 species of fish such as whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus Linnaeus), chir (Coregonus nasus Pallas), peled (Coregonus peled Gmelin) and others.
Experts estimate that about 40 - 70 species of birds inhabit the lake. The lake is an important point for the migration of waterfowl, such as the demoiselle crane, mountain goose, black stork and black-headed giggle.
On the southern part of Son-Kul behind the mountains range there is Taylak Baatyr's monument erected in the 19th century.
The lake is very popular among tourists and every tourist route passes through Son-Kul. The territory of the lake is very suitable for such types of tourism as: cycling, horse riding, hiking. And the yurts, which are located right on the shore of the lake, will give the opportunity to move away from the bustle of the city and find harmony with nature without usual smartphones, the Internet and social networks to which we are so used. By the way, there is no connection in the lake.
National spices such as kumys, bozo, kurut, as well as life in a yurt will give an opportunity to feel the culture and way of life of nomads.
Son-Kul is located 280 km far from Bishkek. Local travel companies offer their services, but those who intend to get to this place on their own should be prepared for the difficult path.
Of course, as an unusual beautiful place, this place has its own legend. Thus, one of the legends says that the brutal Khan lived in that area. To replenish his harem, he collected the most beautiful girls from all over Tien Shan. Their immense suffering from the cruelty of their husband crushed the mountains. The place where the Khan's palace stood was lowered, and the water flooded the rate of the ruler with the adjacent territory. And this amazing lake was formed, which absorbed all the beauty of those women who were held captive by the Khan.
Travelers here are naturally attracted by virgin pastures around the lake and a conservation area.
Jazfresco (@jazfresco) from France, who recently visited Song-Kul wrote in Twitter that she recommends to go for a horse ride and go up to the mountains to have a better view on the lake.
"Horses, sheep and cows quietly enjoying fresh grass is so amazing," she wrote.
The tourist also wrote "Songkul is my absolute favourite. Stunning mountain lake on 3000m where whether changes every hour from burning sun to thunderstorms".
One more tourist – photographer Arun Bhat (@indtravelphoto) from Bangalore wrote "Spirit of Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan.. I don't know how to express this moment.. witnessing horses striding across tiny strip of land one by one, their reflection persistently with them, and mountains standing witness to everything that goes by".
Travelers from all the world visit the Lake to see this natural beauty. Kyrgyz people from all the parts of the country quite often hold various celebrations on the shore of the lake by attracting many tourists.
Kabar News Agency