MYSTIQUE LAKE ISSYK NEAR ALMATY

Issyk lake is located in the Issyk gorge in the mountains of Zaaliski Altau, surrounded by dense forests and flower fields. There is nothing more wonderful than the even glaze of its waters, and its legends will not leave any traveler indifferent. By the way, they say that the weather affects Lake Issyk in an unusual way: on sunny days, its waters turn turquoise, and on gloomy, rainy hours, the reservoir takes on a gloomy, gray hue.

How the mountain lake Issyk appeared

Lake Issyk appeared more than 8 thousand years ago, when a powerful earthquake caused a collapse in the mountains, and a barrier about 300 meters high appeared. In Soviet times, the attraction was in high demand, but in 1963 terrible events took place here.

Then a mudflow descended on Lake Issyk, washing away the barrier. Tons of turbulent waters rushed straight to the city of Issyk, causing the death of dozens of people. In memory of the tragic events, a mournful cross was erected on a hill near the valley where Lake Issyk is located.

Today, almost every Almaty resident knows how to get to Lake Issyk, since resting here has become a favorite pastime on the weekends. After all, the distance between Lake Issyk and Almaty is only 70 km.

Things to do in nature

Lake Issyk offers recreation for every taste. After the restoration of the reservoir, its area shrank further, but this did not make the area lose its popularity. Guest houses and hotels operate here all year round, offering mountain lovers excellent conditions for rock climbing and hiking, and romantics - charming picnics on the shore.

An excursion to Lake Issyk sometimes includes a visit to the Issyk burial mound (IV-V centuries BC) - the burial place of the famous Golden Man, a Saka warrior in golden robes, which has become a symbol of all Kazakhstan. Exotic lovers should definitely visit the nearby ostrich farm. On it you can admire unusual birds, so uncharacteristic for this region, taste ostrich eggs or even taste ostrich meat.