Lake Kara-Suu
Lake Kara-Suu is located in the Toktogul district. It is a dam-type lake, and its level depends on the time of year. Lake Kara-Suu is situated in the area of the Taktalyk ridge, at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level. The dimensions of the lake are 6.5 by 2 km, with an average depth of about 90 m. The shores of Kara-Suu are home to Tien Shan spruce, barberry, rowan, and other plants. The enchanting azure hue of the lake changes depending on the time of day, and one can gaze at it endlessly.
Lake Kara-Suu is of dam origin. From the right, northern side of the mountain, one can clearly see the place where a part of it broke off and fell down, blocking the riverbed of the Kara-Suu river.
The northern shore of Lake Kara-Suu drops steeply to the water. It is covered with thorny bushes, dense grass, and is inconvenient for stopping. Cross over to the left bank, which is more picturesque. The trail goes directly over the debris between boulders and stones. From the crest of the debris, one can clearly see the place where the mountain slid down, blocking the river. Boulders and stones are chaotically piled up for a good kilometer from the crest, with vegetation breaking through in some places. The sound of the river flowing from under the dam half a kilometer below the lake's surface can be heard from afar.
On the southern shore of the lake, find a nice meadow in a birch grove and take a break. Fishing enthusiasts look for suitable spots, usually near the confluence of mountain streams into the lake, where schools of marinka gather for the fresh catch brought by the tributaries.
The southern slopes of Kara-Suu are very picturesque. Right in the center of the lake rises one of the peaks of the Fergana ridge - Alyampasy (3754 m); below the cliffs, almost reaching the lake, rows of spruces grow, birch groves spread along the shore, and among them are green meadows of lush grass. Streams babble, and above the cliffs, the ulars croak, with their sounds carried by the distant echo across the mountains. The river breaking out from under the debris is also called Kara-Suu. It flows into the Naryn from the left, not far from the site where the Toktogul hydroelectric station is being built. From the settlement of builders at Kara-Kul, located on the bank of the Kara-Suu river, it is 50 km to the lake.
In the upper reaches, there is another lake Kapka-Tash, which is several times smaller. This is where the Kara-Suu river, a tributary of the Naryn, begins.
The picturesque nature of the lake is enhanced by the fact that it is surrounded by mountains and forests. This makes it attractive for tourists. The road reaches only the western shore, beyond which there are trails. Here, in its wide part, there is an island that appears only when the water level is low. The lake will also be interesting for fishermen.
The shoreline serves as a feeding ground for animals, including livestock, so shepherds often drive their herds here.
Climatic conditions: The climate at Lake Kara-Suu is warm, dry, and moderate. The air temperature in summer is 22-26 degrees during the day and 8-14 degrees at night. The wind regime is moderate. Winters are snowy and frosty. The water temperature on the surface reaches 17-19 degrees in summer.
A good dirt road leads to the lake. Access to the water is good. Visibility is 8-12 m. The lake is rich in fish (Pelyad and Marinka). The underwater plant world is sparse. Underwater, one can see rocky walls and schools of fish.
Lake Kara-Suu is a twin brother of Sary-Chelek, only higher and colder. The road from Bishkek goes through several difficult passes and takes about 8-10 hours. It is a crystal-clear freshwater lake, rich in fish; by the way, fishing is allowed with rods, while other methods are prohibited. The most interesting and beautiful sights begin after reaching the To-Ashuu pass road, where the Kara-Balta river and its tributaries flow between cliffs and high mountains. If you stop almost anywhere, you can find beautiful landscapes.
