Lake Köl-Suu
Lake Köl-Suu translates as "coming water"
The lake is located in the Naryn region, Ak-Sai valley, on the border with China. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Kuruumduk River, a right tributary of Kak-Kiya, at an altitude of 3500-3600 meters above sea level. At this altitude, it is quite difficult for an average person to acclimatize. Even after living in the mountains for some time, one does not get used to it immediately. The lake is of a dam type, formed by a strong earthquake in a large crevice between the rocks. Most of it is not visible from the shore, so to see the entire lake, one must travel by boat.
The water in Köl-Suu is fresh and has a greenish tint. The length of the lake is 9 kilometers, and its width varies from 500 meters to 2 kilometers at its widest point. The entire northern part is completely surrounded by high cliffs, limiting walks. The depth of the lake is up to 10 meters. The water temperature in summer ranges from 6 to 8 degrees. Visibility can vary from 2-3 meters to 9-12 meters, depending on the weather. After rain, visibility drops sharply. The flora and fauna of the lake are unknown. There are no fish in the lake.
Lake Köl-Suu is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Kyrgyzstan. It has one unusual feature, which is why it was given such a name. Köl-Suu translates from Kyrgyz as "coming water." Indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, flowing into underground caves and grottos, so it is essential to know that you may not find the lake during your visit.
Climatic conditions: The climate at Lake Köl-Suu is cold and mountainous. The air temperature in summer is 14-16 degrees during the day, and at night it can drop below zero. Summer in this area lasts approximately from July 10 to August 15. Even during this period, snow can fall.
The lake is quite inaccessible. It is located on the hard-to-reach Kokshaal-Tuu ridge, and the way there goes through the vast Ak-Sai valley, filled with marshy areas and fords that can only be navigated by a prepared vehicle and an experienced driver. Once you reach the lake, you will be enchanted by the landscape. From the dam, there is a beautiful view of the lake with its fantastic scenery – sheer cliffs hundreds of meters high, waterfalls, a rocky island, bays, caves, and grottos. The turquoise bowl of water is surrounded by sheer peaks, the tops of which are covered with snow even in the hottest summer. The color of the water constantly changes depending on the lighting.
Approximately two kilometers away, between the sheer walls of the canyon, a rock-island about fifty meters high is visible. The cliffs have a whimsical relief – they are dotted with grottos, small caves, and recesses. To see the lake fully and enjoy it, one must travel by boat. The caves are also very interesting.
The main cave has a narrow entrance, hidden in the rocks on the right side of the dam. First, you enter a spacious high hall with an "altar," and then the cave descends and splits into two narrow passages. There are no stalactites, although the walls of the lower corridors are covered with an interesting texture resembling coral reefs, adorned with water crystals. Even in summer, it is very cold there.
Since the lake is located in a border area, a border pass is required for entry.
