Petrova Lake — the Source of Naryn
This is the largest moraine-glacial lake in the Tian Shan by area and volume, serving as the main source of water supply for the high-altitude "Kumtor" mine. Due to the melting of the glacier, the depth of the lake has increased from 20 to 70 meters, and the area of the lake has also expanded. Today, it covers 430 hectares. It can be said that this lake is constantly increasing in area and volume. There are currently 65 million cubic meters of water in it.
The source of the Naryn and Syr Darya rivers is fed by meltwater flowing from the powerful Petrova glacier, which is located on the northwestern slope of the Ak-Shyyrak ice mass and permafrost in the Central Tian Shan, in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, 350 kilometers from Bishkek, 60 kilometers south of Lake Issyk-Kul, and 60 kilometers from the border with China. The lake is situated in the permafrost zone at an altitude of 3600 to 4200 meters above sea level. The annual temperature range is from -38 to +23 degrees Celsius.
The water in the reservoir is fresh, but it is not safe to drink because it has elevated concentrations of copper and aluminum. When coming here for recreation, it is advisable to take water purification means, such as a field filter or special purification tablets. The climate here is harsh, and the ground is frozen, so at night, sleeping bags and a reliable tent are essential.
Despite its alluring beauty, the lake harbors dangers. Glaciers are melting and collapsing, and human activity in gold mining poses a threat that the water level may rise rapidly. It is not advisable to set up a tent camp and make a fire right by the water. The higher the campsite is set up, the better. It doesn't hurt to be cautious. Then the journey to the most risky places will end well.
You definitely need to come here - the views are cosmic, and it feels like you are on another planet.
