Jasyl-Kel - "Emerald Lake".
"Jasyl-Kol Lake - 'a diamond in a mountain setting' - is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the mountain systems of the Zailiysky and Kungoy Alatau! This lake is located in the western part of the Chelekokemin ridge, at the point where two large mountain ranges, Zailiysky Alatau and Kungoy Alatau, converge.
An incredibly beautiful body of water that continuously changes its color throughout the day. The waters of the lake are remarkably clear, thanks to the powerful filtration of water that enters the lake underground from a huge glacial moraine, giving it a stunning blue hue. It is located at an altitude of 3150 m above sea level (according to GPS) or 3118.6 m according to the General Staff map, and has a glacial origin. It is situated between two moraines. The width of these natural dams is about 1 km each. The lake is hidden from view by a massive, ancient glacial moraine, and to see it, one must climb from the gorge of the Chon-Kemin River to this dam." At night, the lake can freeze even in summer.
There are no fish in the lake, and the shores are rocky, with some areas covered in grass. During the summer months, the water level is at its maximum, and part of the grassy slope goes underwater. On the northern side, the lake is close to a high ridge with quite steep, loose slopes. The southern shore is more gentle and grassy. From the south (approximately in the central part), a small river flows into the lake, creating a small bay at the point of confluence.
The area around the lake is home to a variety of animals. In the nearby rocks, one can find weasels, and in the alpine meadows, there are marmots. The whistling of mountain turkeys - ulars - can often be heard. The slopes are abundant with edelweiss, primroses, and other flowers.
The lake is a hub for many hiking trails leading to the shores of Issyk-Kul and the valleys of the Chilik and Chon-Kemin rivers.
Underwater, the lake is very interesting! It is simply a gorge, an ordinary rocky mountain gorge, converging into a wedge between two neighboring mountains. Just like in a regular (above-water) gorge, there are passes, ascents, and descents. The lake has a slightly noticeable current, apparently caused by the river flowing out from under the moraine.
