Picturesque Kara-Tokoy Lake on Chatkal Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Oct. 9, 2025. /Kabar/. In the heart of the Chatkal Mountains of Kyrgyzstan lies the picturesque mountain Kara-Tokoy Lake, also known as Kok-Kol.

Kara-Tokoy translates from Kyrgyz as black forest. The lake is surrounded by mountains covered in coniferous trees. Furthermore, the tops of Tien-Shan spruce trees growing on the lakebed can be seen above the lake.

Kara-Tokoy Lake is located in the picturesque valley of the same name. It is very beautiful in the summer. The meadows and valleys here look like they're straight out of a movie. There are many conifers and abundant vegetation.

According to some sources, the lake's elevation above sea level is 2,876 meters; according to others, it's 2,918 meters. Near Kara-Tokoy Lake there is the 1.9-kilometer-long Kara-Tokoy Glacier, covering an area of ​​1.2 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,370-3,820 meters above sea level.

Kara-Tokoy Lake is a deep, dark blue and attracts attention from afar. The water in this mountain lake is cold even in summer, but everyone who visits it takes a dip.

The lake is located near the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve in the Jalal-Abad Region, which is included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list. The protected area, covering almost 24,000 square kilometers, is home to a variety of animals and birds.