Lake Issyk
222 reviews
June 8, 2024
That is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to.
March 4
Lake Issyk is not just a body of water somewhere in the mountains of Kazakhstan. This is a place where nature has decided to show what it is capable of. Mountains that seem to have grown out of a fairy tale, water of a color that cannot be described in words (well, okay, I'll try: "cosmic turquoise"), and Tangshan fir trees, which stand so proudly, as if they know that they are the main decorations of this landscape. I've been there twice, and both times it was like traveling to another world. However, with adventures that looked more like a comedy than a nature documentary.
The first time: "Mushroom quest, or Gruzdi, where are you?"
35 years ago, I, young and full of enthusiasm, went to Lake Issyk with a friend. We decided that we would definitely find the mushrooms. Well, what about it? The mountains, the forest, and the fresh air are ideal conditions for mushroom hunting! We walked, walked, walked... And there were more. There were no clusters. But there were fir trees that seemed to be laughing at us. We walked around half the hill, but the mushrooms apparently decided to play hide-and-seek with us. As a result, we returned home with empty baskets, but with lungs full of mountain air and a feeling of mild annoyance. But now I know what every square meter of forest around the lake looks like.
The second time: "Trout, where are you? I'm with a fishing rod!"
Two years later, I went to the lake again, but with a new mission — to catch mountain trout. In winter. With a bamboo fishing rod. And with a nozzle made of red wool thread, which, in my opinion, was supposed to perfectly imitate an earthworm. Well, you know, like in the movies about fishermen: quiet water, a light frost, and here it is — the fish of dreams! The reality turned out to be a little different. The trout was probably too smart for my "artificial bait." She looked at my thread, twirled her tail and swam away. I was sitting on the shore, frozen, but happy, because there were mountains, fir trees and this incredible lake all around. And the trout... Well, maybe she just didn't appreciate my creative approach.
The way home: "On foot, but with a smile"
Both times after their "trophies" (or rather, their absence) I was returning home to 1 Talgarskaya Street. We walked from the bus terminal to the lake and back. Tired? You bet! But happy? Definitely. Because Lake Issyk is not about mushrooms or fish. It's about mountains that make you feel small. About water, which hypnotizes with its color. And about the fir trees, which seem to whisper: "Come back here again."
Result:
Lake Issyk is a place where nature reminds you who is in charge here. Mushrooms? They didn't find it. Trout? They didn't get caught. But we found something more - a sense of freedom, mountain romance and a bit of the absurd. If you want to feel like the hero of an adventure movie (with elements of comedy), then you are here. Just don't take a woolen thread with you. Trout won't appreciate it.
P.S. By the way, the lake is still called Issyk, but the settlement and the river are now called Esik. Apparently, someone decided that one letter was too boring. But the lake, as before, remains the magical place where time stops and problems disappear into the mountain air.
P.P.S. If you suddenly encounter grouse or trout, say hello to them. They'll remember me. I hope.
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February 14
It is a very beautiful and charming place, the beauty of Almaty is inspiring, the clean air, the mountains, the lake itself is turquoise in an unusual color, I recommend this place to many.
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August 12, 2024
A pleasant walk and clean air that cleanses.When a bus with people passes, the smell of exhaust is very noticeable, which is interesting in the city you no longer feel it)Looking at this lake, you can imagine with horror what happened here on July 7, 1963, when a mudflow from the upper reaches of the Issyk River (mountain Zharsai) destroyed a natural dam in the western part of the lake, emptying the reservoir. The mudflow claimed about a thousand lives and caused significant destruction in the city Issyk. Pioneer camps, rest houses, entire streets and neighborhoods, and sown fields were demolished by the mudslide. The Issyk River changed its course as a result of a mudflow. Some time after the mudslide, there was a small lake on the site of Issyk. The Issyk mudflow of 1963 was one of the largest and most destructive mudflows on the territory of the USSR.
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2
December 27, 2024
This amazing lake, located in the picturesque mountains, is a real treasure. Spending a day on its shores with your family is a real pleasure.
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December 5, 2024
The pearl of the Almaty region is beautiful at all times of the year, the most upsetting are the uncultured representatives of the Homo sapiens, who leave behind mountains of garbage, grubs and rock inscriptions
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1
March 26
It's a very beautiful place, there aren't many people and the nature is just incredible! Be sure to visit this place, you won't regret it!
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June 5, 2024
A very beautiful place, where the splendor of nature pleases, where it is easy to breathe. You inhale the aromas of mountain herbs. There is an asphalt road to the lake. Everything is very convenient.
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September 5, 2024
One of the favorite places of the Almaty region since childhood. It's very beautiful, I've been there many times, but every time I admire the beauty of these places.
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June 16, 2024
Lake Issyk is a location for lovers of quiet and peaceful hiking, it is beautiful around, there are clear paths, the load is suitable for everyone
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June 2, 2024
Good road! I was surprised.. The most beautiful nature.. Take sun beds and food with you and you can choose a place in the shade and enjoy the view and clean air!
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October 1, 2024
It is very beautiful, of course, as everywhere in the mountains. The road is normal, the views are cool too. You will either have to walk to the lake itself or take an electric rickshaw for 500 tenge per person.
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September 8, 2024
How can I describe it here. Go and watch.
It is carefully guarded, which is nice.
But their national nuances remain... Feature.
And here is a really magical color. Master si
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May 27, 2024
It is very dirty on the lake itself there is a lot of garbage weeds the shore has not been cleaned travel 150 tenge in one direction the minibus is old but the driver is polite in general it would not be bad if only one passage was put in order the revenue for one day on the old route groove and the poor cleanliness and delight of the steps to the lake in terrible condition they were not really made by people and professionals are builders because they can't call it steps
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February 24, 2024
An adorable place. We went, we go and we will go 😍 gorgeous views, beautiful nature, mountain air. A great place to walk around the lake area.
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2
December 1, 2023
I really like this place. A beautiful lake, around which there are many options to walk around the neighborhood. Above the lake there is a self-protective dam made between the rocks. It's a pleasure to walk there.
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June 6, 2024
A place with an unusual atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting, but only early in the morning and on the opposite shore there are fewer people and more beautiful places
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September 5, 2024
The lake is very beautiful, we went with a private guide, thank him very much!
There is no infrastructure there, except for a few tents with some food and honey.
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June 26, 2023
It's nice that you need to walk a little to the lake. And all the cars and shops are out of the way. The lake is beautiful! It is difficult to get to the mouth of the river. There are a lot of people on the shore spread out in the shade. You should not expect mountain coolness there. Everything is fine with the road and it is convenient to get there by car.
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1
May 26, 2024
An affordable one-day tour. The lakes in the mountains are beautiful as always! Of course, it does not reach the lakes of Kola and Kayenda, but the views here are also amazing!!!
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July 24, 2023
A very beautiful lake and gorgeous nature. It takes a long time to get to the lake, you will have to climb uphill. If you want, you can take a minibus for a nominal fee. There are traps and one covered stop near the lake. We got caught in the rain and there was not enough space for everyone under the bus stop. There are no services near the lake itself, buy everything you need in advance in the parking lot. The territory directly by the lake is not equipped in any way, wildlife.
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3
May 9, 2024
It is a pretty place, there is a stone for tourist photography and a dog. You can walk along the road beyond the lake, it's quiet and the air is good.
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October 26, 2024
Everything is fine. But I do not recommend going there on October 20 every year, because I go there😂
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July 25, 2024
Pros as always, nature is 100%, but people worse than animals do not clean up garbage everywhere and a big minus is that there is no condition for people at all!, they removed the minibus from the barrier to ride only an electric moto for 2000t is very expensive...where is the akimat looking?
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1
October 5, 2024
The lake is beautiful. The views are great. There is a place to walk and have a small picnic. One problem. A small parking lot. There are practically no places after 11 a.m. on weekends. Tourist buses are also coming. Many people park their cars on the side of the road
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February 15, 2024
It's great to walk, walk very close, you can also go up and back with a driver. By electric chaise) travel 1000 TENGE. from a one-way car. The lake is gorgeous, as are the views along the barberry road
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3
May 21, 2024
A very beautiful mountain place with a view of the river flowing into the lake. The water is crystal clear and there are fish in the lake. There is a forest of fir trees around.
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August 20, 2023
You can get to the parking lot by car before you need to drive through the eco-post and pay a symbolic fee.You can park your car in the parking lot and get to the lake itself in several ways. or on foot , which I highly recommend , because even the road to the lake is very beautiful , it 's not so far to go there and the road is all paved .either by bus or by electric car, like a golf cart for a nominal fee . When you get to the place, go down the stairs and the whole beauty of this place opens up in front of you
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1
May 3, 2024
One of the most beautiful places I've ever been! Crystal clear water! The purest air! And the scenery around is simply amazing!
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November 18, 2023
There was a choice between BAO and Issyk, but given the logistics before BAO, the choice became obvious.
I have never regretted choosing a place.
Unrealistically beautiful, fascinates all your attention.
Incomparable nature and location, I recommend everyone to visit!
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3
October 20, 2024
One of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. The ancient name “Zhasyl kol”
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1
October 29, 2024
Clean air. Autumn is a beautiful location for the soul and body
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May 12, 2022
Beautiful nature, photo angles, there are flat picnic areas. Overall, it's clean. Cleanliness starts with yourself, so we always clean up and take everything with us. Cons: terrible toilets, although their presence is pleasing compared to other places))); information signs faded from the sun; the smell of smoke and barbecue (I don't know if it's allowed, but last year people cooked).
In general, it is recommended to visit with the family with a blanket and a light snack))
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4
October 28, 2023
Please make the entrance paid. They fucked up the place. At the moment when I was there, 11 buses arrived there. Crowds of people. Everyone eats and throws leftovers. Everyone has their own music column. It's like we got into some kind of bazaar.
There is no privacy with nature there. The entry of 5000 tenge will fix everything.
The place is very cool. But people spoil everything. They don't know how to relax in nature.
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2
June 12, 2024
One of the most beautiful places near Almaty. It is necessary to visit here to feel all the greatness of nature
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January 26, 2024
A must-visit, there are no questions at all. Necessarily. Moreover, a place with a very scary story that claimed many lives. But it also brought a lot of discoveries. The visit will not leave 100% without emotions.
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3
October 21, 2023
A very beautiful lake! I would call it a miracle of nature. But there are also not good stories associated with this place in distant times. I really enjoyed the walk. I recommend it!!!!
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May 8, 2024
A great place, I managed to get there every year. Unfortunately, it was closed this year due to the threat of a mudslide. I do not despair, summer is still ahead, God willing, we will go again.
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July 19, 2024
Eyes rest.We enjoyed the beautiful view of nature.Let Kazakh Tourism develop.Let's take pity on nature.Thank god I saw this........
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November 16, 2024
It's cool, but you have to walk to the lake
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September 16, 2024
Incredibly beautiful nature, I am very glad that I visited this place
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August 14, 2024
A very beautiful place filled with the energy of the mountains! It will definitely be remembered for a long time!
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September 11, 2024
We had a great rest! Don't get enough of nature. You will need to take cash with you.
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July 27, 2023
My native country is wide!
The most beautiful and beautiful!!!
One of the places where troubles and worries leave you, the very places where you can gather your thoughts and rethink your current goals and desires!
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3
September 1, 2024
One of the favorite places to calm the soul, the phone does not catch and it's great!
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November 5, 2024
The view is certainly gorgeous, but the fact that there are no toilets is a tin
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1
October 31, 2022
We were at the lake in November. There are several sites with beautiful views along the way. You get to the parking lot, then walk 1 km. The nature is very beautiful. Even the snow and fog did not spoil the picture. There is a path along the lake. The water is a very beautiful blue color. Everything is clean. I advise you to visit.
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2
June 3, 2023
It's a bit strange to evaluate natural attractions. It is not clear from what point of view to evaluate. The lake and the mountains are just stunningly beautiful, you can put 8 or 10 stars here. But as a tourist destination, everything is much sadder here. Is it really impossible to at least make normal toilets?! Well, it's a shame! For 10 years or more, every new government has been talking about the development of tourism, and here in one of the pearls of the Almaty region such a horror…
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1
March 24
It was cool, and the lake was changing color.
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May 10, 2024
We were there on 08/05/24, the lake has become shallow, the smell is rushing from it. You can look at the mountains, but there is little water itself and it is green in color.
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1