The video by travel content creator Nikolai Gladkov showing frozen Song-Kul — one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan – is going viral. Users compare its azure ice texture to that of the world’s deepest Lake Baikal and note that the landmark is definitely worth visiting.
Overview of the high-altitude lake
Song-Kul lies 3,016 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of the Naryn region, between the Songkol-Too and Moldo-Too ridges. This is the country’s second-largest lake after Lake Issyk-Kul and is actually popular with tourists, but in the winter season the path becomes covered with ice, making it virtually unreachable. Therefore, images of the lake in winter are pretty rare.
The lake’s uniqueness also lies in its rich surrounding wildlife, including dozens of kinds of fish as well as snow leopards, foxes and wolves. Although there are no trees, the area is full of vulnerary herbs.
How to get there
It takes six to seven hours by car when traveling from the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. The road quality is mostly good but still has some poor sections. The best panoramic views open from the western bank, which can be reached through the Kalmak-Ashuu and Teskey-Torpok passes.
Tourists can also reach the lake on foot or horseback, and most of them choose the Chil-Bel, Uzbek and Tuz-Ashuu passes. At the lake itself, locals offer traditional Kyrgyz yurts for rent, and ancient petroglyphs can be seen in the surrounding area.
Gladkov’s video has already received thousands of positive impressions, with users noting that the country’s nature never stops impressing.
Previously, Kursiv.media reported that a couple celebrated their wedding on the surface of frozen Lake Baikal following the style of «Game of Thrones.»
