Chatyr-Kul

Chatyr-Kul is an alpine lake in the Naryn Region of central Kyrgyzstan, sitting at 3530 meters above sea level between the Torugart-Too and At Bashi mountain ranges. It covers roughly 181 square kilometers and forms a large body of water in a sparse, high-altitude landscape.

The lake gained protection in 1972 to shield migratory birds that use it as a critical stopover during their journeys. It became part of the Karatal-Japyryk State Nature Reserve and has since held international importance for bird conservation.

The name comes from the Kyrgyz language and means Celestial Lake, showing how local communities have long viewed this high-altitude water body as something sacred. Herders still use the surrounding meadows to graze their animals during warmer months.

Access to the lake requires special border permits since the area sits near international boundaries within a protected reserve. Visitors should arrange permissions well in advance, as regulations are strict.

During winter, the lake freezes completely solid as temperatures plunge to minus 50 degrees Celsius, with ice forming from the surface down to the bottom. This extreme freeze creates one of the harshest environments and makes the area nearly impassable during those months.