Kel Suu Lake Boat Tour in Kyrgyzstan

Kel Suu Lake in Kyrgyzstan is a pristine glacial lake nestled within the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountain range. It's a spot to visit if you want to drift in a boat on turquoise-warmed pluff mud.

Hidden treasures of Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan range

Kel Suu Lake, a “hidden gem,” formed by melting glacial ice at the base of the Tian Shan mountains. Kel Suu is a glacial lake — the same geological processes that create a glacier create it. Melting ice and snow feed the lake all year. The lake's location, altitude and water chemistry combine to tint the water in a greenish jewel tone. The Tian Shan mountain range hosts nearly 9,000 lakes. Most are rugged, higher-altitude spots. The lake's turquoise coloring is from the rock flour and sediment collected from the melting glaciers. Kel Suu is often overshadowed by nearby Lake Issyk-Kul, a similarly stunning large alpine lake. Issyk-Kul is the second-largest salt water lake in the world. At over 3,000 feet deep and 100 miles long, Issyk-Kul is impossible to ignore. Kel Suu Lake offers a more intimate experience in a quiet setting. The lake is also smaller, which triggers a more personal relationship with nature.

Off-the-grid trekking in Kyrgyzstan

For travelers researching Kyrgyzstan, the country's vibrant yet little-known nature provides a more offbeat experience. The country draws fewer visitors than its Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Travelers are drawn by the promise of a more authentic experience. The country's raw nature is part of the appeal, even though its wildlife photography is not as well known or preserved as that of North America or Europe. Wandering through Kyrgyzstan, the traveler can expect to catch sight of rare Snow Leopards, Marmots, and Lynxes, natively known as Siberian Lynx. The country's wild hardiness is ideal for preparing the traveler to go through the high altitudes, steep slopes, and often icy conditions. Kel Suu Lake is a different experience from a commercialized tour. It's a local experience.

### The backstory of Kyrgyzstan's mountains

The Tian Shan mountain range connects the Caspian Sea and China’s Tarim Basin. The Tian Shan run through Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China. The range is the largest in Central Asia, stretching 1,500 miles. The Tian Shan range did not form along the fault lines of continental plates. Instead, they formed in a region of collisions of plates and compression and friction. This geology created the high-altitude ripe for glacier formation, which formed Kel Suu Lake. The mountains form a natural barrier between the East European Plain and the massive Tarim Basin. Some of the world’s most endangered species dwell in the Tian Shan range, including Snow Leopards and Siberian Lynx. For some species, Tibetan sheep in particular, the Tian Shan range is the only place on earth where they survive.

### Kel Suu Lake's meeting of East and West

The lake has been featured in film, sports, and music videos. The lake features in the soundtrack for Gacabe & Jecabe's Interstellar (Main Theme). The area's natural beauty and the lake itself help create the sense of wonder and awe that makes musical settings remarkable. The places in Kyrgyzstan most tourists are drawn to are the lake and its surrounding areas. The lake's clear waters and emerald color against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains make it one of the most photographed places in the region. The area is also home to a variety of plant and animal life.

### On foot

Getting to Kel Suu Lake is no small feat. Kyrgyzstan is not highly developed as a tourist destination. Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country, geographically landlocked from Kazakhstan to the north, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to the south, and China to the east. The traveler can expect to encounter uneven roads and underdeveloped travel infrastructure. Access to the lake is far from easy. Whether by car, hiking, or motorcycle, the trip to the lake is long enough to make it a journey. The road to the Tian Shan ranges is known to be difficult. Getting supplies and other necessities, including food and camping equipment, can be challenging. Before embarking on a journey to Kel Suu, it’s essential to plan your trip carefully. Keep in mind to pack appropriate clothing and gear for a high altitude. You should also research the weather and local conditions. Local guides with experience hiking in the area are essential as it can be quite poses a risk for a guide-less journey.

To do

• Location: Pre-plan your adventure, as the journey to Kel Suu Lake requires hiking a difficult trail. Therefore, you should research the best possible transportation options, either by car, motorcycle, or a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Proper attire: Remember that the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, even in the summer. Dress in layers and pack rain gear, as well as extra warm clothes for unexpected weather changes.
• Acclimatization: Make sure to acclimate properly to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness. This can involve taking your time to hike or climb to allow your body to adjust to the effect of the higher altitude.
• Health and Fitness: Check with your doctor to ensure that you do not have any underlying medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the altitude, cold, or hiking at high altitudes.