Chatyr-Kul is the third largest natural lake in Kyrgyzstan with a surface area of 180km2. It is in a valley between the At-Bashy and Torugart-Too Mountain ranges at an altitude of 3,350 metres (10,990 feet). Its name means ‘Celestial Lake’ in Kyrgyz.
Chatyr-Kul is in an endorheic basin and there is no outflow from the lake. This type of basin is also known as an internal drainage system or terminal basin.
Due to the altitude of the lake with water is usually frozen between October and April. The low water temperature also means that the lake contains very few fish for its size. Chatyr-Kul is a biodiversity reserve, however, as it an important location for many species of wild birds.
Lakes
Links: www.kyrgyzstantravel.com, www.tripadvisor.com, central-asia.guide, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org
By: Mike_bjm
