Kel-Suu Lake​

Exploring the Area

Lake Kel-Suu, located in the Naryn region near the Chinese border, is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most stunning mountain lakes. At an altitude of 3600 meters, it features fresh greenish waters, cliffs, and a history shaped by earthquakes. The lake spans 9 kilometers in length, with varying widths of 500 meters to 2 kilometers. Its remote location and cold climate make it a unique destination, with daytime summer temperatures at 14–16°C and nighttime temperatures sometimes below zero.

Where to stay

• Yurt Camps: Operated by locals, these camps provide authentic stays and horse rentals.
• Organized Tour Camps: Offer guided tours with tent accommodations.
• Independent Camping: Requires your own gear but can be risky due to flooding and marshy terrain.

Eating and Drinking

Yurt camps and campgrounds provide meals, but bringing your own food is recommended for specific preferences.

What to See and Do

• Kel-Suu’s turquoise waters, steep cliffs, waterfalls, and grottoes make it ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and photography.
• The lake occasionally disappears into underground caves, adding to its mystique.
• Explore nearby features like the 50-meter rock-island and the main cave with its coral-like textures.

How to Get Around

Accessing the lake is challenging, requiring specialized vehicles to cross rivers and traverse unpaved roads through the Ak-Sai Valley. The journey from Bishkek takes about 13-14 hours, and permits from the Border Guard Service in Bishkek are necessary for entry into the border zone. Route: Bishkek – Naryn – Ak-Muz – Bosogo – Kynda – Ak-Sai – Kok-Kyya Permits must be arranged at least two weeks in advance and include a photo, passport copy, and an application.