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In these, the days of swine flu, economic collapse, and impromptu Air Force One bombing raids, there appears to be a lot of worry about, so Pyrodes encourages you to get away from it all, way-way away from it all, to the isolated, yet beautiful beaches of Mexico Kyrgyzstan. Lake Issyk-Kul, to be specific, is quite the hidden gem for travelers on many fronts. Perpetually warm, full of healthy minerals and Soviet lore, teeming with endangered species, and positioned under some of the most fabled mountains in Taoism and Islam alike, the lake offers those with the fortitude to reach it all the history and beauty one could ask for. It is the ninth largest lake in the world, and the second largest with salt water, but it takes a back seat to none in unique appeal and untouched value for the jaded traveler. There is much to see and do here, if you have the right info, so, let’s explore a little bit further, after the jump….
Lake Issyk-Kul is a place of contrasts, both in environment and culture. Just past the lake’s eastern borders, almost hovering above the water in a line of snowy peaks seemingly supported by air alone, the 天山, or aptly-named Mountains of Heaven form the border between Kyrgyzstan and China’s Xinjiang Province. The mountains themselves are said to be the cold, snowy home of the Goddess of the West in Taoist faith. Among the mountains are hidden some of the warmest and most stunning lakes on Earth, as they draw their warming energy and unique mineral content from thermal activity beneath the surface. Issyk-Kul is an extreme example of one such lake. Never freezing over, even in the dead of winter, its waters are warm enough to swim in for much of the year, and people have done so for centuries. A stop off point on the Silk Road, the lake’s fame dates well back to Pre-Islamic days where it is rumored the lake was created from an overflowed well after the hidden secrets of an Ossounes king were revealed in its depths.To this day, people travel here from near and far to enjoy the rich array of minerals that are said to be good for a long list of physical ailments.
The lake also has a less spiritual claim to fame as the staging base of Soviet submarine research back in the good ole Cold War days. After a brief period of peace and tranquility, a portion of the lake is now going back to the Russian Navy for testing under the provisions of the Agreement on Friendship, Cooperation, Mutual Help, and Protection of Secret Materials. Fantastic.
The lakes among 天山 are something to see
Traveling to Lake Issyk-Kul is a very doable journey for those with a bit of patience. Its shores are not too far from the capital, but a short plane ride or long bus ride is needed. Recommended times to go range from May to September if you just want to enjoy the lake itself or July to September if you want to do some hiking in the nearby mountains. Hiking is absolutely superb in this area, taking you through a variety of natural scenes and small nomadic settlements. You might run past wolves, mountain sheep, brown bear, and a leopard or two (but don’t count on it). Surrounding the lake and in nearby towns are small Yurt camps for those interested in staying in a traditional nomadic abode. Independent travel is possible in this region with the proper visas, but infrastructure is scarce, so you may consider taking advantage of one of the guided tours in the area or just hiring a personal guide of your own. Down on the lake, there is surfing, skiing, scuba diving, and simply sitting on the beach, which in the middle of Asia, is kinda cool. Whatever your taste or pleasure, if you have a sense of adventure and an appreciation of those spots where culture meets beauty, this lake is a must see for your to-do list.
The Mountains of Heaven Hug the Lake's Eastern Border
Here are some helpful websites and, well, the most cheesy video we could find for your enjoyment. So, Pyrodes toasts you a glass of kumuz (look it up), and wishes you Happy Travels!
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Lovely images and lovely post..I visited Lake Issyk-Kul long time back..but this time my aim is to visit Sydney as I have come to know about 60% discount offer from Accor group through http://pea.to/ampind