Lakes on northern slope of Kakshaal-Too ridge.

“It was already evening when we reached the westernmost end of the lake. Having passed the lake, we drove along the valley for some time, and then I climbed one of the hills to take a photo of the lake. From here, from the western end, the picture of the lake was especially good; on the left (from the north) the view was limited by the Atbashinsky Mountains, and on the right (from the south) by a snowy ridge - a continuation of the Tien Shan. In the distance to the east stretched a barely noticeable strip of the southern shore. It is, of course, impossible to photograph the entire lake.”

“Travel through the Turkestan region and exploration of mountainous country of Tien-Shan.” N. Severtsov. 1873.

Moraine lakes in valley of the Eastern Aksai River.

Moraine, flowing, freshwater lake Dzhamanichke, located at an altitude of 3965 meters above sea level, is located in upper reaches of Western Dzhamanichke River, on northern slope in western part of Kakshaal-Too ridge in At-Bashinsky district, Naryn region.
Lake Dzhamnichke is a high-mountain pearl of the Kakshaal-Too ridge, secluded and difficult to access, it preserves the atmosphere of pristine untouchedness. Dzhamnichke belongs to moraine lakes, that is, formed due to the melting of ancient glaciers and their damming with moraine deposits.
The reservoir is fed mainly by melted glacial waters and precipitation, due to which it remains flowing and fresh. The lake plays an important role in the local hydrological system: it serves as a natural reservoir for the Dzhamnichke and Eastern Aksai river basins, which originates here.
The length of the lake is 445 meters, the greatest width in the eastern part reaches 353 meters, the area of ​​the lake is 0.11 kilometers, the length of the coastline is 1.3 kilometers. The shores of the lake are framed by harsh rocky ridges and moraine deposits, giving the landscape a characteristic high-mountain severity.
In summer, you can see alpine meadows, bright spots of mountain flowers and eternal snowfields, and in winter this area is almost completely hidden under a layer of snow. The water of the lake is crystal clear and cold, even in the warm season the temperature remains low. Due to this, it preserves a unique ecosystem, characteristic of high-mountain reservoirs of the Tien-Shan.
Study of Lake Dzhamnichke.
processes of formation of moraine lakes in the Tien-Shan mountains,
hydrological regime of the rivers of the At-Bashinsky district,
climate changes reflected in the glacial system.
In addition, such lakes are indicators of the ecological state of the region: the water level, transparency and composition reflect the general influence of natural and climatic factors. Despite its inaccessibility, Lake Dzhamnichke is of interest to lovers of mountaineering, hiking and scientific tourism.
The path to it runs through picturesque valleys, high mountain passes and glacial massifs. Here you can feel that special atmosphere of silence and grandeur for which the highland regions of Kakshaal-Too are famous. Lake Dzhamnichke is not only a unique natural object of the At-Bashy district, but also a symbol of the beauty and grandeur of the mountain nature of Kyrgyzstan.
Its cold waters and harsh shores remind us of the power of the glaciers that formed this region, and give a rare opportunity to touch the world where harmony of the elements and silence reigns.
Legend of Lake Dzhamnichke.
Long ago, when nomads lived in the valleys of the At-Bashinsky region, a green alpine meadow was located on the site of today's Lake Dzhamnichke. Herds and flocks grazed here, and this place was considered blessed. But among the residents there was one rich bai, whose heart was distinguished by greed and cruelty.
He forbade poor shepherds to bring cattle here and even to collect water from the springs. People suffered, but they were afraid of his power. One day, a gray-haired old traveler came to these lands. Tired, he asked the bai for a drink and to spend the night. But the owner refused him, drove him away, mockingly.
The old man sighed and said:
- "Your heart is cold as a stone. And your land will become cold as a glacier."
That same night, a storm broke out: avalanches and rock slides came down from the peaks of Kakshaal-Too, blocking the valley. The glacial waters gushed with a roar, and a deep lake formed in place of the flowering meadow. Since then, it has been called Djamanichke, a lake born from misfortune and human cruelty.
People believe that on quiet evenings, if you listen closely at the shore, you can hear the groans and echoes of the songs of shepherds, whose voices seem to remain under the thickness of cold water.
Geographic coordinates of Lake Djamanichke: N41°01'55 E76°52'11

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.