Travel on lakes of Southern Kyrgyzstan.

"A camping pot is always attached to its owner."

Trip to lakes in Tien-Shan mountains.

Freshwater lake Kara-Suu is located at an altitude of 2037.9 m. a. s. l., between western slopes of Takhtalyk Range and eastern slopes of Ken-Kel Range, 2.9 kilometers northwest of Lake Kapka-Tash and 33 kilometers southeast of Toktogul Reservoir, in Toktogul district of Jalal-Abad region.

The lake stretches 6.9 kilometers from southeast to northwest. Its greatest width in the northwestern part is 1.6 kilometers from the mouth of the Pioz and Kumush-Bel rivers. The lake's width in the southeastern part reaches 233 meters. Its depth reaches 90 meters.
The lake's area is 4.18 square kilometers, and its shoreline is 15.8 kilometers long. Eight small rivers and streams flow into the lake from the eastern slope of the Ken-Kel Ridge, while four small streams and the Pioz River flow into the lake from the western slope of the Takhtalyk Ridge.
The 24-kilometer-long Kapka-Tash River flows into the lake in the southeastern part. It originates from the northern slope of the Fergana Range at an altitude of 3,750.2 and 3,676.9 meters above sea level. After passing Lake Kara-Suu, the river takes its name from the lake.
The steep banks of Lake Kara-Suu are overgrown with Tien Shan spruce, juniper, rowan, barberry, and other shrubs.

Climate of Lake Karasu.

Lake Karasu's climate is warm, dry, and moderate. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day and from 8 to 14 degrees Celsius at night. Wind speeds are moderate. Winters are snowy and frosty.

Water Temperature of Lake Karasu.

At the surface, the water temperature in summer reaches 17-19 degrees Celsius. A thermocline begins at a depth of 14-16 meters. From a depth of 25 meters, the temperature remains constant at 5-6 degrees Celsius. Ice forms throughout the lake every winter.
A good dirt road leads to the lake. Access to the water is good. Water clarity is 8-12 meters. The lake is abundant in fish (peled and marinka). Submerged flora is sparse. Rocky walls and schools of fish can be seen underwater.

Rest home for hydroelectric builders of Toktogul hydroelectric power station on Lake Kara-Suu.

In the mid-1960s, a rest home for hydroelectric construction workers and operators of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station (HPS) opened in the southeastern part of the picturesque mountain lake Kara-Suu. Its construction coincided with the start of construction of the HPS itself in 1962.

Geographical coordinates of Lake Kara-Suu: N41°33'19 E73°15'29

Authority:
Alexander Petrov.
http://dive.kg/

Photos by:
Sergey Bulanov.