Plizio Visual Lab

Chatyr-Kul

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Chatyr-Kul is a vast endorheic high-altitude lake located in the At-Bashi Range of Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region, near the Torugart Pass on the border with China. With a surface area ranging between 153 and 181 square kilometers, it lies at an elevation of 3,530 meters above sea level, making it the third-highest lake in the country. The lake basin is surrounded by towering mountain ranges and is characterized by an extremely harsh climate, with the lake being frozen for much of the year. Lacking an outlet, its water is slightly saline, supporting specialized aquatic flora and fauna. The area is recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance, serving as a vital stopover for thousands of migratory birds, including the rare bar-headed goose. The surrounding tundra-like landscape also provides habitat for Argali mountain sheep and snow leopards, making Chatyr-Kul an ecologically critical site in Central Asia.

Location: Kyrgyzstan
Nearby: At-Bashy (58 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-16	-14	-8	-2	2	6	8	8	3	-3	-9	-14
Rain mm	8	13	16	23	32	32	26	22	15	12	12	11

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This vast high plateau is generally accessed via the remote Torugart Pass road, often requiring a hired 4x4 vehicle from towns like Naryn or At-Bashi to handle the rugged driving conditions.

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Best season

Due to the extremely harsh climate and high altitude, the short summer window between July and August is typically the only practically viable time for a comfortable visit to this lonely lake.

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Terrain & paths

The surrounding landscape consists of mostly flat but rough, marshy terrain around the solitary lake, completely devoid of any tree growth to offer natural shelter from the constant winds.

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What to bring

Visitors must bring heavy windproof and waterproof clothing, thick warm layers even in mid-summer, and sturdy waterproof footwear specifically suited for walking on the boggy, wet ground.

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Parking

Vehicles can usually be parked informally off the main dirt tracks relatively close to the lake, though structured parking facilities are completely absent in this intensely remote border area.

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Safety

The significant high altitude and harsh, inherently unpredictable weather demand extreme caution; traveling with a highly reliable vehicle and carrying ample emergency supplies are absolutely crucial.

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Time needed

A visit typically lasts about half a day as part of a longer road journey across the high plateau, or a full day if one attempts exploring the surrounding barren high plains on foot.

Geography

Coordinates

40.61000, 75.30000

Facts

The lake is situated at a significant elevation of 3,530 meters.
The maximum depth of Chatyr-Kul is approximately 16.5 meters.
The area was designated a Ramsar protected site in 2005.
The lake is an endorheic basin with no surface outlet.
Water temperatures in summer often hover around just 4 degrees Celsius.
In winter, the ice cover on the lake can reach up to 1.5 meters in thickness.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tash Rabat Caravanserai6 km · EExplore →

Ak-Sai Valley22 km · NExplore →

Shirdak-Bek Citadel30 km · SEExplore →

Karatal-Japyryk State Nature Reserve36 km · NEExplore →

Song-Kul38 km · SEExplore →

Koshoi-Korgon Fortress47 km · NExplore →

At-Bashy Ancient Settlement57 km · NExplore →

At-Bashy58 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Chatyr-Kul (1)

Gazirovannaia voda📍 landmark

A natural mineral spring near Lake Chatyr-Kul where carbonated water bubbles from the ground.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lake Chatyr-Kul located?

Near the Torugart Pass on the border with China.

At what altitude is the lake?

It is situated at an altitude of about 3,530 meters.

Is a permit required?

Yes, a border zone permit is mandatory due to the proximity to the border.

Are there fish in the lake?

No, the lake has no fish, but it is an important breeding ground for birds.

What are the temperatures like in winter?

It gets extremely cold, often dropping below -30 degrees Celsius.

Chatyr-Kul: where is it located?

Chatyr-Kul is located in Kyrgyzstan.

Chatyr-Kul: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Chatyr-Kul: why is it worth visiting?

Chatyr-Kul is a vast endorheic high-altitude lake located in the At-Bashi Range of Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region, near the Torugart Pass on the border with China.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →