Issyk-Kul Beach
Lake Issyk-Kul ("Ozero Issyk-Kyl" in Russian), is a drain less lake in the northern Tien Shan (mountains) of Kyrgyzstan, and one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, and is famous for its magnificent scenery and unique scientific interest. It has length of 113 miles (182 kilometers), a width of up to 38 miles, and a surface area of 2,445 square miles (6,332 square kilometers). It reaches 2,303 feet (800 m) and its name, which derives from a word for "hot lake", alludes to the fact that it does not freeze over during the winter, even though the lake is situated at an altitude of 5,278 feet (1700 m). More than 50 rivers can be counted in the basin. The Issyk-Kul shores open out gently, with coves on the eastern and southeastern sides.