Issyk-Kul is the world’s second-largest mountain lake by area, after Lake Titicaca.
Located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul covers about 6,236 square kilometres in the Tian Shan mountains. Its name means “warm lake,” a reference to the fact that its saline water rarely freezes even though the lake sits about 1,607 metres above sea level.
Issyk-Kul is an ancient endorheic lake: rivers flow into it, but no surface river carries water away. Evaporation is the main outlet. Around 118 rivers and streams feed the basin, including the Jyrgalang and Tüp, while the lake reaches a maximum depth of about 668 metres.
The lake has long been a major landmark and travel destination in Central Asia. During the Soviet period, its northern shore developed into a popular resort region, especially around Cholpon-Ata. It is also a Ramsar wetland and forms part of the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve. Lake Titicaca remains larger by area, making Issyk-Kul the runner-up rather than the largest mountain lake.