Which lake is the world’s second-largest alpine lake after Lake Titicaca?

Lake Issyk-Kul is commonly described as the world’s second-largest alpine lake after Lake Titicaca.

It lies in northeastern Kyrgyzstan between the Kungey Ala-Too and Terskey Ala-Too ranges of the Tian Shan. The lake sits at about 1,607 metres above sea level and is surrounded by high mountains, giving it its alpine setting. Its name is often translated from Kyrgyz as “warm lake.”

Issyk-Kul is saline and endorheic, meaning it has no outlet to the sea. Despite its elevation and severe winter climate, it rarely freezes completely because of its depth, salinity and thermal properties. The lake has long supported fishing, travel and tourism.

The “second-largest alpine lake” label depends on how alpine lakes are defined, so it is best treated as a conventional geographic description. Lake Issyk-Kul is not the highest major lake; Lake Titicaca is higher and is usually ranked first in this comparison.