Kol-Tor Lake

Kol-Tor Lake is located in a side branch of the Kegeti Gorge at an altitude of about 2,700 meters above sea level. The hike to the lake is considered one of the most challenging among popular routes in the Chuy Region due to the significant elevation gain, which (depending on the starting point) ranges from 900 to 1,100 meters. Nevertheless, the destination is well worth the effort: the lake is truly stunning, with an unusual water color that can change from turquoise to sky blue depending on the season and lighting conditions. The trail is clearly visible and well marked, so navigation does not present serious difficulties. Several signposts are installed along the route, showing the current altitude and the distance to the next key point.

The shortest way from Bishkek is via the highway through Lebedinovka and Novopokrovka (an extension of Zhibek Zholu Avenue). In the village of Krasnaya Rechka, turn right. The road then passes through Yuryevka, Syntash, and Rot-Front, eventually leading into the Kegeti Gorge, where the road surface gradually deteriorates and asphalt gives way to dirt. Shortly before the bridge across the Kegeti River, there is a checkpoint where you must register your vehicle and pay an environmental fee (a payment terminal accepting cash is available). As of 2024, the fee for a passenger car was about 200 KGS. After crossing to the opposite (right) bank of the river, continue for about one more kilometer to a fork. The road to the right leads to a second bridge and further up the Kegeti Gorge toward the Kegeti Waterfall. You should go straight ahead. Soon the road begins to curve left, following the Kol-Tor stream, a right tributary of the Kegeti. The road quality is below average and continues to worsen; driving a standard city car may be difficult. Choose a parking spot based on your vehicle’s capabilities. Of course, the farther you drive, the less you will need to walk, but this section is relatively flat anyway, so the time and energy saved will be minimal.

This is a physically demanding route, so plan according to your fitness level. The round trip takes about 7–8 hours, so be sure to bring enough water and food. It is also important to start early, keep sunset time in mind, and carry a flashlight just in case. Trekking poles are strongly recommended year-round. Snow melts later and falls much earlier in the gorge than in the valley; already by mid-October, the snow cover can reach half a meter. Steep sections become very slippery, so proper footwear is essential. The best time to hike to Kol-Tor is July or August.

At the beginning of the route, you walk along a dirt road that gradually gains elevation. Farther on, the road turns into a wide, clearly visible trail winding through a true coniferous forest — a rarity in Kyrgyzstan. The Kol-Tor stream stays on your right, sometimes very close, sometimes far below in a deep gorge. At a certain point, the ascent becomes noticeably steeper as the trail climbs one of the transverse ridges blocking the valley. This is a tough section: it may feel like the steep climb will never end, but remember that the trail becomes easier afterward. At an altitude of about 2,350 meters, the river suddenly disappears, emerging right before your eyes — lake water seeping through the massive moraine that holds it back. Slightly above this spot, at the boundary between forest and alpine meadows, there is a convenient resting area. The second half of the route climbs a stepped ridge, where gentle sections alternate with steeper ones. Objectively, this part is somewhat easier than the first, although the high altitude may bring the earliest signs of altitude sickness: fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness. Take your time, rest as needed — and you will reach your goal.