Orto-Tokoi Water Reservoir

Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is located in the Chu River Valley and regulates the flow of the Chu River into the Boom Gorge and the Chuy Valley. Naturally, the water level depends on the season and traditionally drops by autumn due to high water demand during the summer months. Because of the high elevation, the reservoir rarely warms up enough for comfortable swimming. Nevertheless, it can be an interesting stop on the way to Issyk-Kul or toward Naryn, offering impressive views of a vast body of water surrounded by majestic mountains.

The reservoir lies at the junction of two roads: one leads from Boom Gorge toward Naryn, while the other connects it with Balykchy and the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Both roads are paved, well-maintained, and scenic in their own way.

Because of the elevation, temperatures here are usually noticeably lower than on the shore of Issyk-Kul and especially compared to the Chuy Valley. If you plan to spend time outdoors, bring warm clothes.

From the viewpoint, you can walk down along a dirt road leading to the shore. By the end of summer, when the reservoir approaches its minimum water level, the shoreline may retreat significantly.