28 July 2011 | 10:02

Issyk-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan

©Roza Yesenkulova

In spite of the recent events in Kyrgyzstan the country managed to escape to tourist crisis. There are a lot of tourists from Russia and Kazakhstan. Locals are also frequents at the resorts.

Issyk-Kul is an endorheic lake in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name, which means "hot lake" in the Kyrgyz language. The lake is a Ramsar site of globally significant biodiversity (Ramsar Site RDB Code 2KG001) and forms part of the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve. It is also the site of an ancient metropolis 2500 years ago, and archaeological excavations are ongoing.

Issyk-Kul water remains warm in the evening, when the sun hit fades. ©Roza Yesenkulova

The sign "No jumping form the pier. Water 1.8 m deep" fails to stop some. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Sky lanterns launched at night. ©Roza Yesenkulova

In ancient time braids indicated marriage status of a girl. But the tradition has faded since. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Cultural center Rukh Orda holds legends misteries and miths. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Huge territory of Ruhk Orda. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Eagle master offering to take a photo with the bird for small money. ©Roza Yesenkulova

The bird feels fine under the scorching sun. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Signature of Kazakh writer Chingiz Aitmatov on the wall of the cultural center. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Guids offering a 2 hour excursion of Rukh Orda for 300 som. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Through a coin, clang the bell and your wish will come true. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Even kids are busy in Kyrgyzstan. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Kyrgyz yurt (nomadic tent) holds the treasures of the nation: leather, fox felts, hunting instrument and homeware. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Handloomed carpets and pictures are expensive. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Bard Bolat Okudzhava staring into the crear blue Issyk Kul lake, holding his guitar. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Heart-form stone was found near the Tien Shan mountains. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Kyrgyz national yurt (nomadic tent). The left part belongs to men, the right one is for women. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Statue of President Nursultan Nazarbayev near the lake. ©Roza Yesenkulova

©Roza Yesenkulova

A camel photo for 50 som. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Kazakh poet and philosopher Asankaigy. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Tourists use the peliod found at the botton of Issyk-Kul. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Tourists can "feed" the frog with a coin and pat him on the head to make thier dreams come true. ©©Roza Yesenkulova

Kyrgyz flags are available at the market in Bosteri. ©Roza Yesenkulova

There is a fair in Bosteri on weekends. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Mountain flower honey starting from 100 som per kilo. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Kyrgyzs produce milk, curd, cheese, sour creem and butter. ©Roza Yesenkulova

These treasures can be found at the bottom of Issyk Kul. ©Roza Yesenkulova

©Roza Yesenkulova

There are no starfish in Issyk Kul. It is brought from China. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Hats with earflaps, and leather wares can be bought at the local market. ©Roza Yesenkulova

Abservation wheel near the "Golden Sands" resort - 150 som per a ride. ©Roza Yesenkulova

"Golden Sands" resort is very popular among Almaty residents. ©Roza Yesenkulova

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