Mountain lakes
Yrdik Lakes
The Yrdik lakes belong to the mountain country south of Karakol in the Terskey Ala-Too. The name refers to a separate lake outing in the neighbouring valleys, not another name for Ala-Kul or for Issyk-Kul itself.
Photo: Turkestan Travel / karakol.kg; individual photographer not named · Copyright retained; source credited; no open licence stated · Source · LicenseThe Yrdik lakes belong to the mountain country south of Karakol in the Terskey Ala-Too. The name refers to a separate lake outing in the neighbouring valleys, not another name for Ala-Kul or for Issyk-Kul itself.
The interest is the transition from the inhabited eastern Issyk-Kul area into upper valley and lake terrain. Local outing material treats the lakes as a distinct destination, which is useful when choosing between mountain days from Karakol. The Karakol Gorge link provides regional orientation, not a claim that the Yrdik lakes lie on the same path as every Ala-Kul itinerary.
Plan your visit
Getting there
Confirm the exact lake outing and approach with a local Karakol guide; no entrance point is asserted.
When to visit
Check present mountain weather, snow and path conditions for the intended lake.
Good to know
Confirm local access, opening arrangements and any entry rules before travel. Respect protected sites and local communities; leave the place as you found it.
Sights in and around Yrdik Lakes
Open each place for its description and visit details. Out-of-town stops require a separate journey.
Issyk-Kul Region
Karakol
Karakol deserves time as a city as well as a base for the eastern Issyk-Kul mountains. Its streets bring together the histories of different communities, with wooden architecture, places of worship and food traditions that make a useful counterpoint to days on mountain trails.
Photo gallery
2 photos · select to enlarge
