Issyk-Kul State Nature Reserve with the Issyk-Kul Lake. 12/11/02; Issyk Kul Province; 626,439 ha; 42º25’00’’N 077º15’00’’E. (First designated for the Ramsar List by the Soviet Union in 1976, added to the Montreux Record, 4 July 1990.) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The second largest saline lake in the world, Isyk-Kul is fed by over 80 streams and minor channels, but has no outflow. The name means “hot lake” because, despite its high altitude (1609m), the lake itself never freezes over – the average water temperature is 22° C. The site is of primary importance as a wintering site for migratory waterbirds (up to 70,000 birds recorded annually). Notable waterbird species include the endangered White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala). The lake is home to 28 fish species of which 7 are found nowhere else in the world. The silt from the lake and the hot springs at Aksu are thought to have medicinal properties, which has led to the development and expansion of health resorts along its shore. Ramsar site no. 1231 (formerly Ramsar site no. 109). Most recent RIS information: 2013.

Issyk-kul region