Diving in Issyk-Kool
Surrounded from all its sides by the picturesque snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains rising to almost 7,500 m, lake Issyk-kool is famous for being the world's second-largest alpine lake or second highest navigable lake in the world after lake Titicaca in South America. In fact it measures 180 km long and is up to 70 km wide. At it's deepest point the lake is around 700 metres deep and lies at the altitude of around 1,600 m above the sea level. Due to some thermal activities, physics of the deep water, strong winds, and the unique microclimate over the lake Issyk-kool never freezes even in cold seasons of the year thus justifying its name, which literally means "Hot Lake" in local language.
About 180 large and small rivers flow into the lake continuously supplying it with fresh water from melted mountain glaciers though there are no streams flowing out of the lake. That makes the water in the lake just slightly salty, which is good enough for keeping the lake clean and very comfortable for swimming.
Called "The Pearl of Central Asia" Issyk-kool is both interesting as a nice recreation area and a historic place. Its history goes back to late 7-th century when a lot of ancient settlements and towns were built along the legendary Silk Way. With time those were destroyed by numerous hostile tribes, and finally covered by the invading water. But still one can find the traces of the ancient settlements under water such as ceramics, earthenware, bronze cauldrons, various metallic dishware and even blue ceramics and ancient coins.
Here are some popular legends about Issyk-kool:
1. In 1996 Russian painter Ilya Glazunov published a book "Crucified Russia" in which he stated that Aryans ancestors had come from "the country of perfect creation" situated on Issyk-kul banks. That means that waters of Issyk-kool cover Kitezh city.
2. I. Streletsky a famous Russian treasure hunter set up a hypothesis that Templier knights in cooperation with Christians-Nestorians buried the Templier Order's treasure in one of Issyk kul islands.
3. According Kirgiz historics and archeologists Chingis khan grave and his treasures are hidden in Issyk kul lake. Chingis Khan's son Chatatati Khan was a ruler of Issyk kul at that time. Chingis khan sons imitated Khan's funeral in Ordos in 1227, but had real funerals in Issyk-kul- put Chingis Khan's body, gold and other treasures into coffin made of archa /local cherry tree/ and drown it in the lake, that's why no one could find his grave till now.
Some facts: In the beginning of 20th century a map of Issyk kul treasures was brought to Kirgizstan from China. In 1926 archeological digs started in Kurmenty grotto. Following the map instructions at depths of 6 meters the archeologist found stone slate with unknown letters and two ancient hammers: gold and copper. But then all works were stopped by the authorities due to unstable political situation. Several times the excavations resumed: in 1952 by the Iinistry of National Security; in 1976-77 by the Kirgiz geological department and our times by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According Kyrgyz constitution 50% of found treasures belong to a person, who found the treasure. Issyk-kool still send a challenge to discover the beauty of its unique nature and underwater secrets. Will you be the one who takes its challenge today?
In the mean time Lake Issyk-kool attracts even techno-divers. Of course, it does! Its depth is about 706 meters! That's why the divers from our Dive Club keep trying to go deeper and deeper and establish new records in the lake. The current diving record is 75 meters. It was established on October 6, 2009 by the Instructor Igor Lim. He used the air while diving.
The temperature of the water by the shore is about +17C, and around +6C in the deepest parts of the lake.
In 2010 we are planning on establishing new level, using not only air, but Nitrox and Trimix as well.
One can dive in Lake Issyk-kool all year round. Though, the best time for diving in Issyk-kool
is from July to November.
Our camp is very well equiped and has all the conveniences like electricity, hot water, central heating, etc. Not to forget to mention about the Internet and satellite TV!
Besides diving, Issyk-kool is well known for its fishing for Trout. Issyk-kool's Trouts can be as heavy as 4 kilos!
"dive.kz Team"
WELCOME TO ISSYK-KOOL TOGETHER WITH DIVE.KZ
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Случайное фото из галлереи
Diving in Issyk-Kool
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