The Issyk-Kul State Reserve was established in 1948 and still holds the status of a protected natural area. It has been assigned the category Ia – strict nature reserve.

The reserve consists of 9 separate sections, each ranging from 5 to 11584 hectares in size. They are located along the northern and southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

This is one of the largest reserves in the country. Its main task is the protection of waterfowl and insects listed in the Red Book of the country. Every year, 30-50 thousand birds belonging to 98 species winter on the lake.

To reach the Issyk-Kul State Reserve (clickable).