Naryn Winter Tour: Fire & Ice. 🧊 Skate on Ara-Kol lake, see the famous Burning Spring, explore Kok-Moinok Canyons and breathe the healing air of Chon-Tuz Salt Mines. Unique experience!
Tour to Ara Kol lake Highlights & Insights
- Kok-Moinok Canyons (The Red Canyons):
- Experience: We warm up with a hike through these aeolian (wind-carved) sandstone formations. The red and yellow layers create a Martian landscape perfect for photography.
- Expert Fact: These canyons are actually the bottom of an ancient lake that existed millions of years ago, which explains the sedimentary layers and unique shapes.
- Orto-Tokoy Reservoir:
- Experience: A scenic stop at the first reservoir built in Kyrgyzstan (1960). In winter, the water contrast against the snowy mountains is stark and beautiful.
- Ara-Kol Village: The Frozen Lake & Burning Spring:
- Experience: We visit the village of Ara-Kol. First, enjoy skating or walking on the natural ice rink of the local lake. Then, witness the “Burning Spring”—water that literally catches fire!
- Expert Fact: The “Burning Water” phenomenon is caused by natural methane gas seeping through the groundwater. It’s safe to touch the water, but the gas hovering above it ignites, creating a mesmerizing flame dancing on liquid.
- Chon-Tuz Salt Mines:
- Experience: Descend into the mountain to explore the Chon-Tuz speleotherapy center.
- Expert Fact: This is a former Soviet salt mine turned health resort. The air inside is saturated with salt ions, which is incredibly beneficial for people with asthma and allergies. The temperature inside remains constant year-round.
