The Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is the first and one of the most picturesque artificial lakes in Kyrgyzstan. It was created in the mid-20th century on the Chu River for irrigation purposes, but today it is known not only for its strategic importance but also for its unique natural beauty. The mountainous shores and clear, cool waters of the reservoir attract tourists seeking solitude and inspiration. Due to the icy winter patterns that appear on its surface, the reservoir has earned the unofficial nickname “Kyrgyz Baikal.”
The name Orto-Tokoy translates from Kyrgyz as “middle forest.” According to local legend, a dense forest once stretched across the site of today’s reservoir, located on a pass between the mountain valleys of Issyk-Kul and Naryn. It served as a landmark along the route, hence the name - the forest in the middle. When the dam was built during the Soviet era and the basin was filled with water, this forest was completely submerged, but its memory lives on in the name of the place. Today, Orto-Tokoy recalls this legend with its quiet bays, underwater groves, and a name that points to the “middle forest” hidden beneath the water.
The project to create the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir (named after B. Mambetov) was approved on March 19, 1940, by decree of the Central Committee of the VKP(b) and the Council of People’s Commissars of the USSR. Despite wartime difficulties, construction began in 1941 and lasted about 15 years - the reservoir was fully operational by 1956. It was the first large reservoir in Kyrgyzstan, and its launch marked a turning point in the development of the republic’s irrigation. The new hydro complex made it possible to control spring floods and store water to eliminate the autumn-winter deficit in the Chu River valley, significantly increasing irrigated areas and yields.
An outstanding Soviet hydraulic engineer, Vladimir Alexandrovich Vasiliev, made a special contribution to the project. He developed the original design for the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, which modern experts call truly ingenious. In 1938, Vasiliev was unjustly repressed but later rehabilitated and returned to professional activity. In recognition of his achievements, a memorial plaque honoring his key role in the development of Kyrgyzstan’s water management and hydropower was installed on the Orto-Tokoy dam.
The reservoir is located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, just 2 km west of the village of Orto-Tokoy, on the border of Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions. The water surface lies at about 1700 meters above sea level, giving the local climate a moderately cool mountain character. Orto-Tokoy is situated in a natural basin - an intermountain depression flanked on both sides by the majestic Kyzyl-Ompol and Archaly-Mazar ranges. These mountain ranges frame the water surface, creating an impressive panorama: against the backdrop of gray-brown cliffs shimmers a vast lake, changing color from pale blue near the shores to emerald and almost black in its deepest spots. This striking contrast between water and rock makes the landscape especially photogenic and unforgettable for visitors.
To maintain the ecosystem of the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, active measures have been taken in recent years. In March 2024, more than 1.2 million young Ludoga whitefish (a valuable species of whitefish) were released into the reservoir. This large-scale restocking, conducted for the third consecutive year, has helped restore fish populations and strengthen the reservoir’s fishing potential. Scientists note that the lake’s conditions are favorable for juvenile growth, which will support biodiversity and fish resources in the region in the future.
At the same time, environmental services and inspectors monitor the state of local flora and fauna. Shoreline zones are patrolled to prevent poaching - for example, during one raid in 2022, inspectors removed about 1.5 km of illegally installed fishing nets from the reservoir. Such efforts help maintain the natural balance: clean water, the fish that inhabit it, the adjacent pastures, and bird nesting sites. Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is gradually becoming an example of the harmonious coexistence of a large hydraulic structure with its surrounding environment.
Orto-Tokoy has long been famous for excellent fishing - no wonder the reservoir’s shores are favored by both locals and visiting anglers. These waters are home to various fish species. From the carp family, marinka and Osman - traditional Tien Shan species - can be caught here. In addition, the lake is rich in trout, and after restocking, Ludoga whitefish - a valuable commercial fish from the salmon family - can now be found here. Anglers come year-round, especially in summer, when fishing can be combined with outdoor recreation.
It is important to note that fishing in the reservoir is regulated: before your trip, you should check the current fishing rules and, if necessary, obtain a permit from local fishery authorities. This is aimed at preserving the resource for future generations - thanks to regulation and restrictions, fish populations in Orto-Tokoy remain stable, and catches continue to please both amateurs and professionals.
The Orto-Tokoy Reservoir has long been a popular holiday destination - appreciated by residents of nearby cities and travelers discovering new corners of Kyrgyzstan. The picturesque shores of the lake, surrounded by jagged mountain ridges, create stunning views for both the eyes and the camera. In clear weather, the water reflects the sky and mountains like a mirror, and in the evening it takes on golden-orange hues of the setting sun. It’s no surprise that everyone who visits takes home dozens of beautiful photos and vivid impressions.
For active tourists, local guides organize various excursions. There are routes to observation decks on the dam, offering panoramic views of the entire reservoir and the Chu River valley. Equipped campsites allow visitors to set up tents, make a campfire, and spend an evening in nature in comfort. Orto-Tokoy is ideal for both family picnics and peaceful relaxation, as well as more extreme activities - from boating and SUP surfing to hiking in the surrounding mountains.
The peak tourist season at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir falls in summer. During the hot months, people come here to escape the heat: even in midsummer, the water temperature rarely exceeds +15°C. Swimming in such cool water offers refreshing relief and makes it easier to endure summer heat. The shoreline is long and varied - you can find shallow bays that warm up better in the sun, or dive from a boat into deep, cool waters.
Winter transforms Orto-Tokoy into a completely different, fairy-tale world. As the cold sets in, the reservoir freezes over, and nature paints intricate patterns on the ice. The icy surface, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, looks stunning - it is for these unusual landscapes that Orto-Tokoy is called the “Kyrgyz Baikal.” Many tourists come here in winter specifically to see the transparent ice with frozen air bubbles and cracks forming spectacular designs. However, winter recreation is more of a sightseeing nature: swimming is, of course, excluded, but you can enjoy the silence of the snowy steppe.
In addition to its irrigation role, the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir has recently been used in the energy sector. Since 2021, a project to build a small hydroelectric power station has been underway here. The future Orto-Tokoy HPP will have an installed capacity of about 21 MW and will be able to generate around 75 million kWh of electricity per year. As part of the project, a temporary settlement for builders has been established, a concrete plant has been built, and active construction work is underway on the dam and diversion tunnel.
The construction is being carried out by the domestic company Chakan HPP JSC in partnership with foreign contractors. In March 2023, a contract was signed with the Chinese corporation China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach) for the main construction work. According to the schedule, the hydroelectric plant is planned to be commissioned by 2026. The launch of the HPP will allow water energy to be converted into electricity, providing an additional source of renewable energy for nearby regions. For local communities, this means more stable power supply, and for the country as a whole - another step towards efficient use of its own water resources.
The Orto-Tokoy Reservoir plays a key role in irrigating agricultural land not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in neighboring Kazakhstan. Its waters irrigate about 220,000 hectares of fields in the Chu Valley in Kyrgyzstan and around 80,000 hectares of farmland in southern Kazakhstan. This transboundary nature of the reservoir requires coordination between the two countries. The Interstate Kyrgyz-Kazakh Water Management Commission for the Chu River manages joint use of resources. Within this commission, annual agreements are made on filling and discharge schedules from Orto-Tokoy, water distribution during the irrigation season, and maintenance schedules.
This cooperation benefits everyone: Kyrgyzstan receives support in maintaining and operating hydraulic structures, while Kazakhstan receives a guaranteed volume of water for its farms. Joint efforts allow efficient use of the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir to ensure food security for the entire region. In dry years, the countries work together to distribute water as rationally as possible, and in flood periods - to prevent damage by timely discharges. Thus, Orto-Tokoy serves as an example of successful shared water resource management for the benefit of both states.
Combining rich history, natural beauty, and economic importance, the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is rightfully considered one of the most unique places in Kyrgyzstan. Visitors leave with vivid impressions: some inspired by the grandeur of engineering, others captivated by the silence of mountain landscapes. The reservoir continues to live, giving people water, energy, and the opportunity to touch a beautiful corner of nature.
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