The construction plan of the B. Mambetov Reservoir was approved by the resolution of the Central Committee of the VKP(b) and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR on March 19, 1940. Work began in 1941 and lasted almost 15 years, concluding in 1956. The reservoir’s construction allowed for the stabilization of flood peaks and addressed the autumn-winter water shortage in the Chu River Valley.
The reservoir is located in the northern part of the country, 2 km west of the village of Orto-Tokoy, on the border between the Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions, at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the Kyzyl-Ompol and Archaly-Mazar mountain ranges.
To support the reservoir’s ecosystem, large-scale fish stocking initiatives have been conducted in recent years. In 2024, more than 1.2 million juvenile ludoga whitefish were released, helping to restore the population and maintain fishery resources.
Monitoring of local flora and fauna is ongoing, along with anti-poaching efforts in the surrounding areas.
Orto-Tokoy Reservoir is a popular leisure destination for both locals and tourists. Its picturesque shores, surrounded by mountain ranges, create perfect conditions for photography. Local guides offer excursions with viewpoints on the dam and hidden coves ideal for swimming and camping.
Since 2021, a small-scale hydroelectric project has been under implementation at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir. The installed capacity of the station will be 21 MW, with an estimated annual output of around 75 million kWh. The project is being carried out by OJSC "Chakan HPP" in collaboration with China National Machinery Industry Corporation.
The Orto-Tokoy Reservoir provides irrigation to 220,000 hectares in Kyrgyzstan and 80,000 hectares in Kazakhstan. Its resources are managed by the Interstate Commission of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, which coordinates water discharge regimes and filling levels to ensure regional food security.
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