Though the full Unesco Biosphere Reserve includes seven mountain lakes and numerous rare flora and fauna, the star attraction for most visitors is the massive Sary-Chelek lake itself. Over 2km at its widest and over 7.5km long, the lush shoreline vegetation and dramatic crags facing the lake's accessible south shore make it a favourite local travel destination and it isn't hard to understand why.

　　From the car park, follow a path uphill beyond the few small buildings to loop around several of the small lakes and several breathtaking high-perspective views of Sary-Chelek lake itself.