Moraine lakes in eastern part of Arabel Valley.

"Between them, green lakes were visible, only partly covered with ice, and where there was none, flocks of beautiful scoters (Casarca rutila) swam on them, striking with their shiny metallic red and blue colors, reminiscent of the colors of birds of paradise."

P. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky. "Journey to Tien-Shan." 1856 - 1857.

Jeep ride through Arabel Valley.

Flowing, fresh, moraine lake Chokoly-Kel is located at an altitude of 3655.4 meters above sea level, is located on southern slope of Terskey Ala-Too ridge, in upper reaches of Juku South River, 3 kilometers southeast of Juku Pass at an altitude of 3633.3 meters above sea level, 4.4 kilometers south and slightly east of moraine lake Juku Upper Dugloromo, 6.6 kilometers southeast of Lake Juku West, 2.1 kilometers from right bank of Arabel-Suu River in Jety-Oguz district of Issyk-Kul region. 
The name of the lake "Chokol-Kel" is translated from the Kyrgyz language as "lake with stone blockages", which is associated with its moraine origin. The water in the lake is very cold, even in summer its temperature rarely rises above +10 degrees Celsius.
Chokoly-Kel is a picturesque moraine lake located in the upper reaches of the Arabel-Suu River on the southern slope of the Terskey Ala-Too Range in Kyrgyzstan. This lake, hidden among majestic mountain peaks, attracts tourists and researchers with its beauty and mystery.
Chokoly-Kel is of glacial origin. It was formed as a result of the melting of a glacier and the damming of water by a moraine - a cluster of rock fragments brought by a glacier. The water in the lake has a rich turquoise hue, which is due to the presence of fine particles of glacial turbidity.
High-mountain vegetation predominates in the vicinity of the lake: alpine meadows, low-growing shrubs and lichens. 
Geographical location and origin of Lake Chokoly-Kel.
Lake Chokoly-Kel is the longest in the Arabel and Naryn valleys. Many travelers, overcoming Terskey Ala-Too reported that the lake along which they passed after the Dzhuku Pass was the longest on their way. From the southern side, the Dzhuku South River flows into the lake, 3.3 kilometers long, originating on the northern slope of the Dzhuku Pass.
It should be noted that the northern slope of the Terskey Ala-Too ridge in the Arabel-Suu River valley is more gentle, which affects the formation of moraine lakes. South of Lake Chokoly-Kel there are about 10 large and small moraine lakes. The length of the lake is 3.2 kilometers, its width in the southern part does not exceed 500 meters, in the northern part the lake reaches 282 meters in the middle part no more than 100 meters, the area of ​​the lake is 1.05 square kilometers, the length of the coastline reaches 7.55 kilometers.
Tourism and accessibility of Lake Chokoly-Kel.
Chokoly-Kel is not only a beautiful, but also a mysterious place. It is associated with many legends and tales that are passed down from generation to generation. Lake Chokoly-Kol is a unique natural object that is worth seeing with your own eyes. Its beauty, grandeur and mystery will leave unforgettable impressions on everyone who decides to go to this amazing corner of Terskey Ala-Too.
Chokoly-Kol is a popular place among tourists who prefer active recreation and hiking. Several hiking routes of varying difficulty lead to the lake, which pass through picturesque gorges, passes, alpine meadows and glaciers. On the shore of the lake, you can set up a tent camp and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Geographical coordinates of Lake Chokoly-Kel: N41°54'51 E77°51'55

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.