Lake Issyk-Kul: 118 Rivers Flow In, None Flow Out

Brief By Twitter X / 8:23 PM on 01 Sep 2026

Satellite footage from the International Space Station has captured Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul, where more than 118 rivers and streams flow in, but none flow out. Located 1,607 metres above sea level in the Tian Shan mountains, the endorheic lake retains water within its closed basin, with most water eventually lost through evaporation.