Lake Merzbach

Kyrgyzstan

A mysterious glacial lake, which empties every year for inexplicable reasons in a rarely seen spectacle.

Where the northern and southern parts of the Engilchek Glacier meet, a unique natural spectacle awaits, which has previously only been seen by a few lucky spectators. We are talking about Lake Merzbach, which empties every year as soon as it is filled by the melt water of the glacier. This usually happens once in August, rarely this process can occur twice, in the last years even already in July. Since the journey to Lake Merzbach takes at least four days and the time of the spectacle cannot be defined exactly, mainly luck is needed to witness this inexplicable event.

This particular glacial lake was discovered by Gottfried Merzbacher in 1903, hence the name. The German geographer was on his way to the foot of Khan Tengri peak when he first saw the lake. However, on his way back barely three days later, the water had disappeared and blocks of ice covered the lake bottom. When he returned a year later, the lake again showed filled with glacial water and Gottfried Merzbacher concluded that it must be an annual cycle. Explorers who managed to see this rarity with their own eyes report that the emptying of the lake takes place in a very short time and produces a deafening amount of noise. The water disappears through channels in the ice of the glacier and eventually flows into the Engilchek River.

For what reasons and how exactly the lake empties is disputed. Different theories provide possible explanations, but so far no complete explanation has been found. It is believed that as the water level rises, a layer of ice at the bottom of the lake is loosened and driven upward, whereupon the water drains through exposed channels in the glacier. When the water level drops, the ice layer also drifts back to the bottom and closes the outlets, allowing the lake to fill again. However, the exact circumstances are largely unknown, and so Lake Merzbach continues to guard the mysterious secret of its annual emptying.

Since Lake Merzbach is located within the border zone with China, it is imperative to obtain the proper permit to stay there before arriving. The lake can be reached by a four-day hike that crosses the glacier. Those who wish can continue their journey to the base camp of Khan Tengri.

Do you want to visit the incredible nature in Kyrgyzstan? We have the right Trip ready for you!

Fun Fact

Some of the ice blocks floating in the water are as tall as a five-story building!

MEGA SALE

Double your discount up to 1.200,- €when you book with a friend today! 😍

Save on our unique trips, including our Namibia trip, with up to 300,-€ Discount.

👫✈️ Unique friends campaign 🚨: Book together with a friend and we'll double your discount - for both of you! 🎉

Offer only until on January 31! ⏰

Wait! A 50€ voucher is waiting for you

Sign up now for the TripLegend newsletter for free and get 50€ off your first booking (with full payment). Get travel inspiration and adventure ideas delivered to your inbox.