2025Pearls of Kyrgyz Nature - Sary-Chelek Lake - Set

On March 10, 2025 the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic puts into circulation a series of 2024 Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps: "Pearls of Kyrgyz Nature. Sary-Chelek Lake".

Lake Sary-Chelek stands as one of Kyrgyzstan's largest and most picturesque freshwater lakes. It is located 500 kilometers from Bishkek and 300 kilometers from Osh, within the Sary-Chelek State Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1959, the reserve lies in the Arkyt Gorge of the Chatkal Mountains.

Positioned at an elevation of 1,878 meters above sea level, the lake stretches 7.5 kilometers in length and varies in width from 350 to 1,500 meters. Its deepest point reaches 234 meters, making it the second deepest lake in Kyrgyzstan.

The name "Sary-Chelek" translates to "Yellow Dipper." It is widely believed that the lake got its name because in the fall, when all the trees turn yellow, the landscape resembles a ladle filled with honey.

The area surrounding the lake, within the boundaries of the reserve, is home to over 1,000 plant species, around 175 bird species and 34 mammal species.

The KEP stamps feature photographs of Lake Sary-Chelek taken by professional Kyrgyz photographer Vladislav Ushakov. The coupons of the minisheets depict images of animals living in the area around the lake: Turkestan red pika (Ochotona rutila), Red deer (Cervus elaphus), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus), Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), Gray wolf (Canis lupus), Snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Lake Sary-Chelek is undeniably a pearl of Kyrgyzstan natural heritage. KEP hopes that this issue of postage stamps will contribute to the preservation and promotion of this remarkable natural wonder.