[2] The north is dominated by the eye-shaped Issyk-Kul lake, surrounded by the ridges of the Tian Shan mountain system: the Kyungey Ala-Too mountains to the north and the Terskey Alatau to the south (the 'sunny' and 'shady' Alatau, respectively).

The highest peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, including Khan Tengri, are located in the easternmost part of the region.

[2] According to the 2009 Census, the ethnic composition (de jure population) of Issyk-Kul Region was:[2] The railroad coming from the northwest (from Bishkek) ends at Balykchy.

The region, which resembles the Alps or Colorado, would be a major tourist destination were it not for its remoteness and underdeveloped infrastructure.

Currently, it is visited mostly by locals who use the Soviet-era establishments around the lake and the more adventurous sort of international tourist.