23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Pureness of Teal Waters, White Clouds, and Azure Sky

The waters of eastern Issyk-Kul are clearer than at the southern and northern resorts where more humans frequent. This vertical shot captures the clarity of the lake's water, its teal-blue depth farther in, and a sleek depiction of the nearby southern shore, its mountains, and the heavenly kingdom above.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Kyrgyzstan
Camera: iPhone 14
Copyright: © erjan syrgak