Lake Bulunkule

Lake Bulunkule

Lake Bulunkule

Aketao County’s Bulunkou Township can be called the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” Glittering lakes, like radiant pearls, are scattered like flowers tossed by a heavenly maiden across the countless gullies of the Pamir Plateau. Lake Bulunkule is one of them. Because it is far from the China-Pakistan Highway, it doesn’t enjoy the widespread fame of Karakul Lake, and has thus become a neglected corner. In truth, what is most easily forgotten is often the most precious. Lake Bulunkule is like an unpolished jade—captivating in its purity, simplicity, and natural beauty, free from any trace of artificial carving. It is like a crown jewel, suspended high above the Pamir Plateau, shining brilliantly and exuding a subtle fragrance.

“Bulunkule” means “lake at the foot of the mountain” in the Kyrgyz language. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, eternal snow-capped peaks and glaciers stand like white jade screens, guarding the virgin purity of Lake Bulunkule. Reflected by the icy peaks, the lake shimmers brilliantly, resembling a crystal world. This is a pristine realm where not even a trace of impurity or worldly thought is permitted. Standing by the lakeside, facing the mirror-like, pristine water surface and the towering mountains around, all human desires and greed will be cleansed. One’s character will be elevated here, and the soul purified.

Lake Bulunkule is by no means a silent world. On the contrary, compared to the nearby Karakul Lake, it brims with youthful vitality, like a blooming maiden full of springtime yearning.

Climb up a snow-capped mountain by the lake, and anyone will be captivated by Lake Bulunkule. Watch how the clouds on the mountaintop cling together, and how the breeze gently brushes them, making the thread-like clouds drift softly, like silk handkerchiefs caressing your face and body. All worries and sorrows seem to fade away here, replaced by lofty aspirations and a refreshed spirit. When an eagle soars gracefully overhead, your heart and body may feel as if they’re floating weightlessly, ascending into the heavens.

If you stand atop the mountain or halfway up, and look down, the Lake Bulunkule beneath your feet resembles a gleaming, mirror-like precious mirror, spotless. If you have a pair of binoculars, you’ll notice that the smooth lake surface is not desolate—flocks of water birds are densely scattered across it like black sesame seeds sprinkled on water. There are also slightly larger wild ducks, swimming in pairs on the surface. In sharp color contrast to the grayish-brown water birds and wild ducks are the snow-white swans, which proudly hold their heads high like princesses in bridal veils, gliding gracefully in formation across the silvery, shimmering water. Wherever they go, flocks of water birds and wild ducks make way, lining up on both sides like an honor guard, welcoming the graceful pairs as they glide across the water and sky, offering them blessings and salutations.

The all-powerful nature has arranged many unsolved mysteries on the Pamir Plateau for humanity, and Lake Bulunkule is one of them. Just imagine: Karakul Lake, located just a dozen or so kilometers away in a straight line, has no birds on the water, no fish in the depths, and not a single strand of grass in the lake. Yet Lake Bulunkule is not only a paradise for birds on the surface, but also a playground for fish underwater, with clear shores teeming with flowers and plants. Reeds and aquatic vegetation grow thickly and luxuriantly. Logically speaking, the altitude, climate conditions, and geographical environment are quite similar, yet the outcomes are vastly different. This mystery may only be unraveled by experts and scholars.

Lush aquatic plants weave a green wreath around Lake Bulunkule. Snowy mountains and quiet gorges form the backdrop, with the blue sky underneath, white clouds drifting, green grass flourishing, fish swimming beneath the surface, eagles soaring in the sky, and flocks of water birds riding the waves. Lake Bulunkule is a scene of thriving vitality that captivates the heart. When night falls, you can see flocks of wild ducks and water birds resting on the water surface, while only the swans, in pairs, glide like battleships into the dense thickets, where their homes lie. There, nestled within nests woven from grass stems, lie several round, smooth, and warm eggs as white as jade. In a few days, you’ll see pairs of baby swans swimming alongside their parents on the water. What a world full of love and joy this is. Lake Bulunkule, you should cast off your mysterious veil and let more pilgrims behold your beautiful visage.