Martian sands in Kyrgyzstan? The mind-bending secret behind Lake Issyk-Kul’s vibrant red beach

AKIPRESS.COM – Russian tourists were left spellbound by the unusual shores of Lake Issyk-Kul’s southern coast, noticing that under specific sunlight, the beach sand near the village of Kadzhi-Sai takes on a striking red and orange hue.

Environmental specialist Alexander Sosnovsky explained that this color is caused by a high concentration of iron oxides, where each grain of sand is coated in a microscopic iron film that turns a distinct rust-red or brick color through atmospheric oxidation.

This natural phenomenon mirrors some of the world’s most famous landscapes, placing Kyrgyzstan’s gem alongside iconic destinations like Africa’s Namib Desert and the vast deserts of Australia.