Lake Chagan
During the era of the Soviet Union, the vast steppes of Kazakhstan served as a testing ground for nuclear experiments. The notorious Semipalatinsk Test Site is situated in Kazakhstan's Abay Region, and not far from it lies Lake Chagan, a body of water that originated from an explosion pit.
Soviet Testing Grounds
Under the so-called "Peaceful Atom" program, Soviet scientists devised a plan to create reservoirs for accumulating floodwater. An explosive device was placed in the floodplain of the Chagan River bed. The detonation resulted in the formation of a crater measuring 430 meters (1411 ft) in diameter and 100 meters (328 ft) in depth. Following the test, eleven settlements with a combined population of 2,000 people were subjected to radioactive contamination. The gamma radiation at the crater's edges measured 30 roentgen per hour on the first day, decreasing to 1 roentgen per hour after 10 days. Presently, the radiation levels range from 2000-3000 µR/hour, significantly higher than the natural radioactive background in the area, which is 15-30 µR/hour.
In the spring of 1965, a canal connected the pit to the Chagan River, transforming it into Lake Chagan. Subsequently, a biological research station was established on its shores. Scientists released over a hundred species of fish and amphibians into the lake. Most of them died out, and the surviving ones exhibited mutations. The research station was eventually closed in the early 1970s.
Current Reality
Today, Lake Chagan is officially recognized by the Republic of Kazakhstan as one of the areas most severely affected by nuclear tests. The water in the lake is deemed unsuitable for consumption, and the entire region is considered dangerous for human habitation.
Despite governmental restrictions on visiting the lake, persistent tourists continue to embark on excursions to Chagan. To approach the pit, one must wear protective clothing and a mask.
Other tourist attractions near Lake Chagan:
- Chagan Ghost Town
- The Town of Kurchatov
- Semipalatinsk Test Site
- Bayanaul National Park
Recommended tours:
View all offers
On request
Embark on an exploration of the Soviet legacy on Kazakh soil! This tour takes you to the infamous labor camps of the Stalin era, Karlag and Alzhir, the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, and various other landmarks from the Soviet era.