Lake Bolshoye Chebachye
One of the crown jewels of the Burabay resort area is Lake Bolshoye Chebachye, known in Kazakh as Ainakol, or Mirror Lake. This picturesque lake is surrounded by low, forested mountains. It’s bordered by Mount Kokshetau, the highest peak in the region, to the southwest, and the village of Burabay to the southeast.
General Information
Bolshoye Chebachye is the largest lake in the area, with an average depth exceeding 10 meters (33 ft), a length of over 7 kilometers (4 mi), and a width of nearly 5 kilometers (3 mi). The lake's coastline features numerous peninsulas that form various bays, as well as several islets. This drainless lake is replenished by groundwater and precipitation, providing drinking water and fulfilling household needs for the village of Burabay. The shores are composed of granite and rocky outcrops. The lake freezes in late November, with the ice melting by the end of April.
Angler’s Haven
Located within Burabay National Park, Bolshoye Chebachye is a protected natural area. The lake is a haven for fishermen, teeming with species such as crucian carp, whitefish, perch, bream, carp, tench, vendace, and peled, along with crayfish. Anglers often set up tent camps and spend several days fishing from the shore, boats, or the islands.
Leisurely Beach Retreat
For those seeking a tranquil beach holiday, Bolshoye Chebachye offers sandy and pebbly shores, along with large boulders in some areas. The water is pristine, but the shore infrastructure is minimal, with few resorts and hotels, and no noisy establishments. Affordable private accommodations are available, and visitors typically prepare their own meals, with groceries available in the nearby village or Shuchinsk.
A few years ago, a paid beach was established, complete with sun loungers, toilets, and trash bins, transforming a once-littered wild beach into a clean and comfortable area for tourists. The peaceful surroundings of the lake are perfect for long walks, bicycle rides, and berry and mushroom picking, offering a glimpse of nature in its most unspoiled form.
How to get there?
It is best to reach Lake Bolshoye Chebachye by car. From the village of Burabay, follow the main road along Lake Borovoe. After approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 mi), you will see a sign for Bolshoye Chebachye. Turn right at the sign and continue through the forest to reach the lake.
Other tourist attractions near Lake Bolshoye Chebachye:
- Lake Borovoe
- Jumbaktas Rock
- Okzhetpes Rock
- Lake Maloye Chebachye
- Glade of Abylai Khan
- Mount Kokshetau
- Lake Tekekol
- Ayutas Rock
- Mount Bolektau
- Grove of Dancing Birches
- The Village of Burabay
- Lake Maybalyk
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