Lake Kamystybas (Kambash)
Lake Kamystybas, also known as Kambash or Kamyshlybash, is the largest lake in the Syrdarya River basin, located to the east of the Aral Sea. It is connected to Lake Laikol through a narrow strait.
The name of the lake comes from two Kazakh words: kamysty, meaning a place where reeds grow, and bas, meaning head or upper reaches. The shores of the lake are densely overgrown with reeds in some areas.
Lake Kamystybas is solely fed by the Syrdarya River, making its area highly dependent on the river's water levels. In the past, the lake faced the threat of becoming shallow, similar to the fate of the Aral Sea. Fortunately, in recent years, the lake's volume has been restored. Now its maximum depth is 10 meters (33 ft) and its average depth is 5 meters (16 ft).
Popular tourist destination
The lake's gently sloping bottom, sandy shores, and warm water make it a popular resort area, attracting visitors from all over the region. The swimming season at Lake Kamystybas lasts five months, from May to September. There are several recreation centers along the shore. Although the infrastructure and services are still developing, the lake has become a growing tourist destination.
Lake Kamystybas is also a favorite spot for fishermen, with a variety of fish species such as roach, asp, carp, pike, catfish, crucian carp, and bream. Near the village of Kozhar on the southern shore, there is a fish hatchery that releases fish into the lake every autumn.
How to get there?
Lake Kamystybas is located in the west of the Kyzylorda region. The M-32 highway (part of the Western Europe – Western China corridor) runs near its eastern shore.
Two kilometers (1.2 mi) to the east of the lake is the Kamystybas railway station, which is served by direct trains from Kyzylorda, Almaty, Pavlodar, Atyrau, Aktobe, Shymkent, Turkistan, Karaganda, and Astana.
Other tourist attractions near Lake Kamystybas:
- Fort Raiym
- Kambash Center for Additional Education
- Big Saryshyganak Bay
- Mausoleum of Basibek
- Mausoleum of Beketai
Recommended tours:
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Embark on a 9-day off-road expedition to the northern reaches of Kazakhstan’s Aral Sea. Discover hidden, untouristed gems, traverse long routes, camp under the stars, and embrace the rugged beauty of salt flats and dusty trails.