Southwestern Shore of Lake Alakol
An endless lake
Lake Alakol is a prominent water body located between the Jetysu and Abai regions of Kazakhstan. The lake's southwestern area is situated in the Jetysu region and is located near the Dzungarian Gate, a pass in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. With a length of 104 kilometers (65 mi) and a maximum depth of 54 meters (177 ft), Lake Alakol is one of the largest lakes in Kazakhstan. Interestingly, the lake's depth has almost doubled compared to the last century, and its water composition has also changed. Currently, the water is salty and resembles that of a sea.
The Alakol basin consists of approximately 15 rivers, including the Yrgaity, Emel, Tentek, Urdjar, Katynsu, Tasty, Synyrli, among others, and is also replenished by groundwater. The lake forms the Alakol system of lakes, which also includes Jalanashkol, Sasykkol, and Koshkarkol lakes. The Alakol Nature Reserve includes not only the lake but also three islands – Big (Ulken) and Small (Kishkene) Araltobe and Belkudyk. However, access to these islands is restricted, as they serve as a crucial migratory site for a diverse range of birds.
A many-hued lake
The Kazakh name for the lake, Alakol, means «multi-colored lake» (ala – multi-colored, köl – lake). However, before the 19th century, the lake had several different names, including Turge-Nor, Alateniz, Alakta, and It-Ichmes. The name Alateniz, which means «many-hued sea», is likely due to the lake's vast size, while It-Ichmes, which translates from Turkic as «a dog will not drink», refers to the high salinity levels of the lake.
The name Alakol is a fitting description for the lake, as it changes colors throughout the day, displaying various shades from azure blue to mossy emerald, and even blue-silver. At dusk, the lake even shines with golden-red highlights in the sunlight.
A healing lake
Lake Alakol has been renowned for its therapeutic benefits since ancient times, largely due to its famous black beaches, comprised of shungite pebbles, a Precambrian rock. Shungite is a mineral that infuses water with nitrogen, fluorine, bromine, iron, bicarbonates, sulfates, and other beneficial elements. It is well-known for its healing properties and positive effects on the body, especially for treating various skin diseases, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, shungite is a natural absorbent that is believed to absorb toxins from the body.
What to consider before traveling?
If you are planning a trip to Alakol, it's important to remember that both shores of the lake are drastically different from each other in terms of water composition, infrastructure, and types of beaches. The southwestern part of the lake has fresher water than the northeastern part due to freshwater rivers flowing into this region. Read about the northeastern shore here.
The southwest coast has many cliffs and a narrower shoreline, although there are sandspits with wide and flat beaches. It's worth noting that the height of some cliffs was reduced recently, resulting in more comfortable areas to swim and sunbathe. However, it's still important to be cautious around the cliffs, but you can also take advantage of their shade to escape the sun.
The best time to visit the lake is from late June to early September when the water temperature is most comfortable, hovering around 25⁰C (77⁰F). If you prefer to avoid the tourist peak, it's best to go in late August or early September, after the school vacations are over and the number of visitors has decreased.
There are many recreation centers and guest houses on the southwestern shore of Alakol. Learn more about them in this article.
How to get there?
To get to the southwestern coast of Alakol, there are several transportation options available. If you prefer driving, you can take a car and travel along the A-350 road, which later turns into A-355. If you're coming from Almaty, this road will take you directly to your destination. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Astana, Karaganda, or Almaty, as there is a railway line that runs along the coast, with stations in Koktuma, Zhaipak, Beskol, Akshi, and other nearby villages.
For those who prefer flying, there is a small airport located in Usharal village, which is close to Alakol. Additionally, you can also opt to travel by helicopter and land on the helipad near the village of Talapker.