Lake Jalanashkol
A fascinating lake known as Jalanashkol, meaning «naked lake» in Kazakh, is situated in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan, near the Chinese border. It is a relatively small lake within the Alakol system of lakes, alongside Alakol, Koshkarkol, and Sasykkol. The eastern shoreline of Jalanashkol is encompassed by the Alakol Nature Reserve.
Jalanashkol stretches approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 mi) in length and spans 5.8 kilometers (3.6 mi) in width, with its maximum depth reaching slightly over 3 meters (10 ft). The lake's banks are adorned with reeds, providing a nesting ground for various bird species, while the beaches mainly consist of sand and pebbles. Notably, Jalanashkol is a saline lake, lacking any inflowing rivers or streams.
The lake's hydrogen sulfide mud, enriched with minerals, possesses renowned healing properties, attracting thousands of tourists annually seeking relief from ailments and diseases. Interestingly, the mud here is diverse, with black mud specifically designated for treating joint and bone conditions, while gray mud is employed for alleviating skin ailments. Furthermore, the mud of Jalanashkol contains bischofite, a mineral that exhibits analgesic, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This mineral proves highly effective in the treatment of arthrosis, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar conditions. The lake's water comprises a mix of elements, including sodium, calcium, and other chemical compounds from the periodic table. It is believed that Jalanashkol exerts a more beneficial influence on the female body, while Alakol is considered advantageous for men. Although the veracity of these claims is uncertain, the undeniable benefits of Jalanashkol should not be underestimated.
How to get there?
The south coast of the lake is accompanied by the A-355 highway, while the western coast is in proximity to the A-357 highway. In addition, the Jalanashkol railway station is merely 4.5 kilometers (2.8 mi) away.
For travelers coming from Almaty, the distance to the lake is approximately 660 km (410 mi), which translates to a travel time of about 9.5 hours. If you're starting your journey from Taldykorgan, you can reach the lake in just over 6 hours, covering a distance of around 391 km (243 mi). Meanwhile, the trip from Astana would take approximately 17-18 hours, and from Ust-Kamenogorsk, it would require about 10.5 hours.