One of the most important sights of Kazakhstan is Lake Balkhash. It takes the honorable thirteenth place in the list of the largest lakes in the world. The lake is unique - it is divided by a strait into two parts. On one side of the strait, the water is fresh, and on the other, it is s alty. Translated from the Kazakh, Tatar and Altai languages, the name of the lake means "marshland".
Like all the sights of the East, Lake Balkhash has its own beautiful and rather sad legend.
In ancient times, the almighty sorcerer Balkhash had a daughter, a beauty named Ili. Some time passed, and the sorcerer decided to marry her off. Rich suitors from all over the world learned about this, and after a while caravans with rich gifts reached the sorcerer's house. But among the rich contenders for the heart of the beauty was one simple poor young man - the shepherd Karatal, whom Ili fell in love with at first sight. As usual, a competition was held among the suitors, in which Karatal naturally won.
However, the treacherous father did not give him his beautiful daughter, despite the promises made. The lovers then decided tothe escape. Upon learning of this, the angry sorcerer cast his curse on them, and turned the fugitives into two rivers carrying water from the mountains. So that the rivers would never be able to connect, the father, distraught with grief, rushed between them and turned into a lake, called Balkhash.
Lake Balkhash was first mentioned in ancient Chinese writings. It was the Chinese who were the nearest developed civilization that could get acquainted with this region. The lands that were located to the west of the famous Chinese wall, they called "Si-Yu", which means "Western edge". These lands were already known by 126 BC. e. Already in the six hundred and seventh year, the Chinese compiled maps of 44 states located at that time in Asia.
Lake Balkhash in 1644-1911 was located at the northern border of China. In 1864, an agreement was concluded between Russia and China, according to which Balkhash and all the territories adjacent to it went into the possession of Russia.
In 1903-1904, Lake Balkhash was studied by the expedition of the Russian geographer Berg, as a result of which it was found that Lake Balkhash is located beyond the Aral-Caspian basin and in the past they never connected. Berg concluded that the lake never dries up and its waters are fresh. However, it was noted that in ancient times Balkhash dried up and then refilled with water, which had not yet become s alty.
Magnificent nature, picturesque surroundings, relaxing on the sandy beach,fishing and hunting - all this is Lake Balkhash. The photo will not be able to give a complete picture of the beauty of these places. Lake Balkhash - rest in a quiet and peaceful environment, with a fishing rod in hand. For this, numerous fishing bases have been created here. Even a beginner will not be left without a catch.
Tourist bases on the shore of the lake will give you an incomparable vacation - surfing, riding a scooter, boat, yacht. You will feel the healing effect of the water of this lake and mineralized hydrogen sulfide mud.
