Lake Alakol, whose name is translated from the Kazakh language as "Motley Lake", is a unique water resource of Kazakhstan. In terms of size, it ranks second among all inland water bodies of this country. During the day, the waters of Alakol change their shade several times. In the morning, the lake pleases the eye with delicate turquoise, and at the end of the day, azure tones prevail. Weather conditions also affect the change in the color palette.
Geographic data
Most travelers know exactly where Lake Alakol is located - next to the Celestial Empire, at the intersection of the borders of two regions - East Kazakhstan and Almaty. The reservoir covers an area of 2700 km2and lies at an altitude of 347 meters above sea level. The depth of the lake is 50 meters, and the length is 102 kilometers. The width reaches 54 kilometers. Alakol water warms up to 24-26 degrees, and tastes like sea water - just as s alty.
The reservoir has undeniable healing properties, because its waters contain all the elements of the periodic table. The only exception is iodine - it is not observed in Alakol waves. Doctors recommend relaxing on the lake for those whosuffers from skin diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, disorders of the nervous system. And, of course, here you can strengthen the general condition of the body.
Other healing properties of the lake
Lake Alakol, in addition to the above, has a number of useful properties. Ancient legends say that the reservoir has a miraculous power that relieves fatigue and irritation, removes pain in the joints, brings peace and good mood. Alakol was famous for its healing waters in the distant past. And today his fame continues to spread throughout the world. The great conqueror Genghis Khan, along with the Tumens, stopped in this area to heal the wounds received in battles. After several centuries, cosmonauts came here so that the waters of Alakol would cleanse them of radioactive exposure. Underground sources feed the lake and have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Men benefit more from Alakol water treatment than women. Nevertheless, despite gender differences, here you can get rid of psoriasis, urticaria, eczema, neurodermatitis, respiratory diseases, osteochondrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.
How to get to your destination
There are many ways to get to Alakol Lake. One of them is air travel. So, first you need to fly to a city called Semey, and from it by bus or car you should get toSemipalatinsk coast. If you want to get to the Almaty coast, you will have to go here from Taldykorgan or from Almaty itself, having bought tickets to the village of Koktuma. People who do not like flights can also use rail transport. In this case, the train will take you to Semey, and there you need to take a taxi or transfer to a bus, and after a short journey, Alakol Lake will open its arms to you.
Historical background
The first person to explore Alakol Lake (photos of this natural object are presented in the article) was G. Karelin, a famous traveler and naturalist. In 1840 he visited the Balkhash-Alakol basin, located at the foot of the Dzungarian Alatau. After a short amount of time, L. Schrenk, a no less famous traveler, showed interest in this area. He was the first to measure the area of a natural reservoir. The academician wrote that it is equal to 1700 km2. In 1862, these data were refuted by A. Golubev. His studies showed that the area of the water surface increased, and the length of the reservoir was 70 km, and the width was 40.
In 1931, these figures increased even more: up to 75 and 48 kilometers, respectively, the depth was four meters. These measurements were made by B. Terletsky. Exactly 20 years later, V. Kurdyukov took up the study of the water body. His data were as follows: the depth of the lake is 90 km, the width is 50 km, and the depth is 34 m. Over the past few years, the area of Alakol has increased even more.
Moresome facts
Some sources say that in ancient times the lake Alakol had a completely different name - Gurgen-Nor. From Mongolian it is translated as "Lake of Bridges". Probably, a long time ago, the land areas that separated the chain of lakes were somewhat reminiscent of bridges.
Not a single river flows out of Alakol itself. But on the other hand, small water streams flow into it: Zhamanty, Urdzhar, Tasty, Zhamanutkol, Khatynsu and Emel. Many of them dry out in the summer. The rest of the streams remain “alive” due to the fact that, descending from the Dzungarian Alatau, they go into the underground bowels and continue their course there. And they flow into Alakol like powerful rivers.
Aigerim
Kazakhstan, Lake Alakol in particular, is a place that has all the conditions for a comfortable stay for tourists. In this area there are a huge number of various boarding houses and tourist centers. But the rest house "Aigerim" enjoys the greatest success. It is located in that part of the lake, which is located on the side of the East Kazakhstan region (Urdzhar district). This is a fairly large area with an area of six hectares. It has the necessary infrastructure and hotel rooms for every taste and budget.
For those visitors who want to save a little, the administration offers standard economy class rooms, and people who are not used to saving can stay in one of the wooden houses.
What does Lake Alakol offer travelers? Recreation centers ("Aigerim" in particular) havepaid car parking (if you arrived in your own vehicle), playgrounds (if you are on vacation with children), entertainment complexes with billiards, a shooting range and tennis. In order to diversify the holidays of its clients, the management organizes dances with live music, concerts with the participation of local pop stars, and KVN competitions every day. In a word, Aigerim is a place worth visiting.
Sights of the lake
Alakol is a lake (the map is shown just above), which has one unique attraction. We are talking about the reservoir Zhalanashkol. This is a single system. Its waves, like the waters of Alakol, are known for their healing qualities. And if "Motley Lake" treats men's ailments more, then Zhalanashkol is able to help women to a greater extent. Local healing mud cures infertility, helps restore peace of mind, solve many women's troubles and contribute to the acquisition of psychological stability. The healing features of both reservoirs have been studied in the best possible way. Also, scientists are well aware of the diseases that the mentioned sources help to get rid of. In some holiday homes located in this area, tourists can ask for a list indicating all the ailments that can be cured with the help of the waters of these miraculous lakes.
Some more recreation centers
Alakol is also unique in that it is the only body of water on the planet where there is a black beach. The coast consists of well rounded graveland pebbles. The weather on Lake Alakol contributes to a favorable rest: in summer, the water here warms up to 20-25 degrees Celsius. And in its composition, it resembles the Dead and Black Seas. In addition to the recreation center "Aigerim", there are also such wonderful complexes on the lake as "Zhalyn", "Pelikan", "Dorozhnik", "Barlyk Arasan" and other establishments.
Barlyk Arasan
Separately, I would like to tell you a little about this place. After all, this is probably the only complex on Lake Alakol where dyskinesia of the gallbladder and biliary tract, pleurisy, neurodermatitis, chronic pancreatitis and gastritis, seborrheic eczema and other similar diseases are treated.
The resort is located in the southern part of the Semipalatinsk region, in the Barlyk valley. Lake Alakol itself is located 20 kilometers from the base. This is the only holiday home on this coast. An important role in the healing process is played by such natural factors as clean air, picturesque landscape, steppe forbs, bathing in the bitter-s alty lake Alakol. Walking in the area strengthens the immune system, charges vacationers with positive energy and provides an opportunity to get real pleasure from everything you see.
Visit these unique places and see for yourself that this is truly a beautiful place!
