These beautiful water bodies, attracting more and more tourists every year, are one of the most interesting sights of Altai. These places are famous for their excellent climate and nature, great opportunities for a varied holiday.
In this article, travel lovers can find answers to questions regarding this wonderful region of Russia - the region where the Karakol Lakes are located (you will see a photo in this article). Their name in translation means “black lakes”.
Location
The Karakol lakes are located in Altai, on the territory of the Chemal region of the republic. This group of reservoirs consists of seven high- altitude picturesque lakes located on the western slope of the Iolgo ridge, which is the watershed of the Katun and Biya rivers.
The river Tura originates in this place, which flows into Karakol. The latter, in turn, carries its waters to the Elekmonar River, which is a tributary of the Katun. The lakes are located 30 kilometers from the village of Elekmonar.
Description
Geologicallythe origin of reservoirs is glacial-tectonic. All basins are located on the steps of a powerful caravan staircase. In other words, the Karakol reservoirs are like giant stepped depressions, each of which is filled with water. Therefore, the Karakol lakes are located at different levels. The height of the lowest, seventh lake, is 1840 meters above sea level, and the highest is at an altitude of about 2100 meters.
There is a certain regularity in the size of lakes and in water temperature: they decrease with increasing height of their location. All of them are not very deep, but even in summer the water in them is cold. From the upper reservoirs, it gradually flows into the lower ones.
The distance between the lakes is from 300 to 800 meters, and they are connected to each other by streams. In clear cold water, there is practically no vegetation, as well as fish.
About the status of the area
In 1996, the complex of Karakol lakes in the Altai Mountains was given the status of a Natural Monument. The regime of its visit is reserved and recreational. In recent years, it has been strictly enforced.
Tent camps are allowed only in specially designated areas. There is also a tourist center "Karakol Lakes" for guests, located near one of the lower lakes. Tourist bureaus of the Chemalsky district organize excursions to the lakes.
Climatic conditions
The climate in the Karakol lakes differs from the regions of the nearby valleys. In the summer months, the average temperature is 5 degrees lower here. Tofor example, in July it is 10-11 °C. In winter, the air temperature rises due to the influence of temperature inversion, and it is higher than in other areas. For example, in comparison with the lower reaches of the Elikmanar river valley, it is 3-4 degrees warmer here.
Annual rainfall reaches up to 1000 mm, with the maximum amount occurring in summer. In winter, the thickness of the snow layer reaches up to 120 mm, despite the fact that in the valley of the Katun River (Chemal - Elikmanar) it is almost absent.
Nature
Due to the location of the lakes at heights with a significant difference, the territory of this place covers a wide range of climatic and natural zones.
In the vicinity of the lower lakes there are massifs of mountain taiga, represented by cedars. Above, alpine meadows appear with a variety of herbs and flowers. Trees, bushes, grasses grow in the surroundings of the upper reservoirs, and animals characteristic of the alpine tundra live.
On the territory of the lakes there are many rivers and streams with waterfalls. The warmest lake is the lower one. Therefore, the most courageous and enduring tourists sometimes bathe in it in the summer. The water in the lakes is so pure that you can drink it even without boiling it.
Brief description of the lakes
- The lowest first lake is located at an altitude of approximately 1820 meters. Area - 25 thousand square meters. meters with a length of 225 meters and a width of 150 m. The total length of the coastline is 625 meters. The average depth is 3 m, the maximum depth is 8 m. The lake is round in shape. The aquatic vegetation is quite poor: reeds grow in the eastern and northern parts, and this indicates a gradual overgrowth of the lake. Summer water temperature is +8-10 °С.
- The second lake is the largest of the entire system. Height - 1830 meters. It is almost round in shape, 440 meters long and 350 meters wide. The total length of the coast line is 1250 meters. The area is 117 thousand square meters. m, depth - an average of 6 m (maximum - just over 10 m). Origin - moraine-dammed. There is no vegetation in the water. In summer, the water warms up to +7 °С.
- The third lake is located at an altitude of 1915 meters. Area - 36 thousand square meters. meters with a length of 370 meters and a width of 150 m. The total length of the coastline is 950 meters, the average depth is 3.6 m. The origin is moraine-dammed. Summer water temperature - 5 °С.
- The fourth lake, located at an altitude of 1940 meters, has an area of 17 thousand square meters. meters with a length of 240 meters and a width of 105 m. The coastline stretches for 660 meters, the average depth is 2 meters. The water temperature in summer is 5 °C. Today, the coast is overgrowing.
- The fifth lake is not very big (the area is 10 thousand square meters). Height - 2100 meters, width - 60 meters, length - 212 meters. The length is 500 m, and the average depth is 1.5 m. The banks of cirque origin are composed of bedrock. Summer water temperature is 3 °С. Above is the uppermost step of the Kara, which is usually filled with snow.
There are two more small lakes located in the valley that goes from the lakefourth.
How to get there?
Karakol lakes by the standards of the Altai Mountains are relatively close to settlements. It is believed that getting to them is quite simple, although there is no paved road to these lakes, as noted above.
The weather here is good at any time of the year, but it is better to travel in the summer. First, you should take public transport or a private car to get to the village of Elekmonar. Further, on an off-road vehicle, you can drive part of the way along a rocky road that stretches along the Elekmonar River through a mountain gorge, which presents amazing landscapes to the eyes of travelers. Further, 5-7 kilometers to the destination, you have to walk along the path rising up the mountain. You can take a horseback tour from the village of Elekmonar to the lakes.
The whole way from the first lake to the last can be safely covered in 5 hours. Such a leisurely hike allows you to fully see the rich diversity of nature in these places.
About the holiday
Karakol lakes are one of the favorite places for tourists. Most of all, these water bodies attract those travelers who love camping. There are more and more people who want it. As noted above, these places are reserved, so you can not put up tents everywhere. About the places intended for them, you should find out from representatives of either travel companies or environmental organizations.
For vacationers, travel companies offer both horseback tours,as well as on foot. On the coast of one of the lakes (fifth in a row) there is an equestrian tourist base "Karakol Lakes" with comfortable living conditions. The following tours are offered for vacationers: to the complex of lakes, to the Bagatash pass, to the old mysterious Castle of ancient spirits, to the Muyekhtinsky waterfall, horseback riding through the mountains and to the lakes, to Lake Victoria. There is a two-day excursion to Veronica Lake.
In closing
All Karakol lakes of Altai are the most unique monument of nature. These lakes and surrounding places have been attracting people since ancient times, providing more and more opportunities for both educational and recreational recreation.
Undoubtedly, those feelings are incomparable with anything when you see all the beauty and splendor of the entire Altai Territory with your own eyes. And the Karakol reservoirs are one of the most amazing monuments created by the sorceress-nature.
