In the Altai Territory, at the foot of the mountains Malaya Sinyukha and Sinyukha (on the right bank of the Katun River), there is a picturesque reservoir - Manzherok. The lake is one of the most beautiful places in this region.
Hydronym
An interesting fact is that the lake has several names. One of them is Manzhurek. From the Altai dialect "manzhurek" in translation means "fenced basin". And the local population called the reservoir in their own way - Doingol, which literally means "princely lake".
Short description
Manzherok is a lake located at a low altitude - only 420 km above sea level. It arose as a result of the water erosion process of the Katun River. The water is fresh, cloudy, greenish in color. The reservoir has the shape of an oval, the coastline stretches for more than 1000 km. The width of the lake varies: in the narrowest places it reaches 20 meters, and in the widest - 240 m. The total area of the reservoir is 38 hectares. Lake of insignificant depth, the maximum value does not exceed 3 m.
Natural Features
Altai has long been famous for its special climate. Lake Manzherok is rich in minerals and trace elements, the composition of the water refers tochloride-carbonate type (due to this feature, such a specific taste and color). However, the water is suitable for drinking and bathing, even has medicinal properties.
The reservoir is slow-flowing, its surface warms up in hot weather, but at depth it always remains cold. Transparency is low - only 60-150 cm.
Flora and fauna
In the 90s, the lake was awarded the title of natural monument. The rich flora and fauna near the reservoir contributed to this. The surroundings of Manzherok are inhabited by rare species of birds, some of them are even listed in the Red Book. There are a lot of fish in its waters - crucians, perches, tench, as well as pikes and carps. Fishermen come to Lake Manzherok all year round. Rest in these places will give real pleasure. Recently, however, fishermen have been complaining about a decline in the fish population. There is no exact explanation for this. Perhaps due to the fact that the waters of the lake were renewed several years ago - they were almost completely cleaned.
More than 25 species of aquatic plants grow in the reservoir, among them the white water lily, which is on the verge of destruction, as well as the endemic plant found only in this area - chilim (water chestnut), it is known for its medicinal properties. In ancient times, people even made flour from this nut and baked bread to escape hunger. The water lily begins to bloom in mid-July, which contributes to an even greater flow of tourists: many people want to look at this miracle, because there are very few places left where you can find this plant.
Manzherok is a lake with a long coastline. However, most of it is swampy and almost impassable terrain. On the other side (eastern and southeastern slopes) there are wide forests. The vegetation there is diverse: fir, spruce, pine, birch. Shrubs are represented by raspberries, currants, hawthorn, honeysuckle, viburnum and other plants. And closer to the water - weeping willows, hops and birches.
Popular Altai bases
Mount Sinyukha also adds beauty to this picturesque nature. In winter, all lovers of winter sports come here, here you can go skiing. At the foot of the mountain, a few years ago, the Manzherok ski complex began to be built. There are several tourist bases and sanatoriums along the Chuisky tract. There are organized tours to the lake. It is worth noting that the bases of Gorny Altai meet tourists all year round. Here in any season you can have an interesting, and most importantly - unforgettable, time.
The birth of the popularity of Lake Manzherok
The lake gained its popularity back in the 60s of the last century. This was facilitated by the holding of the youth Soviet Friendship Festival. Especially for this event, the song "Manzherok" was written, which was performed by the popular singer E. Piekha. At one time, this motif was a real hit that won the hearts of many people. Thanks to this song, the lake became widely known around the world.
How to get to the reservoir?
Manzherok is a lake in the Altai Mountains, and as you know, all roads to this area pass through the city of Biysk. To get to these picturesqueplaces, you need to leave Biysk to the Chuisky tract. The distance will be 130 km. Then - turn off the main road to the village of Ozernoe. And then, having reached the village of Manzherok, drive through it and follow the signs to get directly to the lake.
