Bukhtarma reservoir is a popular holiday destination not only for residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Zyryanovsk, tourists from all over Kazakhstan and nearby Russian cities come here in summer. Clean air, golden beaches and vast expanse of water - this is exactly what you need in the summer heat.
History
In 1952, the Ust-Kamenogorsk hydroelectric power station was created, and in 1960 the dam formed not only the Bukhtarma reservoir (it, in turn, merged with the waters of the largest Zaisan lake), but also Ust-Kamenogorsk. At that time, the tourism sector on its shores was completely undeveloped, only by the 1980s did the construction of recreation centers begin. They were quite rare, a few houses stood without electricity and other amenities. Entertainment was reduced to a public bath and a catamaran attached to each house, every day a steamer came to the base, brought milk and bread, there were no shops here. But in the surrounding woods, whole meadows of fragrant strawberries sang, and bags and bottles had not yet had timefill free space.
Wind of change - how bases have changed today
To those who visited the Bukhtarma reservoir in those distant Soviet times, today it will be difficult to recognize it. No, the lake itself has not changed, the enchanting beauty of these places has remained the same, but the entire coast is now occupied by all kinds of boarding houses and recreation centers. From the side it is difficult to make out where one ends and the other begins. Back in the late 90s, only freshly baked bread and dairy products could be bought at the base, which were brought by residents of the nearby village of Novaya Bukhtarma. Today, everything is full of various signs: shops, cafes, snack bars, saunas, billiard rooms, indoor courts for playing tennis, volleyball, basketball, discos and water parks.
Standard Package
By booking a house on the territory of the recreation center you like (I must say that they are quite different from each other), you get the keys for the entire period of your stay there. Inside there is a refrigerator, an electric stove, beds, tables, chairs and bedside tables. Crockery and bed linen are provided. You can cook your own food or go to one of the local cafes. Barbecue for barbecue, keys to a catamaran or boat can be taken for a fee. Ordinary recreation centers on the Bukhtarma reservoir do not require an individual shower and toilet in each house.
For lovers of a relaxing holiday
Changed andthe bases themselves. To make the rest on the Bukhtarma reservoir more attractive, today it has become fashionable to build mini-towns here. These are completely fenced areas with their own descent to the water. On their territory there are: several comfortable houses, a sauna, a cafe or a bar, sports grounds. Scooters and catamarans are parked at the pier. This option is suitable for a large family or a friendly company, but it is quite expensive.
Comfortable hotels
City residents with high requirements for amenities are also waiting for the Bukhtarma reservoir. The recreation centers "Blue Bay" and "Port Fortuna" offer vacationers comfortable rooms and five meals a day. The program includes the services of animators and nannies who will entertain the child in your absence, and a guide with whom you can conquer the local mountain peaks. Both of these bases are very green and picturesque. The purest air, filled with the scent of the sea and flowers, wakes you up in the morning and sets you in the mood for the whole day.
Separately, I would like to say about the base "Port Fortuna". It is located in a picturesque bay, which is surrounded by pine, rowan and aspen forests. The hotel itself is a real miracle, similar to an ancient enchanted castle, standing in a fairy forest. It is especially impressive inside: marble floors, a beautiful fireplace, twisted staircases, unusual chandeliers - all this creates an atmosphere from which one does not want to return to reality.
Camping
Along with lovers of comfortThere are many tourists who prefer a "wild" holiday. Bukhtarma reservoir and here goes forward. There are many free places where you can pitch a tent. At new, just under construction recreation centers, administrators for a nominal fee allow you to drive into its protected area, where you can choose a place to stay. This is the best option in terms of the safety of your vehicles.
This is the cheapest and at the same time attractive form of recreation, which implies unity with nature, collecting firewood and making aromatic tea on a fire. Evening songs with a guitar, a night in a tent, under the stars. No hotel will give you such an experience.
How to get to the reservoir
The Ust-Kamenogorsk-Zyryanovsk train passes the Novaya Bukhtarma stop, where you can get off and take any of the private taxis (and there are many on duty) to get to the place. The exception is the recreation centers on the other side of the bay, in this case, the vacationers are waiting for the ship, which will deliver them to the place. If you book through a travel agency, the fare is usually already paid for, and by the time you get off the train, a small bus will be waiting for you, which will take you to your destination.
Many come in private cars. The route to the Bukhtarma reservoir from Ust-Kamenogorsk is quite difficult, which is worth only the Osinovsky pass: a mountain serpentine, on the one hand - a rock, and on the other - a cliff that is buried in greenery. But from Zyryanovsk you will find an easy walk along a flat road.
Summarize
Bukhtarma reservoir is an endless sea, surrounded by places of stunning beauty. There are plenty of options for recreation - both budget and five-star. These places are worth visiting at least once in your life.
