The name of Lake Aslykul, the first largest in Bashkiria, is well known to the people of Russia. It stretches for 5 km in width, while its length is 8 km. Aslykul is a lake, which is one of the largest lakes in Europe, and it is really beautiful! At night, the gentle surface of the water reflects the dark sky strewn with stars, the waves at sunrise and sunset are painted with a scarlet tent, and in the daytime, the aroma of steppe herbs spreads over the surface.
Most tourists have the feeling that they are on the sea, not on the lake, where the amazing beauty of the surrounding landscapes leaves an indelible impression on people. This impression especially appears in windy weather - at this time the huge waves of the reservoir beat against the shore, due to which the sound of the surf is clearly audible. And since Lake Aslykul is the largest on the map of Bashkiria, this feeling only intensifies.
Legends
Aslykul is translated from Bashkir as "bitter" or "evil" lake. Its water actually has a bitter taste. If you believe the legend, and not chemists talking about mineral s alts, then in the lake it becamesuch because of the anger of the Black Rider, who owned the reservoir in time immemorial.
He earned his living by breeding crowds - magical horses. But Olo-Telyak, the batyr, stole such a horse from him. He did not plan to commit crimes, he just did not have time to ask the Black Rider for permission. Olo-Telyak on the crowd was able to liberate his country from enemies, marry the hand-written beauty Aikhylu. Only in the evenings his conscience tormented him, because he could not return the horse. Batyr came to the Black Horseman to repent. He had mercy, saying that Olo-Telyak forgives, because he did not steal the horse for self-interest.
Batyr was delighted and returned to his homeland, but the Black Horseman held a grudge against him and sent diseases and famine to the country. Aikhilu also fell ill. After that, the children of Olo-Telyak went to the Black Horseman to ask the crowds for rent, but he did not give horses, and locked his sons in the waters of the lake. After that, Olo-Telyak went himself to the Black Rider. The wizard admitted that he hates the batyr, as well as his whole family, because the young man dared to steal a horse, thereby making the mighty wizard feel humiliated.
Batyr was so struck by the magician's anger that he turned into stone. But evil did not win on earth. Warriors came, cured his wife, freed children from the lake, revived Olo-Telyak, and also defeated the great magician.
Modern history
Aslykul (lake), as well as the territory adjacent to it, had the status of a National Park since 1993, and were also under federal jurisdiction. However, the campaign beganbringing regional and federal legislation in order. Only then did it become clear that Aslykul is a lake that cannot be a National Park.
Starting from 2004, it was treated as a cluster site, then it was decided to turn it into an independent entity with the status of a natural park. Its lake Aslykul, the photo of which is presented in this article, received in 2011, in other words, the object was finally transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology of Bashkortostan.
While the preparatory work was going on, many vacationers began to complain about the lack of comfortable conditions for recreation and paid entry. After prosecutorial checks, the collections were declared illegal, after which they stopped. But the moment was not taken into account that tons of garbage were taken out of here with these funds. Now the administration of the park is monitoring the cleanliness of the territory. It is not yet known what innovations await vacationers, since the innovation began to work only at the end of this season.
Nature
The history of this reservoir is fascinating. This place was previously a karst sinkhole. For many hundreds of years it was filled with precipitation and groundwater, and now anyone can enjoy a holiday here. Since Aslykul is a lake that belongs to the drainless Russian water bodies, minerals useful for humans are collected in it, and the water, as mentioned above, has a s alty taste.
The vegetation of this zone is diverse and rich. Many rare plants grow here, which are listed in the Red Book. A stunning picture of nature appears before your eyes: 7 peaks of the mountains Ulutau, Tabulak, Nuratau and others rise on the horizon, while right in front of them you can see a sea of steppes blooming in summer and spring, and mixed forests.
The world of animals, birds and insects is also famous for the diversity of species living here. Also found here are the red-throated goose, common Apollo, peregrine falcon, black-throated loon and steppe dyke. Graceful swans, serious pelicans and noisy geese made Lake Aslykul (its map is presented in this article) their habitat, while birds chirp in the forests.
Attractions
The northwestern coast of Aslykul Lake is very picturesque and unusual, where Mount Nuratau breaks steeply into the mirror surface of the water with its dark rocks. Near the village of Yangi-Turmush there is a spring Alga with sulfate-calcium, mineral water. The spring is considered a natural monument. And just 4 km from the lake, the Sharlama waterfall falls from a height of 20 m.
Lake Aslykul: recreation
He is positioned here as exclusively family. Here you can stay at camp sites (there are a lot of them, of various price categories, while in the season it is better to book a place 2 weeks before settling), there are also places for "savages". But there are fewer and fewer places for tents, in addition, you will have to get to them by your own car, since hitchhikers are not taken here, all cars are loaded to capacity…
Worth considering when coming to Aslykul (lake) - the weather here in summer is just perfect for both relaxation and active recreation. Winds on a hot afternoon bring coolness and also guarantee fun for windsurfers, para-gliders and hang gliders.
Aslykul lake is densely surrounded by low picturesque mountains. Rest here makes it possible to book an excursion on them or climb on your own. So, in a couple of hours you will have time to draw healing water from the Gulbekei spring, hear the legends from the epic of Bashkortostan and appreciate the amazing views of the Bugulma-Belebeevsky Upland from the top of Ulutau.
Recreation centers on Lake Aslykul
All major camp sites have their own beaches with fine, clean sand, brand new sun loungers, changing rooms, umbrellas and other amenities. You can spend your entire vacation stretching out on the shore of the lake, but there are also opportunities for active pastime. For example, ride a rowing, motor or sailing boat, as well as go diving: at large bases there are rental points for the necessary equipment, while experienced instructors will help beginners to join this popular entertainment. It is worth noting that the lake is ideal for diving, as the visibility in it is excellent.
The main share of camp sites is located near the village of Kupoyarovo, from here lovers of hiking have the opportunity to reach about. Moss. This small lake is overgrown with legends and mysteries that are retold with pleasure.local residents. They will tell you where the old apple orchard and Sharlam waterfall are located.
How to get there
Tour to Aslykul is recommended to be booked with transfer included. Davlekanovo, the nearest settlement, is located thirty kilometers away, while public transport does not go from here to the lake. Car owners drive to this village, then follow the signs. There is no main road here, each vacationer chooses his own route.
The village of Kupoyarovo is a very popular place. In this place there is a parking lot and camp sites. Another way is through Burangulovo, especially since Sharlama waterfall is located four kilometers from here. If you don’t want to ruin a car off-road, you can drive to Aleksandrovka, then get on a dirt road to Alga, a village that is located near the lake. Nearby, near Yangi-tormush, there is a mineral sulfate-calcium spring Alga.
But horseless tourists either master hitchhiking, or hire a taxi or a GAZelle in Davlekanovo. It is interesting that local drivers have adapted to leave vacationers in an open field, far from the lake, so it is better to immediately express your wish clearly: to unload near the camp site or parking lot.
Hotels
There are no hotels in the traditional sense on Lake Aslykul, rest on it involves a stop at a camp site or in a tent. But there are a huge number of those same bases: the cost of accommodation is 300-1500 rubles per day per person. Rooms should be booked 2 weeks prior to arrival. And by all meansask about food: unfortunately, not all bases have their own cafes, therefore, you may have to buy food on the spot or take it with you.
Note to tourists
There is no firewood at Aslykul, since all the dry trees have already been set on fire by tourists who came here earlier. In addition, the status of a natural monument does not allow the cutting of trees in this place. Firewood can be bought from local residents, at kiosks (about 150 rubles for a bundle) or you can bring it with you.
Local Features
It is impossible not to say that a holiday on Lake Aslykul also involves fishing, but here it is a separate story. Large pikes, breams, burbots were caught in this place in the 1990s. After stocking, zander also appeared. Either this predator disrupted the ecosystem, or pollution from regular vacationers affected the environment, but today fishermen with fishing rods are generally unlucky. So, if the purpose of your trip is fishing, then in the summer it is better to hire a boat and go to the middle of the lake. It is also worth considering that you need to go fishing on weekdays, when there are not so many tourists here. At Aslykul in winter, they have fun with exciting ice fishing.
