History of Lake Balkhash. Balkhash is an amazing lake where fresh water meets salt water

The picturesque lake Balkhash is located in the east of Kazakhstan. It is noteworthy that the lake is located on the territory of three regions - these are Karaganda, Almaty and Zhambyl. Lake Balkhash looks like a long crescent. Also, the strait divides this lake into two parts. At the same time, in the western part the water is fresh, but in the east it is salty. This is considered the unique composition of water. Lake Balkhash is called the remains of an ancient sea, it was located in the Alakol depression. Today, many people try to visit Lake Balkhash when they come to Kazakhstan. And this is not just because the local attractions definitely deserve attention. Read about in a separate article.

Features of Lake Balkhash

Although Lake Balkhash has been studied for a century, it still remains an unexplored place that continues to amaze scientists with its mystery and uniqueness. The length of the lake is over six hundred kilometers, and this is with a maximum width of seventy kilometers. Various rivers of the Semirechye flow into Lake Balkhash. Scholars call it a geographic paradox that fresh lake spread out among the desert, where the continental climate reigns, while it has no runoff. Five climatic zones prevail on the territory of the Balkhash region, because it is located on the border of a number of geographical zones. There is also a strong salinity of the land near the lake. However, this did not prevent the spread of vegetation here. The salt itself is different. medicinal properties and improves human well-being.

Properties of Lake Balkhash

Another mysterious feature of Balkhash is its unique ability in relation to sediments. There is a large level of sand and clay in the Semirechye River. Such conditions contribute to the fact that the Balkhash basin would be completely filled with sediment in just three centuries. However, the lake copes with these elements on its own, having fenced off with river deltas, which restrain the flow of silt sediments. Rivers in deltas descend from the mountains, and break into many channels and branches, then lakes appear, which accumulate sediments. At the same time, the water itself is purified to crystal transparency.

Scientists have not found chemogenic sediments in the lake. As a rule, carbon dioxide is constantly accumulated and formed in deep-sea lakes due to wind drift currents. In this case, carbon dioxide becomes a product of the decomposition of organic matter. Bubbles of carbon dioxide meet with chemogenic sediments, but when they react, they become water-soluble bicarbonates, which settle to the bottom. Since there is constant wind mixing in the shallow Balkhash, there is no carbon dioxide here.

Tourism

Tourists on the territory of Lake Balkhash are offered various types of pastime. For example, in a rest home there are all conditions for have a nice rest, the clearest water is suitable for swimming, and the beach is worth sunbathing, and the region is uniquely suited for hunting and fishing. Arriving at Lake Balkhash, tourists discover its picturesque nature, unique animal and vegetable world and the rest of its charms. Since this territory is called a wonderful recreational center, it will charge you with positive energy for the whole year.

With a fishing rod on the shore of the lake, you can spend a high-quality holiday, because the atmosphere here is peaceful and calm. Balkhash is a large fish deposit, where even novice anglers are not left without a catch. Mostly for the sake of fishing people come here in spring, summer and early autumn. In April, the pre-spawning process of the famous Balkhash roach begins. As soon as the water warms up a little after the winter, you can already catch carp and crucian carp. Thus, fishing on the territory of Lake Balkhash will give real pleasure to fans of fishing, and to those who just want to relax in the bosom of nature.

There are also great opportunities for hunting enthusiasts. After all, here it is allowed to hunt gray duck, foxes, wolves, hares, gray geese, pheasants, and hunting for coots and mallards will bring special pleasure. Spearfishing will also be an interesting adventure. It is noteworthy that in order to take part in this entertainment, there is no need for professional equipment, you only need to take a speargun, snorkels and masks with you. For most divers, this place has become a traditional holiday destination.

Lake Balkhash, located in the east of Kazakhstan, is the largest body of water in the republic, stretching like a crescent for 600 kilometers. Balkhash is the only lake on the planet with water of different composition: its western part is freshwater, and the eastern part is salty. Thanks to the narrow strait and the Saryesik peninsula, the waters of the lake do not mix.

Lake Balkhash basin

The salty waters of Balkhash and its mineralized hydrogen sulfide mud are healing and have a beneficial effect on human health.

An interesting legend about the appearance of the lake

The origin of Lake Balkhash has its own secrets. According to an old legend, the rich magician Balkhash once lived in these places, who really wanted to marry his beautiful daughter. The sorcerer Balkhash was looking for the strongest and richest groom for his daughter Or. To do this, he called from different parts of the best contenders for the girl's heart. It was supposed to go to a strong, handsome and rich guy. Of course, the sons of the Chinese emperor, the Mongol Khan and Bukhara merchants could not lose such an opportunity. They came to visit with numerous generous gifts in the hope of good luck. But one young man, a simple shepherd, did not hesitate to come without a penny in his pocket, and, as luck would have it, it was he who liked the bride.

Karatal, that was the name of the young man, took part in the battle and honestly won the battle. But the girl's father was not happy about this and, greatly indignant, expelled him. The bride's heart could not stand it, and at night Ili left her father's house with her chosen one. When her father found out about the escape, he cursed both of them and they became two rivers. Their waters rushed down the slopes of the mountains. But, not wanting the lovers to unite, even being rivers, Balkhash turned into a huge lake between them.

Lake Balkhash never ceases to amaze with its mystery - until now, scientists cannot explain the geographical paradox of the appearance of a semi-freshwater drainless reservoir among the steppes, in an area of ​​​​dry climate and low precipitation.

Where is Lake Balkhash

The location of the attraction is the east of Kazakhstan, 400 km from Karaganda. The lake occupies 3 regions of the country at once - Karagadin, Almaty and Zhambyl. The reservoir is surrounded by two large sandy massifs. On the south side it is surrounded by the low Chu-Ili mountains, and in the west there is a picturesque steppe with small hills. There are several cities and towns on the shore - Balkhash, Priozersk, Lepsy, Chubar-Tubek. Required coordinates: latitude - 46 ° 32'27 "s. latitude, longitude - 74 ° 52'44 "in. d.

The most convenient way to get to the place is from Karaganda and Astana. From these cities there are buses and trains to the station. Balkhash. Travel time is about 9 hours.

The word "Balkhash" originated from the word "balkas", which from the Kazakh, Tatar and Altai languages ​​means "hummocks in the swamp", "marshy area covered with hummocks".

The lake is of natural origin, it appeared as a result of the uneven subsidence of the Turan plate and the flooding of the formed depressions, presumably in the second period of the Cenozoic era. It has many small islands and two large ones - Basaral and Tasaral. Referring Lake Balkhash to sewage or drainless, it is more correct to choose the second option, because it does not have a water outlet.

The basin, according to scientists, is characterized by an uneven bottom with large elevation changes. In the western part, between Cape Korzhyntubek and Tasaral Island, the greatest depth is 11 m. In the east, this figure rises to 27 m. On one side of the coast, rocks 20-30 m high protrude, and on the other they are relatively uniform, not higher than 2 m Because of this, water often goes beyond the basin. So many small and large bays were formed.

Balkhash ranks second after the Caspian Sea in the list of perennial salt lakes in the world. It is also the largest in Kazakhstan.

Lake Balkhash from space

Characteristics of the reservoir:

• the total volume does not exceed 120 km²;
• the area is approximately 16 thousand km²;
• height above sea level - about 300 m;
• the size of Lake Balkhash: length - 600 km, width in the western part - up to 70 km, and in the eastern part - up to 20 km;
• has 43 islands, which increase over the years due to a decrease in the water level in the basin;
• the coastline is very uneven, its length is at least 2,300 km;
• the rivers flowing into the lake - Lepsi, Aksu, Karatal, Ayaguz and Ili;
• the salinity of water in the east does not exceed 5.2%, and in the west it is fresh;
• food is provided by groundwater, glaciers, snow and rain.

The lands of the Balkhash region are deserts and steppes covered with stones, clay and rubble. However, some plants have adapted to survive in difficult conditions. About 60 species of rare plants that do not have roots and grow directly from the water serve as a peculiar decoration of the lake.

The main source that feeds the Balkhash is the Ili River, which originates in the Tien Shan glaciers and flows into the reservoir from the western side. From the east, the lake is replenished by less full-flowing rivers Karatal, Aksu, Lepsy and others.

Balkhash has no drains, the water level in the lake fluctuates significantly at different times of the year and depends on the amount of snow in the mountains and on the intensity of evaporation from the surface of the reservoir.

The fauna of the lake is diverse, 20 species of fish live here. For industrial purposes, carp, bream, pike perch and asp are caught. These places were chosen by about 120 species of birds, some of which are listed in the Red Book. The flora attracting botanists is also quite diverse.

What is unique about the place

Of interest is the fact that the lake consists of two basins, radically different due to the characteristics of the water. Since they are separated by an isthmus 4 km wide, they do not touch each other. Because of this, it is difficult to determine the type of reservoir, salty or fresh, so Lake Balkhash is classified as semi-freshwater. No less interesting is the fact that the degree of mineralization of water differs sharply in the two parts.

Geographers and botanists are also surprised geographic location reservoir, because the continental climate, dry air, low rainfall and lack of runoff did not contribute to its occurrence.

weather features

The climate in this area is typical of deserts; in summer it is very hot, in July the air can warm up to 30 ° C. The water temperature is slightly lower, 20-25 ° C, suitable for swimming. In winter, the time of frost comes, sharp cooling down to -14 ° C is possible. Water usually freezes already in November, and the ice melts closer to April. Its thickness can reach up to a meter. Due to the low rainfall, droughts are quite common here. Strong winds often blow here, causing high waves.

Story

The first information about Lake Balkhash was found in Chinese written sources. This is due to the fact that the Chinese were the only advanced civilization that lives nearby and has the opportunity to get to know this area. The region to the west of the Great Wall of China they called "Si-Yu", which means "Western Territory". They knew about its existence already in 126 BC. By 607, the Chinese had already compiled maps of 44 countries that were at that time in the territory of Central Asia. But these descriptions have not survived to this day.

According to some reports, Lake Balkhash was known to the Chinese under the name "Si-Hai", i.e. "Western Sea". Under this name, it is noted on the atlas of 1855. In the same period, the lake had another name given to it by the Kalmyks and Dzhungars "Balkhash-Nor" ("Lake Balkhash"). And the eastern peoples, such as the Turks and Mongols, who designated in white all geographical objects to the west of their dwellings, called it "Ak-Dengiz" ("White Sea"). And after the borders of their countries moved to the west, the lake became "blue" (eastern) - "Kukcha-Dengiz". The Kazakhs called the lake "Tengiz", which means "Sea".

In the 18th century, the lake was marked on several maps: on the map of 1716, which were published by the Swedish officer Renat, and on Russian map compiled by Captain Stralenberg in 1730.

During the reign of the Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the lake extended along the northern border of the Chinese state. In 1864, in accordance with the Russian-Chinese agreement regarding the northwestern border, Balkhash and the territories adjacent to it were ceded to the Russian Empire.

In 1903-1904, the lake and the territories adjacent to it were studied by the expedition of L.S. Berg. As a result, it was established that Balkhash is located outside the boundaries of the Aral-Caspian basin, and that they never united in their geological past. It is interesting that Berg, studying the reservoir, came to the conclusion that the lake does not decrease and the water in it is fresh. He also noted that there was a period when Balkhash completely dried up, but then it was filled with water again, and since that time its water had not yet had time to become salty.

Currently, Balkhash is attracting everyone's attention with a find that was revealed by helicopter pilots. Making a flight over the isthmus, which divides the lake into salty and freshwater areas, they discovered the outline of protective ramparts with watchtowers. There is another confirmation that a thousand years ago on the spot present lake There were two autonomous Today, the lake can be waded along this isthmus. The city found at the bottom was the center of the Great Silk Road to Sary-Arka.

Tourism

Arriving at Lake Balkhash, travelers discover its charming nature, unusual flora and fauna, and other beauties. Since this area is considered an excellent recreational center, it will provide positive energy.

Numerous sandy beaches Balkhash lakes are great for a beach holiday. You can swim in the reservoir from late May to mid-September.

Since the reservoir is valued for its recreational opportunities, there are many places on its shore where you can stay in comfort.

Recreation centers on the lake provide an opportunity to use natural healing factors for healing a person. Lake salt and mud, which are found in springs near the reservoir, have special properties. Bathing in clean water and bright sun promotes recreation. A recreation industry is developing around the lake at coastal bases.

The surroundings of the lake are divided into several dozen zones, each of which has camp sites, holiday homes and hotels. The tourist cluster has catamarans, scooters, boats, boats, water skis, tennis tables, sports and playgrounds. The shores and buildings have been landscaped, they have dance halls, bars, restaurants, and health services are provided. Almost in any sanatorium or hotel they accept guests with children, for whom children's rooms and animators work.

The list of services and specialization of tourist centers, hotels, health resorts may differ. There are places where only fishermen are welcome, and there are places where only a beach holiday is possible. Therefore, before traveling, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with complete list basic and additional services, and choose the place of rest that meets all the requirements.

Entertainment and leisure for guests

Fishing is very popular here, allowed at specialized bases.

In the warm season, people come here mainly for beach holiday and snorkeling to do beautiful photos. Activities include jet skis, catamarans and boats. In winter, snowmobiling and skiing are popular.

You can sit with a fishing rod at specially designated places of fishing bases in the Balkhash region, which provide guests with accommodation and necessary equipment. Not a single fisherman, even a beginner, will leave without a good catch. The best time for fishing - spring and July-September. In April, the spawning run of the famous Balkhash roach begins. As soon as the lake warms up, crucian carp, carp, catfish and asp wake up. If you are lucky, then your bait may catch a snakehead - a predatory fish of a frightening look, very tasty and not having a specific smell.

Be careful - the local fish marinka (kara-balyk) is primarily poisonous, you can not eat its caviar and milk. Before cooking, the marinka must be well gutted and the black abdominal membranes carefully removed. Fish meat is fatty and very tasty.

Curly Pelican

Hunting in the Balkhash region is allowed for duck, goose, black grouse, hare, wolf, fox and pheasant. The hunting season opens in mid-September, when there are a lot of waterfowl on the lake. Specially trained individuals help to get the bird, luring their wild counterparts. But the shooters need to be careful - there are several species of birds on the lake, which are forbidden to hunt, because. they are listed in the Red Book: pink and curly pelicans, white-tailed eagle, whooper swan, spoonbill. For those who want to get a bigger trophy, wild boar hunting is offered, open from October to the end of December. Specially trained dogs track down the beast and drive it out of impenetrable reed beds. Since January it is allowed to shoot a fox, a wolf and a hare.

Recently, spearfishing has become popular, for which a special gun and a mask with a snorkel are enough.

Vacationers are waiting for a varied and exciting vacation on the water: boating, yachting, scootering, swimming, surfing and diving. Sports competitions in rowing, kayaking and fishing are often held on Balkhash, in which everyone who is confident in their abilities can take part.

If you come to the lake in winter, then you are waiting for skiing, windsurfing on ice, snowmobiling.

Horse and camel rides in the vicinity of the reservoir will be unforgettable.

If you want to admire the beauty of Lake Balkhash from above, you can take part in a helicopter tour. Flight prices vary depending on the type of aircraft. You can sign up for an excursion at recreation centers and hotels.

Rocks of Lake Balkhash

The picturesque tract of Bektau-Ata is a natural landmark of the Balkhash surroundings, towering over the Kazakh steppes 70 km from the lake. Bizarre rocks alternate with deep gorges. Many cliffs have names: "Mushroom", "Turtle", "Trunk". In one of the gorges there is a mysterious Auslie cave with clear water, which locals considered curative.

Bektau-Ata tract

Around Lake Balkhash there are many archaeological sites protected by the state and open to the public. Ancient mounds and sites give an idea of ​​the life and customs of the ancient settlers. The most impressive sights are: Aktasty and Klysh mounds, groups of mounds near the Karasu wintering grounds and in the Ken Dara gorge, Dermen and Dongal sites, Aydagarly cave.

The place of pilgrimage for tourists is an example of the cult architecture of Mazar Ak Beket of the 18th century. Mazar - a building on the burial sites in the form of a round yurt.

Mazar Ak Beket

Vacationers interested in the culture and history of the local people can visit the Local Lore Museum of the city of Balkhash.

similar

The unique endorheic semi-freshwater lake Balkhash is the second largest non-drying salt lake(after the Caspian) and thirteenth in the list of the largest lakes in the world. Its uniqueness lies in the division of the water area by a narrow strait into two parts, in which the water has different chemical characteristics.

Where is Lake Balkhash located?

This is very beautiful lake located in the east of Kazakhstan. It is located on the territory of three regions - Almaty, Karaganda and Zhambyl. Lake Balkhash has the shape of a boomerang.

The strait divides the reservoir into two approximately equal parts. In its western part fresh water, and salty in the east. This composition of water is unique. Scientists believe that Lake Balkhash is a remnant of an ancient sea that was once located in the Alakol depression.

Lake Features

Most of the tourists who come to Kazakhstan every year are interested in: “Where is Lake Balkhash?” For those who come to the country tourist package, don't worry about it. Almost all excursion routes start from this place.

All guests in Kazakhstan are told a beautiful legend about how Lake Balkhash appeared. We'll tell it to you too.

In ancient times, in those places where Lake Balkhash today carries its waters, there lived a rich and powerful Bai Balkash, concurrently a sorcerer. He had an only beautiful daughter. When she grew up, her father decided to marry her off, which he immediately announced to the whole world and announced a competition for applicants. Among the noble participants of the competition was the poor shepherd Karatal. It so happened that the girl fell in love with him. Or helped defeat the beloved young man.

However, Balkash did not want to give his daughter to a poor guy. The young people decided to run away. The angry father cursed the obstinate daughter and turned her and her chosen one into rivers. So that they could never be together, Balkash himself rushed after them and turned into a huge lake that separated the lovers forever. The Ili River flows into Lake Balkhash, however, like Karatal.

Lake Balkhash has been studied by specialists from all over the world for more than a hundred years. However, it still remains unexplored. It amazes scientists with its mystery.

Lake Balkhash, the photo of which can be seen in all tourist brochures of Kazakhstan, stretches for more than six hundred kilometers in length, and its maximum width is seventy kilometers.

Rivers

Various rivers of Semirechie flow into this amazing lake - Ili, Aksu, Karatal, Koksu, Lepsy, Ayaguz, Tentek. The Karatal River is formed at the confluence of the Shizhe, Karoy and tributary - Koksu. They swiftly carry clear waters from the mountains of the Dzungarian and Zailiysky Alatau and Tarbagatai. In the western part of the lake is the largest river flowing into Lake Balkhash - Ili. It makes up more than 80% of the total watercourse. In the eastern part, smaller rivers flow into the lake (Aksu, Karatal, Lepsy, Ayaguz).

Mysteries of the lake

Scientists consider it a geographical paradox that this huge lake is located in the middle of a desert with a continental climate and does not have a runoff. This area has five climatic zones. The lands near the lake are highly saline. However, there is quite a variety of vegetation. Salt of the lake has healing properties and is used for many diseases.

Another mysterious feature of Balkhash is its unique ability to fight sediments. In the rivers of Semirechye there is a high level of clay and sand. Such conditions would contribute to the fact that the Balkhash basin would be completely filled with sediment in three centuries. But the lake is independently cleared of these elements, fenced off by river deltas, which hinder the flow of sediment.

In the deltas, rivers descend from the mountains and are divided into many branches and channels. Then lakes are formed, accumulating sediments. At the same time, the water is completely purified to complete transparency.

Scientists have not been able to find chemogenic sediments in the lake. Usually in deep-sea lakes it forms and accumulates carbon dioxide due to wind drift currents. Carbon dioxide in this case is a decomposition product of organic matter. In the shallow Balkhash, constant wind mixing has been recorded, so there is no carbon dioxide here.

Rest on Lake Balkhash

Today Lake Balkhash, the photo of which you see in our article, attracts tourists from near and far abroad. It should be noted that today excellent conditions for recreation have been created here. There are many recreation centers equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable pastime.

"Blue Lagoon"

This is a wonderful recreation center where everyone who wants to relax on the beach, on the lake can stay. Well-appointed rooms are equipped with air conditioners, refrigerators, TVs, satellite TV. The suites have a separate bathroom, shower, washbasin.

Many tourists celebrate organized meals in a modern spacious cafe for forty seats. Here you can relax on a summer playground in a shady alley or on observation deck located a few steps from the beach.

Guests are offered a varied menu. All dishes are prepared by chefs of the highest categories with extensive experience. At the request of the guests, they can cook dishes to order.

Recreation center "Volna"

It is located near the town of Balkhash. It is designed for 30 guests. The residential complex consists of five comfortable houses. They are insulated from the inside and sheathed with decorative panels.

2-, 3-, 4-bed cozy rooms are equipped with air conditioning, autonomous heating. On the territory of the base there is a bar, a Russian bath. For those who came to Balkhash for fishing, the services of a guide and a boat are offered. At the recreation center "Volna" held corporate parties, birthdays. Here you can have fun with your colleagues.

"Pearl"

This is one of the most picturesque corners on the shore of Lake Balkhash. Those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city like to stop here. The recreation center "Pearl" is located 3 kilometers from the center of the city of Balkhash.

Here you will find everything you need for comfortable rest: spacious hotel rooms luxury and junior suites, parking, restaurant and bar, magnificent banquet hall. Those who wish can visit the sauna and soak up the warm sands of the beach.

Boarding house and recreation center "Aquamarine"

The boarding house and the base of the same name are located in the village of Chubar-Tubek. It is very close to Lake Balkhash. On the territory there is a cafe, free (for guests) parking.

The boarding house has its own sand and pebble beach, which will allow you to enjoy the gentle sun. Lots of things to do here water sports sports.
At the recreation center, tourists are offered to stay in a 2-storey building, in double and triple comfortable rooms.

Fishing

Lake Balkhash is very popular among fishing enthusiasts. There are more than 20 species of fish here. More common than others are:

• Balkhash marinka;
• Ili marinka;
• Balkhash perch;
• spotted sloth;
• single color sponge.

The rest of the fish species found in Balkhash are introduced. These include thorn and carp, eastern bream and Siberian dace, tench and pike perch, osman and asp and others.

Fishing on Lake Balkhash is carried out in many ways. Boat fishing is the most popular. Although in some places you can quite successfully catch a small carp from the shore. For more serious fish, you need to go by boat.

There are sections of the lake with significant depths relatively close to the shore. Most often these places are located near the islands. Here you can catch small zander on spinning.

Asp, perfectly accustomed to the lake, is the second most important fish for spinning. He is caught on castmasters, spinners, wobblers. You can count on the active biting of this fish in the fall.

Bream, carp are most often caught from boats. Although you can catch a large carp from the shore on the bottom gear. But, truth be told, it doesn't always fit. coastline. The same can be said about the bream. Usually this fish is pre-baited.

Fishing on Balkhash is no less interesting for lovers of catching catfish. It is also made from boats. They catch him on bottom gear, sometimes the quok fishing method is used.

You need to know that in addition to summer fishing, winter fishing is also popular on Lake Balkhash. The ice here reaches such a solid thickness that you can safely move on it by car. Of particular interest is the winter night fishing. At this time, you can see many luminous tents on the ice. From them you can determine the place where the school of fish is located. In winter, white fish, pike perch, and local perch are well caught.

An interesting adventure for many guests is spearfishing. It is important that in order to take part in this exciting entertainment, it is not necessary to have professional equipment. Enough to take with you speargun, masks and tubes. Most of the submarine fishermen began to spend their holidays on Lake Balkhash.

Fishing on Lake Balkhash will give real pleasure to lovers of fishing, as well as to those who want to relax in nature.

Hunting

Hunting enthusiasts also have great opportunities here. On the territory adjacent to the lake, hunting for foxes, wild boars, gray duck, hares, wolves, pheasants, as well as coots and mallards is allowed.

Lake Balkhash is located in east-central Kazakhstan, in the vast Balkash-Alakel basin at an altitude of 342 m above sea level and 966 km east of the Aral Sea. Its total length reaches 605 km from west to east. The area varies considerably, depending on the water balance. In years when the abundance of water is significant (as at the beginning of the 20th century and in 1958-69), the area of ​​​​the lake reaches 18,000 - 19,000 square kilometers. However, during periods associated with drought (both at the end of the 19th century and in the 1930s and 40s), the area of ​​the lake is reduced to 15,500-16,300 km2. Such changes in the region are accompanied by changes in the water level up to 3 m.

Surface relief

Lake Balkhash is located in the Balkhash-Alakol basin, formed as a result of the degradation of the Turan plate.

On the water surface, you can count 43 islands and one peninsula - Samyrsek, which makes the reservoir unique. The fact is that thanks to this, Balkhash is divided into two separate hydrological parts: the western, wide and shallow, and the eastern part - narrow and relatively deep. Accordingly, the width of the lake varies from 74-27 km in the western part and from 10 to 19 km in the eastern part. The depth of the western part does not exceed 11 m, and the eastern part reaches 26 m. The two parts of the lake are united by a narrow strait, Uzunaral, with a depth of about 6 m.

The northern shores of the lake are high and rocky, with clear traces of ancient terraces. The southern ones are low and sandy, and their wide belts are covered with reed beds and numerous small lakes.

Lake Balkhash on the map

Lake food

The large Ile River, which flows from the south, flows into the western part of the lake, and it contributed 80-90 percent of the total inflow of water into the lake until hydroelectric power plants built at the end of the 20th century reduced the volume of the river's inflow. The eastern part of the lake is fed only by such small rivers as the Karatal, Aksu, Ayaguz and Lepsi. With almost the same levels in both parts of the lake, this situation creates a continuous flow of water from the western to the eastern part. The water of the western part was almost fresh and suitable for industrial use and consumption, while the eastern part had a brackish taste.

Seasonal fluctuations in the water level are directly related to the amount of precipitation and melting snow that fills the channels of mountain rivers that flow into the lake.

The average annual water temperature in the western part of the lake is 100C, and in the eastern part - 90C. The average rainfall is about 430 mm. The lake is covered with ice from late November to early April.

Animal and plant world

The once rich fauna of the lake has been significantly impoverished since the 1970s, due to declining water quality in the lake. Before this deterioration began, the lake was inhabited by 20 fish species, six of which were unique to the biocenosis of the lake. The rest was artificially populated and includes carp, sturgeon, eastern bream, pike and Aral barbel. The main food fish were carp, pike and Balkhash perch.

More than 100 different bird species have chosen Balkhash as their habitat. Here you can meet the great cormorant, pheasant, white herons and golden eagles. There are also rare species listed in the Red Book:

• whooper swans;
• curly-pelicans;
• spoonbills.

Willows, turangas, cattails, reeds, reeds grow on the saline shores. Sometimes in these thickets you can meet a wild boar.

Economic importance

Today, the picturesque shores of Lake Balkhash are increasingly attracting tourists. Rest houses are being built, camping sites are being arranged. Vacationers are attracted not only by clean air and calm water surface, but also by healing mud and salt deposits, fishing and hunting.

Starting in the first half of the 20th century, the economic importance of the lake grew significantly, primarily due to fish farming, which began in the 1930s. A regular maritime connection with a large cargo turnover was also developed.

The next big step towards the economic prosperity of the region was the construction of the Balkash copper processing plant, around which Big city Balkash on the northern shore of the lake.

In 1970, the Kapshagkhai hydroelectric power station began operation on the Il River. The diversion of water to fill the Kapshagkhai reservoir and the provision of irrigation reduced the flow of the river by two thirds, and led to a decrease in the water level in the lake by 2.2m between 1970 and 1987.

As a result of such activities, every year the waters of the lake become dirtier and saltier. The areas of forests and wetlands around the lake have been reduced. Unfortunately, to date, practically nothing is being done to significantly change such a deplorable situation.