Ala-Kol Lake, known as the “Colorful Lake,” is a stunning natural gem nestled in the heart of Kazakhstan and ranks among the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and framed by beaches of black sand, this lake is renowned for its therapeutic mud springs and healing waters, which shimmer in turquoise and emerald hues. With its vast expanse resembling the sea in both appearance and water composition, Ala-Kol has become a popular resort destination for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Ala-Kol Lake is situated in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, within the Balkhash-Alakol lowland, right on the border with China. Historically, access to this vibrant and uniquely beautiful body of water was restricted due to its status as a closed border zone. The lake borders the Abay and Zhetysu regions, and the entire area is protected as part of the Ala-Kol Biosphere Reserve.
Along the shores of Ala-Kol Lake, numerous recreation centers have been established. The lake stretches over 104 kilometers in length and 52 kilometers in width, allowing visitors to enjoy various parts of its shoreline. There are three main resort villages: Akshi and Koktuma on the southwestern coast, and the village of Kabanbay on the northeastern side.
The distance from Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, to the resort area is approximately 1,000 kilometers.
Direct trains operate from cities such as Semey, Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. There are also many flights available, with tickets best purchased to Semey, followed by a bus ride. If traveling by bus, it’s advisable to book tickets to Koktuma or Akshi. For those driving, a new highway connects Almaty to the Usharal ring road or the Ust-Kamenogorsk-Almaty route.
The water in Ala-Kol is similar to seawater in composition, characterized by a sodium sulfate-chloride structure. It contains nearly all elements of the periodic table and is highly mineralized (up to 11.6 g/l). The water boasts particularly high levels of bromine and fluorine, while the lake’s mud is rich in radon. These qualities have laid the foundation for wellness tourism in the area. The water from the Almaty region is notably softer, while the eastern part exhibits maximum mineralization.
Ala-Kol’s waters offer a wide range of health benefits for the human body. They possess healing and antibacterial effects, aiding in the treatment of skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and urticaria. The therapeutic properties of the water have been demonstrated in treating arthritis, bone diseases, and nervous system disorders. Additionally, the waters of Ala-Kol improve overall physical well-being.
The valley surrounding the lake is characterized by low humidity, creating favorable conditions for individuals with respiratory ailments. Encircled by mountains, the air around Ala-Kol is crystal clear, infused with sea salt and the fragrances of steppe herbs. It invigorates and purifies, providing therapeutic benefits for heart and respiratory conditions.
The climate along the Ala-Kol coast is sharply continental and dry. The water temperature ranges from warm in May to October, with an average summer temperature of +24 to +26˚C. In the colder months, the water cools to around +7˚C. Summer air temperatures average +31˚C, occasionally reaching as high as +41˚C. The rainy season occurs in spring, lasting from April to May. The wind patterns can be complex, with speeds reaching 50-60 m/s in autumn and winter, while summer winds are generally mild.
The beach season at Ala-Kol begins in June, with air temperatures climbing to a comfortable +28˚C and water temperatures ranging from +23 to +25˚C. July brings hot, dry weather, with air temperatures soaring to +35 to +40˚C and water temperatures peaking at +28˚C. The lake is located near the Dzungarian Gates, which allows winds to sweep through, typically starting in late September and creating significant waves.
Ala-Kol features protected islands with a two-kilometer buffer zone, where fishing and hunting are prohibited. On “Bird Island,” visitors can witness flocks of flamingos, nesting colonies of relic gulls, and over 40 other bird species. This area is a paradise for waterfowl and semi-aquatic birds, including rare species such as curly pelicans, white-tailed eagles, black storks, demoiselle cranes, owls, and the red-listed snake eagle.
The lake’s reserve is home to nearly 400 vertebrate species. Among its inhabitants are stoats, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, otters, martens, and many others. At the mouths of the rivers that flow into the lake, you can find muskrats. The reed thickets are home to spotted cats, while hares and even wolves inhabit the protected zone. The lake itself supports nine fish species, including commercially important ones like perch, carp, zander, and marinka.
The lake’s phytoplankton consists of 60 types of algae, contributing to the water’s healing properties. Along the shores, various plants such as reeds, sedges, bulrushes, and others flourish. Decorative plants like wild barberry, Transylvanian pearlwort, and representatives of the legume and saltwort families are also found. Occasionally, white water lilies bloom. The forests surrounding the lake are predominantly coniferous, featuring Siberian pine and Tien Shan fir.
Ala-Kol’s transportation and logistics accessibility is well-developed. Most of the nearby roads have been reconstructed, and the central streets along the coast are paved. Buses operate between recreation centers and the beaches, while taxis are available for exploring different parts of the eastern and southern shores. To visit the lake’s islands, boat excursions and ornithological tours are offered.
The infrastructure around Ala-Kol is rapidly evolving, with ongoing improvements to the resort area. Modern hotel complexes, promenades, fully equipped beaches, cafes, and restaurants have been established, including an open-air stage with a summer terrace and playground. Continuous coastal reinforcement projects are underway, with protective dams constructed to ensure safe and comfortable conditions for visitors at Ala-Kol.
Things to Do and See at Ala-Kol
Ala-Kol Lake is a breathtaking destination that offers a wealth of opportunities for both active and relaxing pursuits, as well as a deep dive into Kazakh culture. The surrounding picturesque mountains and valleys make it an ideal location for ecotourism. Visitors can embark on specially designed trails to enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
For a bird’s-eye view of the Ala-Kol resort, head to the coastal Arbat, which features various entertainment options for both adults and children. The panoramic wheel offers breathtaking vistas of the lake, allowing visitors to capture beautiful photographs as souvenirs. The lake regularly hosts fishing festivals and bird-watching events, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide.
Guests can also marvel at the beauty of the unique “Zhongar-Alatau” National Park, located on the scenic slopes of the Zhetysu Alatau range. Among the popular natural attractions in the Ala-Kol region are the Ala-Kol Nature Reserve, Lake Balkhash, and Lake Jalanashkol.
The region around Ala-Kol is rich in historical and sacred sites. Just a half-hour’s drive from the lake lies the Zhongar Gates, an ancient caravan route that was once part of the Silk Road and traversed by Genghis Khan’s warriors. This historically significant and stunning location is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
The Jarkent Mosque, located just two hours away from the lake, is unique in its architecture and has stood for over 130 years. In the resort town of Kabanbay, visitors can explore the local history museum dedicated to the legendary commander Kabanbay Batyr. Additionally, this region is home to obelisks honoring local warriors who defended their homeland. The northeastern part of the Ala-Kol district features numerous burial mounds from the Bronze Age, while the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau boast over 170 monuments from various historical periods, including Paleolithic sites.
The Anyrakay Battle Memorial is located in the Kolbay rural district, on the Borja elevation, where the sacred burial sites of Bayzhuman Seyituly can be found. History buffs will be intrigued by Maylyshat, the site of the Anyrakay battle. Near the village of Zhilandy, you can find the burial sites of Yesim Tore. The “Zhongar-Alatau” National Park is the resting place of the hero Tokbolat Batyr, while the Uyghentase area contains the burial sites of Keki Batyr. The Ala-Kol Nature Reserve is home to several historically significant burials.
