Alakol is a saline lake located in southeastern Kazakhstan, renowned for its striking beauty and unique characteristics. Covering nearly 2,700 square kilometers, including its islands, Alakol stretches 104 kilometers in length and 52 kilometers in width, with several rivers feeding into its waters.
The name Alakol translates to «motley lake,» a fitting description due to the lake’s ever-changing colors. The water’s hue varies with the weather—pale blue on clear days, gray when overcast, reddish-brown during rainfall, and almost black in a storm. Throughout the day, as the sun shifts in the sky, the lake’s colors can transform several times, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
Historically, during the time of Amir Timur, locals referred to Alakol as “It ichmes,” meaning «a dog wouldn’t drink from it,» due to its high salt content. Indeed, a liter of Alakol’s water contains over 8 grams of salt. Additionally, the lake is rich in minerals like fluorine and bromine.
Despite its saline nature, Alakol’s waters are home to various fish species, including walleye, perch, marinka, bream, variegated sponge, and carp, making it a popular destination for local anglers. Each year, fishing competitions are held along its shores. The lake also attracts a wide array of bird species such as gulls, herons, swans, pelicans, and cormorants. At the lake’s center lie three islands—Ulken Araltobe, Kishken Araltobe, and Belkudyk—which form part of the Alakol State Nature Reserve. These islands are home to numerous species of fish, animals, and birds listed in the Red Book of endangered species, and visitors are prohibited from approaching within two kilometers of them.
Alakol is quickly becoming a beloved vacation destination for Kazakhstan’s citizens. More than two million domestic tourists visit annually, drawn by its natural beauty and health benefits. The lakeshore features numerous hotels, resorts, and sanatoriums, catering to visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The lake’s waters are rich in radon, giving Alakol its reputation as a balneological resort. According to legend, Genghis Khan’s warriors found healing in these waters, and for decades, Soviet and Russian cosmonauts have come here to recuperate.
For those seeking adventure, Alakol offers water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding, and horseback riding. Those preferring a more leisurely experience can relax on the beach. The beaches of Alakol are notable for their smooth, black shungite pebbles and black sand. While walking barefoot might not be ideal, the visual appeal of these unique beaches is sure to captivate visitors.
Just a few kilometers from Alakol lies Zhalanashkol Lake, known for its therapeutic mud. Many visitors come here specifically for mud treatments, which are reputed to be particularly beneficial for women’s health issues.
However, travelers should be aware that the road to Alakol can be rough in certain areas. Local authorities are actively working to improve the highway, ensuring better accessibility in the future.
The region surrounding Alakol is also famous for the Dzungarian Gate, a vast mountain pass that links the Dzungarian plain with the Balkhash-Alakol basin. This pass, which runs along the Kazakh-Chinese border, spans 50 kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in width, serving as a natural corridor between the two regions.
Near Alakol, visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and the ruins of a caravanserai, remnants of the Great Silk Road’s historical trade routes. Merchants traveling along this legendary route once stopped here thousands of years ago.
Additionally, not far from the lake is the Zhongar-Alatau Nature Park, which spans over 350,000 hectares. The park is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of rare apple orchards, alongside nearly 2,200 species of trees and shrubs. This vast natural reserve is a haven for nature lovers and adds another layer of intrigue to the already rich experience of visiting the Alakol region.