Markakol Lake is considered one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural wonders, sitting at an elevation of 1,447 meters above sea level. The lake is encircled by dense forests, with its shores meeting steep slopes in some areas and meadows in others, owing to its highland location. Nestled within the Markakol basin and flanked by the Kurchum and Azutau mountain ranges, the lake captivates visitors with its natural beauty.
Shaped like an elongated oval stretching from northeast to southwest, Markakol Lake spans 38 kilometers in length and 19 kilometers in width, covering an area of 455 square kilometers. Its average depth is about 14 meters, with the Kaldzhir River flowing out of it.
The color of the lake changes dramatically with the weather. On sunny days, it sparkles in vibrant shades of blue and light blue, while on overcast or stormy days, its waters take on darker hues of grey, black, or even silvery tones. The lake’s water is remarkably clear and pure, freezing over in winter, with ice beginning to form around late November and reaching thicknesses of 60 to 120 centimeters.
On August 4, 1976, Markakol Lake and the surrounding areas were declared a nature reserve, initially covering 71,300 hectares. Later, in December 2007, the Kazakh government expanded the reserve to 102,979 hectares. The main goal of the reserve is to protect and preserve the diverse natural environment, including meadows, taiga, and mountain forests along the slopes of the Altai Mountains.
The lake is home to an impressive array of flora, with over 700 plant species recorded in the area. The reserve’s fauna is equally diverse, with nearly 55 species of mammals, including elk, red deer, brown bears, wild boars, wolves, wolverines, sable, mink, and the elusive snow leopard.
Markakol Lake also boasts a rich aquatic ecosystem, teeming with species like lenok, grayling, and loaches, along with many other rare fish. The reserve is a haven for birdlife as well, with rare species such as the black stork, hazel hen, chukar partridge, and kestrel calling it home. The creation of the reserve was driven by the need to protect these unique and rare species of animals and birds.
Today, Markakol Lake draws many tourists who come to marvel at its unspoiled beauty and experience one of Central Asia’s most breathtaking alpine lakes.