About six hours from Artush lies Kulikalon, a breathtaking complex of lakes and streams nestled among snow-capped mountains. Kulikalon is not just one lake but a group of six medium-sized lakes and one larger one, all located within the vast Kulikalon Basin at an elevation of 2,832 meters above sea level.
Kulikalon is the second-largest lake in the Fann Mountains. Its name translates to «Great Lake», and it certainly lives up to its title. Situated at the western edge of the Kulikalon Basin, at around 2,800 meters in altitude, the lake is a stunning sight. During the summer, the area is warm, surrounded by juniper forests, and the water is pleasant enough for a refreshing swim.
The northern shore of Kulikalon Lake is intricately carved, with secluded coves and rocky promontories dividing the inlets. A winding strait separates a large, green, flat island that stretches deep into the lake. As you move toward the southern end of the lake, the landscape changes dramatically. The lake narrows, with rocky slopes from the surrounding ridges closing in. Beyond these, the black walls of the Western Fann Range rise, topped with sparkling white and green glaciers.
Kulikalon Lake is the final link in a chain of lakes within the Kulikalon Basin. The lake is fed by two rivers: one flows into its northern shore, and the other into its southern end. The lake’s outflow is subterranean, filtering through a thick moraine before emerging as the Artuch River. In recent years, the lake has become home to fish, thanks to the successful introduction of marinka fingerlings, which have flourished in its waters.
