Lakes and Springs

Lake Sarakamysh, the largest lake in Turkmenistan, spans over 2,200 square kilometers. To protect the diverse bird species that inhabit its waters, including pelicans, cormorants, and coots, the Sarakamysh Natural Reserve was established. Among the notable features in the region is the Bakharden Cave, which harbors an underground lake known as Kow-Ata. This lake covers an area of 1,050 square meters, with an average depth of 6 meters and a water temperature ranging from 33°C to 37°C. The lake is renowned for its remarkable clarity and transparency.

Another interesting body of water is Lake Mollagara, a saline lake renowned for its extreme salinity that causes the human body to float effortlessly. The depth of this lake varies from 60 meters to 1.5 kilometers depending on seasonal changes. It is also home to world-famous therapeutic mud baths.

Lake Yuazkhan, located within the Kara Kum Desert, is a closed freshwater lake that provides a habitat for valuable fish species and various waterfowl. Additionally, the lakes Archman, Berzengi, and Bakharden are thermal springs with mineral-rich hydrosulphuric groundwater. Among these, the Kov-Ata cave, situated 60 meters below the cave entrance, contains a warm hydrosulphuric lake measuring 72 meters in length and 30 meters in width, covering an area of 108 square meters. The lake’s water maintains a temperature of 37°C and is renowned for its turquoise hue and therapeutic benefits.

Crater Lake Rozoviy (Pink) Porsyghel, of mud-volcanic origin, is notable for its striking pink waters, which cover the conduit of an ancient mud volcano. Nearby, on the western slopes of the Chokrak Plateau, lies Crater Lake Zapadniy (Western) Porsyghel. This lake features salty, hot, and dirty-grey water. The region also boasts several remarkable thermal sources, including Archman, Parkhai, Ovezbaba, Khodzhakainar, and the sub-thermal spring Edzheri.

One of Turkmenistan’s most picturesque waterfalls is the Bolshoi (Big) Nokhur waterfall, which cascades from a height of 30 meters. Other beautiful waterfalls include Koshtemir, Umbadere, and Kyrkghyz. In the northern part of the country, the Kyrkdeshk Rapids and the canyon to the north of Lake Sarakamysh add to the area’s natural beauty.

Mount Bayuadag is home to approximately 40 springs with varying temperatures and water compositions. Additionally, Kara Bogaz Gol is a vast sea basin extending to the north and west. In the Sumbar Valley, the Gochdemir waterfall stands out with its crystal-clear waters that flow like a shimmering, openwork curtain.