Little-known and rarely visited lakes in Borovoe -
Tour to Lake Katarkol and the village of Borovoe -
In the north-east of the Akmola region, among the undulating hills of the Kokshetau Upland, the quiet and calm Lake Katarkol sparkles in the sun. This is a place where nature does not shout about its beauty - it whispers. Katarkol does not seek to amaze - it enchants. Here, time seems to stand still, and the soul is filled with special peace. The lake is located at an altitude of 441 meters above sea level, on the shore of the lake is the village of the same name Katarkol, where you can rent a guest house for recreation. The lake is part of the Burabay (Borovoe) National Park, but is located at a distance from the main natural attractions such as Lake Borovoe, Lake Shchuchye, Lake Bolshoe Chebachye (Big) and Lake Maloe Chebachye (Small).
The name "Katarkol" is translated as "warm lake" - and there is truth in this. Due to its location and moderate depth, the water here really warms up faster and remains comfortable for swimming in the summer months. The lake is home to fish, crucian carp, roach and perch, the lake is well suited for swimming in the summer months. The lake is clearly visible from a panoramic point, which is located on the Kokshetau Upland (Mount Kokshetau). Also, in the area there is an island-rock Zhumbaktas and Mount Rock Okzhetpes, which are very popular.
How to get there and visit -
Lake Katarkol is located near the city of Shchuchinsk, near the village of the same name Katarkol, is part of the lake system of the Shchuchinsk-Borovskaya resort area, Burabay district, Akmola region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 52°57'42"N 70°24'38"E
Information -
Lake Katarkol is surrounded by soft hills covered with grass, birches and rare pines. The landscape here is smooth, harmonious, with easy transitions from the steppes to the forests. The lake itself is relatively shallow, with clean, transparent water, a soft sandy bottom and a coastline convenient for recreation. The water in Katarkol is warmer than in the deeper lakes of Borovoe - the swimming season here begins earlier. The climate in the lake area is moderately continental. In summer it is warm, sunny, without sweltering heat. In July, the water temperature can reach +22 +24 ° C. Winters are snowy and frosty, but the air remains crystal clear, especially in the morning. Around the lake you can meet many birds - ducks, seagulls, and in the forests nearby live hares, roe deer, foxes. Fishermen value Katarkol for its fish stocks. At dawn, the lake comes to life: birds wake up with an echo over the surface of the water, a light fog spreads over the surface, and at such moments you understand - this is not just a reservoir, but a living organism.
Lake Katarkol is a great place for a family and secluded vacation. There are no crowds and fuss, but there is silence, clean air, fishing, swimming and leisurely walks. Nearby there are recreation centers and guest houses, you can put up a tent or stay in the village of Katarkol, where hospitable and kind people live. Many come here on the weekend to escape the bustle of the city, have a picnic on the shore or just walk by the water.
Legends and the spirit of the place -
Like many lakes in Kazakhstan, Katarkol keeps its stories. Old-timers say that a guardian spirit hides in its waters - not bright, but friendly. He loves silence and purity. Locals are sure: if you sit by the water with pure thoughts - the lake will open up to you, take away worries and fill your heart with lightness. Katarkol is not a resort, but a refuge. You don’t need a lot of entertainment here - nature itself becomes the main joy. You just sit by the shore, look at the water surface, breathe in the aroma of the steppe wind, and at some point, you understand: you are home. It doesn’t matter where you came from - here you are welcomed as one of their own.
Photogallery:
