Organization of jeep tours in the Kokshetau National Park -
Nature and natural attractions of the North Kazakhstan region -
Lake Imantau is a beautiful lake, spread out among the hills like a precious turquoise bowl, changing its shades from soft blue at dawn to deep sapphire at dusk. This is not just a reservoir - it is a whole universe with its own character and secrets. This place does not shout about itself loudly - it whispers. Whispers with the wind in the crowns of pines, the smooth surface of the water at dawn, and the call of cranes in the morning silence. Everything here breathes peace, and nature itself seems to touch you gently and imperceptibly, like a good memory. On the shore of the lake there is a resort village of Imantau where there are guest houses and small rooms, on the other side of the lake there is a highly comfortable recreation center "Solnechnaya" there are cozy cottages and a large restaurant. The lake is very popular among travelers as it is located in the Kokshetau National Park. Also next to Lake Imantau is the village of Arykbalyk, which borders on the perfectly round lake Arykbalyk. Between the lakes there is a beautiful pine forest, in which there are hiking trails for active recreation. In this forest there are such attractions as Imantaevskaya mountain (hill), Mount Kotlovan, Mount Kazachya (hill), Mount Pozharka (hill), Mount Kotelok (hill), Arykbalykskaya mountain (hill) and the Iman cave.
How to get there and visit -
Lake Imantau is located near the village of Imantau, in the Kokshetau National Park, not far from the town of Shchuchinsk and the city of Kokshetau, Airtau District, North Kazakhstan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 53°00'50"N 68°16'52"E
Information -
Lake Imantau is surrounded by pine forests and low but expressive mountains. The slopes are covered with moss and blueberries, the air here smells of pine freshness, and in the silence you can hear only footsteps, birds singing and the splash of fish. The water in the lake is amazingly clean - so much so that in clear weather it reflects the sky, clouds and tree crowns. In summer, the water warms up and pleasantly refreshes, and in winter the lake freezes, turning into a silent mirror under a snow dome. The lake is 13 kilometers long, 4.8 kilometers wide and 10 meters deep. Fishing is allowed in the lake. The lake is home to crucian carp, carp, pike, perch, ide and chub. The nature around the lake is striking in its diversity. The eastern shore is framed by relict pine forests, where the air is filled with the tart aroma of pine needles and steppe grasses. The western side turns into picturesque meadows, which in spring flare up with scarlet poppies and golden buttercups. The southern shore is a kingdom of reed thickets, where hundreds of bird species nest: from proud mute swans to swift hawks. The climate here is special - thanks to the combination of steppe and forest areas, a unique microclimate is created. In summer, the temperature rarely rises above +25 ° C, and the water warms up to a comfortable +22 ° C. In winter the lake freezes, but the frosts here are milder than in the surrounding steppe – usually not lower than -15°C. In spring, when the steppe comes to life, the banks are covered with a carpet of wild tulips and irises, and in autumn the gold of birches mixes with the crimson of aspens, creating a stunning palette.
Legends and traditions -
It is believed that the name "Imantau" comes from the words "iman" - which means faith, spiritual purity, and "tau" - mountain. According to legend, an old man with good wisdom lived in these places. He retired to the shore of the lake to pray and talk to nature. People came to him for advice and inspiration. And this place began to be called "Mountain of Faith" - Imantau. Here, they say, you can still feel a special energy - calm, warm and bright. Local fishermen say that sometimes they see shadows of huge fish in the water that are impossible to catch. And in calm weather, mysterious bubbles rise from the bottom - old-timers claim that this is the "breath of an ancient spirit" that guards the lake.
Lake Imantau is not just a point on the map. It is a meeting with nature, with yourself, with silence, which is so rare to find in a noisy city. This lake does not shout. It is waiting. And if you come, it will welcome you like an old friend. This place has a special magic - many come here for a day and stay for a week, succumbing to the charm of calm waters and the whisper of pines. These places fill the soul with that special feeling of peace that can only be found in the most secret corners of nature.
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