Jeep tour to Lake Zhasylkol -
Natural and architectural sights of Zhetysu region -
Zhasykol Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the heart of the Dzungarian Alatau at an altitude of 1,632 meters above sea level, surrounded by high mountains and spruce forests. The lake's waters, resembling molten malachite, change shades from delicate turquoise in the morning to deep emerald by noon, like a living stone under the rays of the high-altitude sun. The lake is part of the Zhongar-Alatau National Park and is located in a protected area. The water in the lake is very cold, but if desired, during the hot summer months, you can quickly take a dip, refresh yourself and immediately go ashore. The water is so cold that you can't swim there, your muscles immediately cramp from the cold, so be careful not to stay in the water for long. You can get to the lake from the mountain village of Lepsi (Lepsinsk), which is located 15 kilometers from the lake along a mountain road that is suitable only for 4x4 off-road vehicles.
There are many legends associated with Lake Zhasylkol. One of the most famous tells about a girl named Jasyl, who was waiting for her lover in these mountains. When he died in battle, her tears filled the valley, forming a beautiful green lake, the color of which forever preserved the shade of her eyes.
How to get there and visit -
Zhasylkol Lake is located in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau in the valley of the Agynakty River, 15 kilotmeters from the village of Lepsi (Lupsinsk), 11 kilometers from the checkpoint Zhalanash, Alakol district, Zhetysu region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 45°23'10"N 80°34'40"E
Information -
Lake Zhasylkol is one of the most picturesque natural corners of Zhetysu, its name means "Green Lake" in Kazakh – and this is no coincidence: the water here has a soft emerald hue, which is especially pronounced on sunny days, reflecting the dense forests and snowy peaks around. In the evening, the sunset colors of the water will also take on an unusual appearance, from dark blue to pink. The lake was formed as a result of an ancient mudflow or landslide overlap of a mountain valley. On one side it is supported by steep cliffs, and on the other by gentle green slopes extending into the depths of the gorge. Jasylkol feeds mainly due to mountain streams and springs originating on glaciers and snowfields of the range, so the water in it is cold and crystal clear. The lake is also famous for the fact that there are many apiaries of beekeepers who collect various kinds of honey here, which is incredibly tasty and healthy.
The nature around Lake Zhasylkol impresses with its richness. On the shores there are Tien Shan firs, birches, aspens, dense thickets of dog rose and barberry. In summer, the slopes are covered with a carpet of Alpine flowers – tulips, irises, carnations. In autumn, the landscape is painted in golden-red tones, and in spring, the freshness and aroma of blooming meadows reign here.
The fauna of the area is also diverse: marals, roe deer, mountain goats can be found in the vicinity, and golden eagles and falcons often soar in the sky. The lake's water is rich in fish, including trout, which attracts lovers of quiet fishing here.
Zhasylkol is known not only for its beauty, but also as a popular destination for tourist routes. It can be reached through the gorges of the Agynakty or Lepsy rivers by hiking, horseback riding or even cycling. The road to the lake passes through picturesque meadows, dense forests and mountain passes, which makes traveling here a real adventure.
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