Kokshetau National Park and its natural attractions -
Trip from Burabay (Borovoe) to Saumalkol -
In the very heart of the Aiyrtau region, surrounded by ancient granite hills, lies Lake Saumalkol – a reservoir with amazing turquoise water and a rich history. This place has a special energy – here it seems as if time slows down, and nature reveals itself in its pristine grandeur. The lake is salty, endorheic, located at an altitude of 277 meters above sea level, its length is 7 kilometers, width 4 kilometers, depth 4 meters. It is very popular among travelers in Northern Kazakhstan and the Kokshetau National Park. On the shore of the lake is a picturesque resort village of the same name Saumalkol, there are guest houses and recreation areas. On the other side of the lake is the village of Krasnogorovka, in the area of which on the shore of the lake there are many absolutely wild places for camping away from the main roads and trails. Not far from the lake there are other beautiful lakes such as Lake Imantau, next to which is Mount Imantau and Lake Shalkar, which is famous for its recreation areas and fishing on the lake.
How to get there and visit -
Lake Saumalkol is located near the city of Kokshetau in the Kokshetau National Park, Aiyrtau District, North Kazakhstan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 53°16'45"N 68°09'34"E
Information -
Saumalkol is a Salt Lake of tectonic origin, whose waters change color from soft turquoise to emerald depending on the season and lighting. Its depth reaches 8 meters, and the surface area is about 12 square kilometers. The shores are framed by picturesque rocky outcrops covered with steppe grasses and solitary pines, as if specially planted. The village of Saumalkol is located right on the shore. Here you feel a special atmosphere - unhurried, rustic, real. People live in unity with the land, with time, with nature, which gives a lot ... and, alas, loses a lot.
Lake Saumalkol was once rich in fish: pike, crucian carp, perch, carp lived in its cool waters. But today the water is silent. Due to large-scale deforestation along the banks and the disturbed balance of the ecosystem, the fish disappeared. Only the surface remains - beautiful, yes, but empty. This lake has become a reminder of the fragility of nature and the responsibility that we bear to the land on which we live. Despite this, the nature itself around the lake is still strong. The lake is surrounded by fields, copses, light hills. Birds still sing here, fresh winds blow, and in the mornings, fog rises over the water. This place breathes - but more quietly. Work is currently underway to preserve the lake and stock it with fish.
Saumalkol is not just a lake. It is a warning. It is beauty that speaks to us without words. If we hear it, we have a chance to preserve not only nature, but also ourselves. The lake is also considered a place of power, where you can truly relax from civilization, recharge yourself with the energy of ancient rocks and turquoise water, and feel like a part of the endless Kazakh steppe. There are no noisy resorts or crowds of tourists here - only nature, silence and a sense of eternity.
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