Tour to Lake Zhasylkol
Zhasylkol is a high-altitude lake in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains of Kazakhstan. It is located 15 km southwest of the village of Lepsy, at an altitude of 1,630 meters above sea level, in the Dzungarian-Alatau State National Nature Park.
As a result of an earthquake, a rockfall blocked the Agynkatty River with a natural dam, creating a picturesque lake. In the spring and summer, the water is murky, as the springs feeding the lake originate from the Dzungarian glaciers. However, when the glaciers stop melting due to the cold, the water turns a clear blue.
The lake is popularly known as "Emerald" or "Zamartas." When the glaciers melt, the lake turns light green, especially when viewed from above. The color of the lake's water depends not only on the melting snow but also on the day and weather. In the spring and summer, the water is like coffee with milk, and in the fall and spring, it's a clear blue.
The water is blue; under blue skies, it takes on an ultramarine hue, and in cloudy weather, it's leaden. A large deer population lives in the area of Lake Zhasylkol. The water temperature in summer doesn't even rise above 10°C.
- Distance of the route:
462 km
- Season time:
May - September
- Best time:
June - August
- Group size:
not more 12 person
- Days & nights:
3 days - 2 nights
Tour itinerary:
Transfer: Almaty – Pshenichny's Apiary (462 km).
We leave Almaty for Pshenichny's apiary, located 462 kilometers from the city. After passing the village of Topolevka, we stop at a beautiful, unnamed lake near the Aganakty River.
After visiting the lake, we cross the river and continue along the northern slope of the Dzungarian Alatau. Upon reaching the apiary, we set up camp and stroll around the grounds. We return to camp, have dinner, and rest.
Pshenichny's Apiary – Aganakty River – Dvoykh's Apiary – Lake Zhasylkol (9 km, 3.5 hours).
After breakfast, we hike along the Aganakty River to the ascent to the ancient moraine. Along the way, we visit another apiary. After 7 kilometers, we reach the ascent to the moraine before the lake. We rest and have a snack.
From the moraine itself, we have 3 kilometers to the lake. Upon reaching Lake Zhasylkol, we stroll along the shore and visit the source of the Aganakty River, which flows out of the lake. We rest and return to the tent camp at Pshenichny's apiary. We have dinner and rest.
Pshenichny's Apiary – Almaty (462 km).
Return to Almaty.
Photogallery:
