Turquoise water
To the horizon.
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Alakol is a wide salt lake in eastern Kazakhstan near the Chinese border. Turquoise and green water stretches to the horizon, beaches are of pebbles and sand, and the Dzungarian Alatau mountains rise to the south, sometimes capped with snow. The lake lies at 347 m, covers 2,650 km² and reaches 54 m at its deepest. It is the northwest end of the Dzungarian Gate, a narrow valley linking southern Kazakhstan with northwest China. Its waters have been said to have healing properties since the days of the Silk Road. In 2021 it was named one of Kazakhstan's ten top tourist destinations. You swim in the warm salty water in summer, sit on the beach and watch the sunset over the water and mountains. To the south a narrow swampy valley links it to freshwater Lake Zhalanashkol, and to the northwest wet lowland joins it to the Kosharkol and Sasykkol lakes. The centre of the lake is about 17 km in a straight line northeast of the village of Koktuma. Swim near the shore, and bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade is scarce.
To the horizon.
To the south.
Over the lake.
Balkhash–Alakol Basin, Jetisu Region, eastern Kazakhstan
July and August, when the water is warm.
In shoreline villages and resorts, booked ahead in summer.