Lake Balkhash of Kazakhstan
A View of Lake Balkhash
In the southeastern region of Kazakhstan sprawls the enormous, crescent-shaped Lake Balkhash. Fed by seven rivers, it is one of the largest lakes in the country. The Aral Sea and Lake Balkhash have a lot in common. Both are located in an arid part of Central Asia; both are somewhat saline; and neither has an outlet. But after the desiccation of the Aral Sea—once the fourth-largest lake in the world—Balkhash now covers a comparatively larger area. Spanning 17,000 square kilometers in Kazakhstan, Lake Balkhash is the largest lake in Central Asia and fifteenth-largest in the world. The main source of the lake is the transboundary Ili river, which flows through China and Kazakhstan. The sources of this river begin in China and provide more than 80% of the water inflow of lake Balkhash.
The uniqueness of the lake lies in the fact that it is divided by a narrow strait into two parts with different water compositions – Water in the western part of the lake is almost fresh—suitable for drinking and industrial uses—whereas the eastern side of the basin is brackish to salty. The western side is also murkier; visibility/light penetrates to about 1 meter, compared to more than 5 meters on the eastern side.
The area enjoys a continental climate, with temperatures as high as 85-90F in summer, plunging to around 5F in winter.
Surrounded by rich and verdant greenery, the lake is a great place to explore the flora and spot local species of fauna. Willow trees, various reeds and canes line the banks, and under the waters are plentiful species of algae. Balkhash is home to six species of native fish as well as many that have since been introduced, not to mention 120 types of birds including cormorants, pheasants and golden eagles. With cities and towns dotted around its edges, of which Balkhash is the largest, not to mention the Bishkek-Karaganda Highway, part of which runs along the edge, there are many points from which to access the lake and many activities to be enjoyed.
The entire territory adjacent to the Ili river is included in the Ili-Balkhash water basin. The Ili-Balkhash basin is one of the most complex ecosystems in the world, occupying a vast territory of 413,000 square kilometers in area in the South-East of Kazakhstan and North-West of China. A fifth of the population of Kazakhstan lives in the basin, 50% of which are rural residents.
Researchers describes parts of the Ili delta where the water is so crystal clear that you can see fish and water plants up to 7 to 8 meters below. If you were to cruise in a boat in the main part of the lake, you could count 43 islands with a total area of 66 square kilometers.
It’s a home to countless species of birds, animals and fish, Lake Balkhash draws nature photographers from all over the region, all of whom hope to catch a glimpse of one of many endangered species, not to mention snap stunning shots of the gorgeous scenery.
Yachting and sailing are popular pastimes on the azure waters of Lake Balkhash. With its vast expanse and good winds, not to mention the beautiful natural scenery as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to understand why this is a notorious boating spot in the region.
Swimming tends to be more popular in areas of the lake that are further removed from the big cities that pop up along its banks. In the summer months, bathers enjoy refreshing dips in the lake’s blue waters. Meanwhile, divers plunge down to explore the algae-covered depths.
