Belyo, Salt lake in Khakassia, Russia
Belyo is a salt lake in the Russian republic of Khakassia, sitting at about 1,230 feet (376 meters) above sea level in an open steppe landscape. The water takes on a pale, milky color due to its high mineral content, and the shoreline is often lined with white salt deposits left by evaporation.
Salt extraction at the lake began in the 19th century and drew merchants and workers to the surrounding area, gradually shaping the local economy. Over time, the lake shifted from an industrial resource to a natural site of interest, as mining activity declined.
The name Belyo comes from a local word meaning white, which reflects the pale, salt-crusted shoreline that visitors can see when they walk around the lake. In summer, the shore turns almost entirely white as water evaporates and leaves a thick layer of salt crystals behind.
The lake is easiest to reach in summer, when roads across the steppe are in better condition and the shoreline is fully exposed. Nearby towns offer basic accommodation, and the city of Abakan to the north serves as a practical base for the visit.
The salt concentration in Belyo is high enough that a person can float on the surface without effort, much like in a sea. This makes the lake one of the rare inland bodies of water in Siberia where swimming feels noticeably different from an ordinary lake.
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