Ozero Tal'men', lake in Russia
Ozero Tal'men is a large lake set high in Russia's mountains at about 1500 m elevation, nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rocky slopes and thick forests. The water appears greenish and slightly cloudy due to glacial inputs, reaching depths up to 70 m (230 feet) with a calm surface reflecting the surrounding peaks.
The lake was officially recognized as a natural monument of Russia in the late 20th century, gaining protected status due to its natural beauty and ecological importance. Its naming stems from local tradition and legend, with various theories about the origin of its designation.
The lake's name comes from local history, though taimen fish do not actually live here, which has sparked various theories about its origin. The place holds meaning for visitors seeking a direct connection with nature in its raw and untouched state.
Travel to the lake typically starts from the town of Biysk and passes through mountain roads, rivers, and forest trails, with the journey taking one to two days to complete. Visitors should prepare well with proper gear, supplies, and knowledge of access rules, as the area is strictly protected and monitoring is in place.
The lake carries its name from a legend about a runaway prisoner who once lived here, though another theory suggests the name arose from a mistake since taimen fish do not actually inhabit these waters. These mysterious origins give the name a special quality with multiple competing explanations from local history.
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