Lake Balkhash

Lake Balkhash is an endorheic body of water in eastern Kazakhstan that extends 605 kilometers from west to east at an elevation of 342 meters. The western half holds fresh water, while the eastern half contains salt water, divided by a narrow strait called Uzynaral.

Chinese records from 103 BC called this water body Yibohai and mentioned it in connection with regional trade routes. During the 20th century, industrial development and irrigation from tributary rivers caused the water level to drop considerably.

Th e name comes from Tatar and Kazakh words, where 'balkas' means tussocks of grass found in marshy ground near water. Local communities have fished these waters for generations, adapting their methods to the changing salinity between the western and eastern sections.

The western section works better for visitors seeking fresh water, while the eastern section is saltier and offers different water conditions. Shoreline areas are mostly flat and accessible, with some sections featuring sandy beaches.

The entire surface freezes over each year between November and March, forming a solid ice cover. Despite its size, the depth varies greatly, with many shallow areas measuring less than six meters deep.