Lake Balkhash, Endorheic lake in eastern Kazakhstan
Lake Balkhash stretches 605 kilometers from west to east, with the western section containing fresh water and the eastern part containing salt water.
Chinese records from 103 BC referred to this water body as Yibohai, marking its early documentation in regional trade and exploration routes.
The name derives from Tatar and Kazakh languages, where 'balkas' refers to tussocks found in swamp environments near the water.
The western section of the lake maintains fresh water suitable for drinking and industrial purposes, while the eastern section contains high salt concentrations.
The lake experiences annual freezing between November and March, with ice covering the entire surface during winter months at 342 meters elevation.
Elevation above the sea: 342 m
GPS coordinates: 46.54083,74.87889
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:21
List of protected natural sites in Kazakhstan including national parks, reserves, lakes, mountains, canyons, and waterfalls that represent the diversity of the country's landscapes
Sokol International Racetrack
354.9 km
Turkestan–Siberia Railway
323.1 km
Kapchagay Reservoir
365.6 km
Taldy-Kurgan oblast
319.5 km
Tanbaly-Tas
322.2 km
Dordoy Bazaar
402.1 km
Bishkek Central Mosque
407.6 km
Bektauata
98.1 km
Tamgaly
308.9 km
Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve
41 km
National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic
407.9 km
Kuznechnaya Krepost
407.2 km
Victory Square, Bishkek
408.1 km
Church of the Resurrection of Christ
407.7 km
M. V. Frunze Museum
408 km
Kyrgyzs National Drama Theatre Toktobolot Abdumomunov
408.2 km
Panfilov Park, Bishkek
408.2 km
Pribalkhash State Nature Sanctuary (complex)
147.1 km
Buralkynyn Tuzy
386.5 km
Priozernyy Rayon
36.3 km
Üzynaral Tübegi
42.7 km
Shū Qalasy
340.2 km
Taldyqorghan Qalasy
322.7 km
Karoi State Nature Sanctuary (complex)
32.2 km
Minerals of Kounrad Massif
50.7 km
Balkhash Palace of Culture
33.9 km
Оралбай
230.9 km
Карашоки
226.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes