Lake Tengiz, Saline lake in Central Kazakhstan
Lake Tengiz is a saline water body in central Kazakhstan that spans a large area with very shallow depths throughout. The lake receives water from several rivers and contains mineral-rich waters that support an exceptional ecosystem.
The area has been a major bird and wildlife crossing point in the Kazakh steppe for centuries. In 1976, a Soviet spacecraft unexpectedly landed on the lake's frozen surface during a rescue operation.
The lake's name comes from the Kazakh word 'teniz', meaning 'sea', showing how locals think of this expanse. The shallow waters and salt content shape how people relate to the place today.
Visitors can reach the lake from Akmola or via the Korgaljyn highway from Astana, depending on their starting point. The terrain is rough and uneven, so sturdy footwear and preparation are needed for exploring the area.
The waters contain high concentrations of red crustaceans, giving the lake a distinctive reddish tint that stands out against the steppe landscape. These minerals in the water directly feed the food chain that supports the massive bird populations each year.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Kazakhstan stretches across an impressive variety of landscapes, from high mountains to vast steppes, from hidden mountain lakes to wide desert plains. The country protects numerous natural areas that show these differences and allow visitors to experience places that remain little changed. In the...
Bayterek
193.9 km
Astana Grand Mosque
190.2 km
Parliament of Kazakhstan
194.6 km
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
192.3 km
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
20.5 km
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
195.8 km
Astana Opera
192.9 km
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
194.8 km
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
196 km
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
20.5 km
Kazakh Eli monument
196.2 kmThe Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
194.8 km
Nur-Astana Mosque
192.9 km
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall
194.4 km
Palace of Independence
196.2 km
State Russian Dramatic Theatre Maxim Gorky
194.6 km
Astana Circus
193.9 km
Astana botanical garden
192 km
Kazhimukan Munaitpasov Stadium
194.3 km
Transport Tower
193.1 km
The Triumph of Astana
193.4 km
Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan
195.1 km
Ramstore Bridge
194.7 km
Astana Tower
194.9 km
Atameken miniature park
194 kmTengiz Aūdany
86.4 kmKima District
150.5 km
Kinopark 8 IMAX Saryarqa
193 kmDiscover 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