Bartogay Lake, reservoir in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Bartogay Lake is a large artificial reservoir in the Almaty Region, located 186 kilometers east of the city in a valley surrounded by dry steppe land and mountain slopes. The water sits at about 1010 meters above sea level and displays a bright blue color that stands out dramatically against the reddish shores.
The reservoir was completed in 1986 after dam construction began in 1983 to hold water for agriculture and local needs. Water accumulates during winter and spring months, then is released from June through September to irrigate fields and supply nearby villages.
The reservoir sits in a region used by people for thousands of years, as shown by ancient burial mounds and settlement remains scattered throughout the area. These traces connect today's visitors to the long human presence in this mountain valley.
Bring everything you need including food, water, and supplies since there are no facilities at the lake itself. Reaching the reservoir by car from Almaty takes about three hours along a scenic road, with parking near the shore and access to walking trails along the water.
Water levels drop dramatically between June and September, revealing reddish soil at the lake bottom and transforming the landscape appearance seasonally. These extreme water fluctuations create an unusual natural display where visitors can observe the terrain changing significantly depending on the time of year.
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