North Aral Sea, Salt lake in Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan.

The North Aral Sea is the northern remnant of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda Region, fed by the Syr Darya. Its several bays include Shevchenko Bay, Butakov Bay and Bolshoy Saryshyganak Bay, on whose former shore Aralsk stands. The Berg Strait is closed by the Kokaral Dam, a 6 m high earthen barrier with a spillway; the lake reached 42 m above sea level in 2009.

The original Aral Sea split into two separate bodies in 1987 due to irrigation demands that lowered water levels. The northern part gained protection through construction of the Kokaral Dam, which helped stabilize conditions.

Fishing forms the backbone of life for people living along these shores, and with fish returning to the water, traditional practices have come back to everyday life. Boats and nets are now visible again as part of the local routine.

The lake is best reached from the city of Aralsk, which serves as the main gateway for visitors. Access is straightforward, though the region remains sparsely populated, so planning ahead is wise.

Water levels have risen significantly since the early 2000s, bringing back fish populations that had vanished long before. This recovery stems from deliberate efforts to save the lake.