Tеre-Khol Lake, Protected lake in Tuva, Russia
Tere-Khol Lake sits in the Sengelen mountains of southern Siberia and is a shallow body of water dotted with islands. The water reaches an average depth of about 50 centimeters across its expanse in this remote corner of the landscape.
The lake holds the ancient Por-Bazhyn fortress built in 777 during the reign of the third Uygur Kaganate on one of its islands. A wooden footbridge once connected this fortified island to the surrounding shore.
The name Por-Bazhyn translates from Tuvan as 'clay house,' reflecting the local linguistic heritage and traditional building materials of the region.
Reaching the lake requires air transportation or off-road vehicles, especially during dry seasons. The nearest settlement of Kungurtug lies to the southeast and serves as a reference point for visitors.
The lake's shoreline changes continuously as its surface area shifts due to tectonic activity and climate factors. This constant transformation makes it an example of how natural forces reshape the landscape over time.
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