Tus Lake, Salt lake in Shiring District, Khakassia, Russia

Tus Lake is a bitter-salt lake on the right bank of the White Ius River in the Shirinsky District of Khakassia, 4.5 km east of the village of Solenoozernoye. Its ellipsoidal basin stretches southwest to northeast, and a mountain ridge rises 140 m above the water on the west side. The lake covers 2.03 km² (other sources give 2.6 km²) and is at most 2 m deep.

Salt was mined on the lake in the past; dikes on the eastern shore used for extraction and remains of salt warehouses on the northern shore still mark this activity. On the western shore lies the Tous Burial Mound (7), a newly identified regional cultural heritage site of the Karasuk and Tagar cultures. In 2009 the lake received more than 70,000 visitors.

The lake's water area and coastal strip form a protected health resort of regional significance covering 633 hectares. Its bottom sediments are classed as highly mineralized sulfide mud, and the brine shrimp Artemia salina lives in the water. On the western shore, within the Voskhod tourist base, lies the burial ground "Tus (7)" of the Karasuk and Tagar cultures.

It is best to visit during the warmer months when roads are passable and the weather suits outdoor activities. Bring light clothing and be prepared to rinse off after swimming, as the salt water can irritate skin and eyes.

The lake's salinity of 275 g per litre is the highest of any lake in Khakassia, though below the Dead Sea's roughly 350 g per litre. Brine shrimp of the species Artemia salina live in the water, and undissolved salt settles on the bottom as a crust 20 to 30 cm thick.