Sayram Lake

Sayram is a closed basin lake of about 460 square kilometres at 2,070 metres in the western Tian Shan, with no outflow, which keeps the water exceptionally clear and a deep saturated blue against the surrounding grassland. Kazakh and Mongol herders bring flocks up to the shore meadows for the summer, pitching yurts, and in June and July the grass fills with wildflowers. A road circles the lake, about ninety kilometres, driven or cycled, and the Guozigou valley below it is crossed by a spectacular stretch of expressway on high viaducts. The lake freezes over in winter.

History

The lake lay on the northern branch of the Silk Road, in mountains long empty of settlement, while Saka nomads, the Wusun, the Göktürks and the Oirat Mongols lived in the valleys to the east; rock art, tombs, temple ruins and old staging posts survive around its shores. The Daoist monk Qiu Chuji called it a heavenly pool, spanning 200 li and ringed by snowy peaks, and Yelü Chucai and the Qing official Lin Zexu also described it; a local tale says it was filled by the tears of a Kazakh couple parted by a demon, and its name is Kazakh for blessing (Wikipedia, Sayram Lake).

What's there

• The blue water - a closed-basin lake of unusual clarity and colour.
• The summer meadows - wildflowers and grazing flocks around the shore.
• The herder camps - Kazakh and Mongol yurts on the pastures.
• The lake circuit - about ninety kilometres of road around the water.

When to go

June to September for flowers, green grass and herders on the pastures; winter freezes the lake and closes services, though ice scenery draws some visitors. Nights are cold even in summer.

Things to know

Entry plus compulsory shuttle is expensive. The shore is developed with photo props and paid activities. Yurt stays are simplified for visitors. Weather changes quickly at altitude.

Nearby

Yining lies southwest; the Guozigou viaducts are just below.

Key facts