Lake Balkhash

Balkhash stretches some six hundred kilometres across central Kazakhstan, a shallow lake in a closed basin, and its peculiarity is the split: the Ili river enters at the western end and keeps that half fresh, while a narrow strait divides it from the eastern half, which is saline, and the difference is visible in the water colour. Depth averages only a few metres. The lake has been affected by irrigation withdrawals from the Ili and by the copper smelter at Balkhash town on the northern shore, and its future level is a subject of concern. Beaches and small resorts line parts of the northern shore, the fishing is significant, and the southern shore is largely empty desert and reed bed.

History

The name comes from balkas, "tussocks in a swamp" in Tatar, Kazakh and Southern Altai. From as early as 103 BC until the 8th century the Chinese knew the people around the lake as the Bugu, and from the 8th century the land to its south was called Jetisu, "Seven Rivers" (Wikipedia, Lake Balkhash).

What you'll find

• The divided water - fresh in the west, saline in the east.
• The northern shore - beaches and small resorts near Balkhash town.
• Reed beds and desert - the emptier southern shore.
• Fishing boats - the working fishery on the lake.

When to go

June to September for warm water and beach use; the lake freezes in winter. July and August are the peak and the hottest. Spring and autumn bring wind and grey water.

Practical notes

Balkhash town is an industrial centre dominated by a copper smelter and is not attractive. Beach facilities are basic. The southern shore is essentially inaccessible without expedition transport. Water levels and quality are a live environmental concern.

Nearby

Bektau-Ata lies north; Karaganda is further north.

Key facts