Lake Zaysan

Zaysan lies in a basin between the Altai to the north and the Tarbagatai to the south, and it is generally described as one of the oldest freshwater lakes in existence, with a basin that has held water more or less continuously since the Cretaceous, which is why the surrounding deposits are so rich in fossils. The Black Irtysh flows in from China at the eastern end and the Irtysh flows out at the western; since the Bukhtarma dam was built the lake has been raised and merged into the reservoir behind it. Fishing is the main activity and the lake supports a commercial fishery. The shores are largely empty semi-desert and steppe with small settlements.

History

In the 3rd century BC the lake roughly marked the border between the Xiongnu and the Yuezhi. It has been drying in modern times, a process slowed since it became part of the reservoir of the Bukhtarma hydroelectric plant (Wikipedia, Lake Zaysan).

The landscape

• The open lake - the wide water between two mountain ranges.
• The Black Irtysh delta - the river entering at the eastern end.
• Fishing settlements - the villages working the lake.
• Fossil-bearing shores - the deposits that make the basin significant.

When to go

June to September for the warmest weather and best access; the lake freezes over in winter and roads are difficult. Wind can rise quickly and make the water rough. Spring thaw closes tracks.

What to expect

Facilities around the lake are minimal with few places to stay. The shoreline is remote and access points limited. Water levels and quality have been affected by the dam and by upstream withdrawals. Distances from Oskemen are long.

Nearby

Kiin Kerish is on the southern shore; Markakol lies southeast.

Key facts