Lake Tuzkol

The lake is located at an altitude of 1959 m (6427 ft) in a closed drainless hollow between the mountains Elshyn Buyryk, Karatau, and Jabyrtau. These mountains belong to one of the ranges of the Northern Tien Shan. The lake is fed by springs flowing down from the surrounding slopes. Many springs are highly mineralized. Given that the lake is closed, it remains within its borders only due to the evaporation of water. The salinity of Lake Tuzkol varies according to the seasons. It has been found that sometimes it can reach 300 g/l that is equal to salinity levels of the Dead Sea in Israel or the Great Salt Lake in the USA.

Video about Lake Tuzkol

The shores of Lake Tuzkol are low and gentle, so numerous streams formed mud swamps around it. These muds are believed to have healing properties and are used in balneological mud therapy in clinics of Almaty. The lake is only 1 m (3 ft) deep, but it is difficult to swim in it, since the bottom is covered with liquid mud.

The lake overlooks an amazing panorama of the Central Tien Shan ridges, with the highest peak of Kazakhstan - Khan Tengri Peak.