Useful Articles / Balkhash

Lake Balkhash is located in southeastern Kazakhstan, within the Balkhash-Alakol Basin, and lies at the edge of the steppes and desert regions. It’s a large, crescent-shaped lake, spanning about 600 km (373 miles) in length and covering an area of 16,400 square kilometers (6,300 square miles), making it one of the largest lakes in Asia. The lake's most fascinating feature is its division into two distinct parts: the western side is freshwater, while the eastern side is saline. This unique characteristic is due to the presence of a narrow strait that separates the two halves, with different sources of water inflow.

Balkhash is a very large lake, the length of which reaches 600 km, the maximum width is 74 km. The greatest depth of this reservoir is 27 m. But this regime does not apply to the entire lake, but to its points. In general, the average depth of Balkhash does not reach 6 m.

The reservoir borders the regions of Kazakhstan: Karaganda, Almaty and Zhambyl. On one side it is adjacent to the Betpak steppe, on the second - sandy massifs, and on one side - the Chu-Ili chain.

If you're seeking a destination off the beaten path, look no further than Balkhash Lake in Kazakhstan. Nestled amidst the vast expanse of the Central Asian landscape, this enigmatic waterbody offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers.