Pearl of Dzungarian Alatau – Lake Zhasylkol
The hallmark of the Zhongar-Alatau National Park is the high-mountainous and most beautiful lake Zhasylkol at an altitude of 1630 meters above sea level. It is located 15 km southwest of Lepsi village, Alakol district.
As a result of an earthquake, a rock fall blocked the Agynakatta River bed with a natural dam, and a very picturesque lake of quite impressive size was formed, especially its beauty strikes in the fall, surrounded by the gold of trees.
The water in spring and summer is murky, as the streams feeding the lake originate from the glaciers of Dzungaria. But as soon as the glaciers stop melting, the water becomes transparent blue. The water temperature does not rise above 10 °C even in summer time.
It is noteworthy that the area of the Lower Zhasylkol Lake is the habitat of numerous populations of red deer. The route passes through subalpine meadows, where everything around is filled with the aroma of honey and strawberries. Traveling here is a great opportunity to visit and enjoy magical views of virgin nature.
From Taldykorgan city to Lepsi village is about 330 km. It can be reached by any car. Further from Lepsi village to Zhalanash cordon 13 km on a dirt road can be traveled by a passenger car; the way from the cordon to the apiary takes about 7 km, it is possible to pass only by off-road vehicles. Further from the apiary 3-4 km we climb on foot or on horseback to the unique lake Zhasylkol. This is a rather difficult route with steep descents and ascents.
Entry and stay in the National Park is paid: payment is made in the branch of the State National Park "Zhongar-Alatau" in Lepsi village for vehicles and for each person. A guide from the National Park will accompany you to the lake.
All the routes of the park are in the untouched wilderness, where overnight stays in tent camps or in the park's cordons are expected. Therefore, it is necessary to stock up on provisions in advance in the settlements. Tents can be brought with you or rented in the park. It is also possible to organize overnight stays in guest houses in Lepsi village.
