One of the main attractions of Kazakhstan is Lake Balkhash. It is in the list of the largest lakes in the world takes the honorable thirteenth place. The lake is unique - it is divided by a strait into two parts. Water is fresh on one side of the strait , and salt on the other. Translated from the Kazakh, Tatar and Altai languages, the name of the lake means "marshland".
Like all the sights of the east, Lake Balkhash has its own beautiful and rather sad legend.
In ancient times, the almighty sorcerer Balkhash grew a daughter, a beauty named Ili. Some time passed, and the sorcerer decided to marry her. This was learned by wealthy grooms from around the world, and after some time caravans with rich gifts reached the sorcerer’s house. But among the rich pretenders to the heart of the beauty there was one simple poor young man - the shepherd Karatal, whom Ily fell in love with at first sight. As usual, a competition was held among the suitors, in which Karatal won naturally.
However, the treacherous father did not give him his beautiful daughter, despite these promises. The lovers then decided to escape. Upon learning of this, an angry sorcerer cast a curse on them, and turned the fugitives into two rivers carrying water from the mountains. In order for the rivers to never be able to unite, a father distraught with grief rushed between them and turned into a lake, called Balkhash.
Lake Balkhash was first mentioned in ancient Chinese writings. It was the Chinese who were the closest developed civilization by location, which could get acquainted with this region. The lands that were located west of the famous Chinese Wall, they called "Xi Yu", which means "Western Land." About these lands was already known by one hundred twenty-sixth year BC. e. Already in the six hundred and seventh year, the Chinese compiled maps of 44 states located at that time in Asia.
Lake Balkhash in 1644-1911 was located near the northern border of China. In 1864, an agreement was concluded between Russia and China, according to which Balkhash and all territories adjacent to it were transferred to the possession of Russia.
In 1903-1904, the Lake Balkhash was studied by the expedition of the Russian geographer Berg, as a result of studies of which it was established that Lake Balkhash is located beyond the Aral-Caspian basin and in the past they never connected. Berg concluded that the lake never dries, and its waters are fresh. However, it was noted that in ancient times Balkhash dried up, and then again filled with water, which has not yet had time to become salty.
Beautiful nature, picturesque surroundings, rest on a sandy beach, fishing and hunting - all this is Lake Balkhash. A photo cannot give a complete picture of the beauty of these places. Lake Balkhash - rest in a quiet and calm environment, with a fishing rod in hand. For this, numerous fishing bases have been created here. Without a catch, not even a beginner will be left here.
Tourist bases on the lake will give you an incomparable vacation - surfing, riding a scooter, boat, yacht. You will feel the healing effect of the water of this lake and mineralized hydrogen sulfide mud.