Ivanovo Lakes are rightfully considered one of the most picturesque corners of nature in Khakassia. They are located on the border with the Kemerovo region, at the foot of the Bobrovaya Mountain, at the mouth of the Saral River.
Lake complex
Ivanovo Lakes is a cascade of four water bowls. The sight that appears before the eyes is simply breathtaking. The bowl of the
blue lake surrounded by mountains looks very beautiful, and from above - the second reservoir. A small rivulet flows from it. It flows into the first lake, forming at the same time a stunning waterfall forty meters high. In this case, the droplets scatter, sparkling in the sunshine, like lenses, and bewitching.
On the slopes of the mountains surrounding Ivanovo Lakes, even in the hottest August, there is real snow, during which snowdrops bloom. Ten days later they are replaced by taiga flowers such as frying. And next to them, blueberries ripen.
Exact location
Ivanovo Lakes, whose photo resembles both a taiga forest and alpine meadows, are located near the small village of Priiskovoe, in which about six hundred people live. This is the Ordzhonikidze district of Khakassia, located simultaneously in the subalpine and mountain taiga climatic zones of Alatau.
Four stunning mountain lakes, the largest of which is up to one hundred and forty meters deep, are filled with ice water. They are located at an altitude of more than a kilometer above sea level. Their surroundings attract pristine nature. Bright colors of alpine meadows, snowfields not melting even in summer, mountain streams and waterfalls originating in the upper bowls - all this splendor is within reach even for the most unprepared tourist for hiking conditions. And this paradise is known as Ivanovo Lakes, Khakassia.
How to get there?
By plane, this natural complex can be reached by landing at the airport of Abakan or Krasnoyarsk, and then by intercity bus or train to get to the village of Priiskovoy. They walk twice a day - morning and evening.
You can get from the village of Priiskovoy to Ivanovo Lakes by going up the road, which will lead only to the first of them. And to visit the rest you definitely need a card or guide. At the same time, you need to know that there is no road, so you need to walk.
Natural object
Ivanovo Lakes, located on the territory of the alpine complex, are a regional natural site. There is also a park, the main purpose of which is to protect high mountain biocenoses, and in particular alpine meadows, on which rare plants grow. In addition, in the vicinity of the lakes there are thickets of winding birch, where large populations of reindeer are found . On the slopes of the surrounding mountains there are plant species that are listed in the Russian Red Book. There are a lot of berries in these places. This makes the nature park even more attractive for tourism.
The snowballs that are rich in Ivanovo Lakes are also unique. Holidays can be organized all year round. Winter sports in the mountains are popular with tourists.
Infrastructure
The largest in size are the upper and lower lakes. They are located in the zone of eternal glaciers. That is why travelers have long become famous for their snow-covered picturesque beaches, which have become a favorite place for many skiers.
From time to time, icicles hanging over the water, breaking off into the water, form real icebergs. The shores near the upper lake are strikingly reminiscent of such a structure as a dam. Their top is almost horizontal, smoothed by a glacier. He oozes in places, gleaming in the sun with flowing water. On the right, a scree "falls" into the upper lake along with the snow lying on it. From here Sarala originates - the river, which, running between the stones about two hundred meters, rushes into the lower bowl.
According to experts, the depth of the lower lake is one hundred and forty-seven meters, and this becomes obvious if you stand on a steep bank and carefully look into the dark green abyss, in which even a small rock that goes under the water is lost.
Ivanovo Lakes are of karst origin. They are fed by waterfalls and streams, originating from numerous snowfields. The places around them are very beautiful. The slopes of the surrounding mountains are completely covered with thickets of dwarf birch trees.
The taiga comes close to Ivanovo Lakes, however, birch forests are also found in some places. On the shores, on one side, rocky cliffs are visible, and on the other hand, grasshoppers or stone blocks. Therefore, the descent to some lakes is quite dangerous.
Relaxation
There are a lot of fish in the ponds themselves. And basically it's grayling. The first Ivanovo lake, fishing on which is very popular among fans of "quiet" hunting, is a favorite place for those who combine tourism with active pastime. Overnight in tents, campfire conversations, clean mountain air, beautiful emerald ponds - in a word, a complete outdoor recreation. Those who prefer comfort, it is better to stay in a boarding house, which, unfortunately, is still the only one here. But a lot of private housing offered for rent, which is rented very inexpensively.
Tourism
If in summer walks on the slopes of the mountains and fishing attract tourists here, then in winter it is skiing and snowboarding. The favorable geographical position of the glaciers is great for skiing. Since the snowfields near Ivanovo Lakes do not melt even in the hot summer, extreme people come here, not only Russian, but also foreign ones.
Khakassia offers visitors ecological tourism in these pristine reservoirs. A new investment megaproject called "Ivanovo Lakes" is being prepared in the republic, within the framework of which this natural complex has been created. According to the organizers, the meteorological and climatic conditions of the region contribute well to comfortable leisure in the open air both in summer and in winter. Due to the fact that Ivanovo Lakes are fed by glaciers and meltwater from snowfields that do not melt even on the hottest summer days, the water in them is always clear and clean.
In a natural complex in Khakassia, tourists enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. The best time to relax on the lakes begins in June and lasts until the end of August. During this season, they are visited by up to five thousand travelers. In total, over a year more than fifteen thousand people come to this region of Khakassia.