The Bukhtarma reservoir is a popular holiday destination not only for residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Zyryanovsk, tourists come here from all over Kazakhstan and the nearest Russian cities here in the summer. Clean air, golden beaches and vast expanses of water - this is exactly what you need in the summer heat.
History
In 1952, the Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Power Station was created, and in 1960 the dam formed not only the Bukhtarma reservoir (it, in turn, merged with the waters of the largest lake Zaysan), but also the Ust-Kamenogorsk. At that time, the tourism industry on its shores was completely undeveloped; only by the 1980s did the construction of recreation facilities begin. They were quite rare, a few houses stood without electricity and other amenities. Entertainment was reduced to a public bath and a catamaran attached to each house, every day a steamer came to the base, brought milk and bread, there were no shops here. But in the surrounding fishing lines whole glades of fragrant strawberries were sung, and bags and bottles had not yet managed to fill the free space.
The wind of change - how the bases have changed today
Those who visited the Bukhtarma reservoir in those distant Soviet times, today it will be difficult to recognize it. No, the lake itself has not changed, the bewitching beauty of these places has remained the same, but the entire coast today is occupied by all kinds of pensions and recreation centers. From the side it is difficult to make out where one ends and the other begins. Back in the late 90s, only freshly baked bread and dairy products, which were brought by the residents of the nearest village of New Bukhtarma, could be bought at the base. Today, everything is replete with a variety of signs: shops, cafes, snack bars, saunas, billiards, indoor courts for playing tennis, volleyball, basketball, discos and water parks.
Standard service package
Having booked a house on the territory of the recreation center you like (I must say that they are quite different from each other), you get keys for the entire period of stay there. Inside there is a refrigerator, electric stove, beds, tables, chairs and bedside tables. Dishes and bedding are provided. You can cook yourself or go to one of the local cafes. Barbecue for cooking barbecue, keys from a catamaran or boat can be borrowed for a fee. Conventional recreation centers on the Bukhtarma reservoir do not imply the presence of an individual shower and toilet in each house.
For lovers of a relaxing holiday
The bases themselves have changed. To make the rest on the Bukhtarma reservoir more attractive, today it has become fashionable to build mini-towns. These are completely fenced areas with their own descent to the water. On their territory are located: several comfortable houses, a sauna, cafe or bar, sports grounds. Scooters, catamarans are parked at the pier. This option is suitable for a large family or friendly company, but is quite expensive.
Comfortable hotels
Bukhtarma reservoir also awaits city residents with high requirements for amenities. Recreation facilities "Blue Bay" and "Port Fortuna" offer vacationers comfortable rooms and five meals a day. The program includes the services of animators and nannies that will entertain the child in your absence, and a guide with whom you can conquer the local mountain peaks. Both of these bases are very green and picturesque. The cleanest air, drunk with the aroma of the sea and flowers, wakes up in the morning and gives mood for the whole day.
I would also like to say about the Port of Fortune base. It is located in a picturesque bay, which is surrounded by pine, mountain ash and aspen forests. The hotel itself is a real miracle, similar to an ancient enchanted castle, standing in a fairy forest. It is especially impressive inside: marble floors, a beautiful fireplace, spiral staircases, unusual chandeliers - all this creates an atmosphere from which one does not want to return to reality.
Camping
Along with comfort lovers, there are many tourists who prefer a “wild” vacation. The Bukhtarma reservoir also meets here. There are many free corners where you can pitch a tent. At new recreation centers that are just under construction, for a nominal fee, administrators are allowed to enter its protected area, where you can choose a place to relax. This is the best option in terms of the safety of your vehicle.
This is the cheapest and at the same time attractive type of recreation, which implies unity with nature, collecting firewood and making fragrant tea at the stake. Evening songs with a guitar, night in a tent, under the stars. No hotel will give you so many impressions.
How to get to the reservoir
The Ust-Kamenogorsk-Zyryanovsk train passes the Novaya Bukhtarma stop, where you can get to any of the private taxis (and there are many on duty) to get to the place. The exception is the recreation center on the other side of the bay, in this case, a motor ship will arrive for vacationers, which will bring it to the place. If you book a ticket through a travel agency, then usually the fare has already been paid, and by the time you leave the train a small bus will be waiting for you, which will take you to your destination.
Many people come in private cars. The route to the Bukhtarma reservoir from Ust-Kamenogorsk is quite complicated, which is worth only the Osinovsky pass: mountain serpentine, on the one hand a rock, and on the other a cliff that is buried in greenery. But from Zyryanovsk you will find an easy walk on a flat road.
To summarize
The Bukhtarma reservoir is an endless sea surrounded by places of amazing beauty. There are many options for recreation - both budget and five-star. These places are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.