Our country is rich in picturesque places and breathtaking landscapes, among which there are a large number of wonderful rivers, lakes and other reservoirs. One of such places is Lake Gijgit, the second name of which is Bylym Lake. This pond attracts many tourists with its beauty. Still - to be in such a sunny place surrounded by mountains and flowers is the dream of any traveler. The pond is so beautiful that it is even compared to an alpine lake. But there is one detail: despite the bewitching views of the surrounding landscapes, Lake Gijgit is not as safe as it might seem at first glance.
Where is
This pond is located in the vastness of the Caucasus, namely in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the vicinity of Elbrus. It is located next to the rural settlement of Byly - in the valley of the Gijgit River, which is the left tributary of the Baksan River. Once the mouth of the river was blocked by a dirt dam, as a result of which Lake Gijgit was formed. It is an artificial body of water in its origin and was previously used as a sump for mining waste.
It is worth noting that there are two lakes called Gijgit, just the second of them is a little further, and its size is much smaller. In addition to Bylym, not far from the lake there are also such settlements as Tyrnyauz, Bedyk, Sary-Tuz and Elbaevsky.
What is attractive lake
The climate around the lake is temperate. The average temperature in July is +25 ° C, and in January −10 ° C. The beginning of spring is usually characterized by the presence of a strong dry wind blowing from the mountains. This is due to sudden changes in temperature. It is worth noting that the former is the sunniest place in the republic, so tourists are so enthusiastic about going to the warm Gijgit Lake.
In addition to the warm climate, amazing landscapes attract people here: rocky ridges, green valleys. And the lake itself is very picturesque. And in the vicinity of the reservoir, you can find many beautiful plants: thyme, sea buckthorn, mountain bells, buttercups and other flowers that delight travelers with their bright colors and pleasant aromas.
Gijgit Lake: how to get there
From the settlement of Bylym, you can lay a route leading to this amazing reservoir:
- Having left the Former, you need to go to the bridge that runs through the Baksan River and overcome it.
- Then you should go to the left bank of the river, as a result of which the traveler should be near the high dam, which just blocks the valley of the Gizhgit river.
- Next you need to go along a dirt road that rises up.
- After this, the traveler must go down the slope leading to the valley and pass by the ruins of the factory. As a result, this road should lead him to a small group of trees.
- And finally, in front of the traveler, the same valley opens, where Lake Gijgit is located.
Danger of the reservoir and its environs
Once, Gijgit Lake was the place where the factory of the Tyrnyauz Tungsten-Molybdenum Combine dumped various wastes for a long time. Naturally, this did not pass without a trace, and now toxic dust settles on the territory of the lake and in its immediate vicinity, which adversely affects health.
Despite this, many fishermen still come to Gijgit Lake, for which fishing is somehow popular. Of course, you can’t fish in such a polluted pond, but local and visiting fishermen are not afraid. Each for himself decides for himself - to catch him fish in a toxic pond or not. Although for many fishermen, fishing in the lake is more of an entertainment and relaxation than a way to fish.
As for swimming in the lake, this is also not recommended, otherwise it can also be harmful to health. Nevertheless, many tourists do not stop these warnings, because everyone wants to swim in a picturesque lake in warm weather.
Rest on the lake
Of course, how to spend time on vacation is everyone’s private affair, but you should still protect your health. Gijgit Lake and its environs are an area of extraordinary beauty, which is one of the most attractive sights of Kabardino-Balkaria. Arriving there is worth at least to admire and enjoy the magnificent views of nature, as well as relax your soul. After all, staying near the lake, and especially in the mountains, always gives new strength, fills with energy and leaves a lot of pleasant impressions.