Balkhash
Kazakhstan · Karaganda Region · 350 m
Description
Balkhash is a copper town on the north shore of a lake that is fresh at its western end and salty at its eastern one, which is what makes it unusual among the large lakes of the world. The smelter dominates the skyline and the beaches fill in July and August with people from Almaty and Karaganda breaking the long drive between them. Smoked fish is sold at the roadside for the whole length of the town. Behind it the granite domes of Bektau-Ata rise out of flat steppe with springs and caves in them, an hour north of the town.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Lake Balkhash beaches
- Bektau-Ata granite domes(Day trip)
- Smoked fish stalls along the road
- The fresh and salt halves of the lake
- Fishing trips out from the shore
- Copper smelter skyline
- Bertys bay
- Balkhash town museum
- Caves and springs of Bektau-Ata(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Balkhash-1