Kolyvan Lake - the blue gem of the Altai Territory

Zmeinogorsk district in the Altai region has always been famous for its unique natural features and promising territory for the development of the tourism industry. A significant role for this area is played by the Kolyvan Lake. It is deservedly called a complex monument of nature.

Location of the lake

Kolyvan Lake is located at the very slope of the Kolyvan Ridge, and three kilometers from it is the village of Savushki. It is one of the largest reservoirs in the south-western territory of the Altai Territory. Its length is about four kilometers, width - more than two, and the depth reaches 28 meters.

Very often tourists call Kolyvan Lake Savushkin. This name appeared because of the closely located village of the same name. Not far from Kolyvansky is also the White Lake. And this whole area is called Mountain Kolyvan.

The best way to get to the lake is to visit the village of Savushki. Turning to the east, just reaching the center of this village, you will see the road leading to the pond. This is the route most often chosen by tourists to visit their favorite vacation spots.

A unique phenomenon

Of course, Kolyvan Lake is famous not only for its indescribable beauty. The point is also that its banks are framed by rocks in the form of various figures. Thanks to the human imagination, for some they become similar to the majestic pillars, huge palaces, fabulous animals, and even human forms. Scientists explain their education as a consequence of the movement of the waves of the ancient sea, once found in the West Siberian lowland, and also by the natural process of weathering. This phenomenon is unique for the Altai Territory. The lake itself is often called the blue gem, framed in extraordinary rocks.

The value of water

Beautiful, calm, and most importantly - unusually clean and in our days Kolyvan Lake. Reviews of its beauty and purity of its waters are numerous and true. Confirmation is the presence in the lake of a rare water chestnut (chilima), which is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and is on the verge of extinction. This relict plant, which began its existence in the pre-glacial period. In Altai chilim is also found in Manzherok lake and some small lakes. This walnut contains a lot of protein and starch. Previously, it was not only used for food, but it was also the basis for talismans and amulets. From the shells of chilima are obtained excellent souvenirs. Similar to the devils with horns, they are present not only along the water area, but also on the shores of the Kolyvan Lake.

Tourism

Of course, local authorities are trying to materially contribute to the development of active tourism that has swept the Kolyvan Lake. Recreation bases located on the surrounding area, try to provide vacationers with maximum comfort and coziness.

And even in the cold season there is something to do, as you can have a great time in the ski resort "Zmeinogorsky", which has three ski runs with ski lifts.

The duty to organize excursions along the Gornaya Kolyvani River lies on the museum of the history of the development of mining. A. Demidov in the city of Zmeinogorsk, which, in turn, is the best in the Altai.

Nowadays the lake actively promotes the development of wild tourism. There are beautiful and numerous places for lovers of a quiet family holiday or lovers of fishing. However, it's quite difficult to get to such wonderful places. In these cases, suitable for hiking, or powerful off-road vehicles.

Recreation centers

On the territory of the Mountain Kolyvan are also tourist bases, which perfectly complement the rest of those who visit Kolyvan Lake - Sunny Beach, Golden Fish, Edelweiss, Azure, Pearl. All of them are trying to provide holidaymakers with the necessary amenities, entertainment, and wellness procedures.

So, the hostel "Sunny Beach" has 13 houses, designed to accommodate fifty people, as well as two saunas. In addition, on the shore of the lake services are provided for the rental of ATVs, interesting excursions are organized, there are aquazorbas and tarzanka.

On the territory of the sanatorium "Lazurny" there are 16 houses, accommodating up to 70 tourists. Here there are also a sauna, a fast food cafe, and also health services for vacationers, such as massage and phyto bar.

Reviews of the rest on the lake

Most people who visited Kolyvan Lake, speak of it with genuine admiration. Its main advantages are magnificent nature and rocky heaps.

The lake itself is an amazingly beautiful place. Its beaches are covered with rather large sand, and further from the shore the bottom becomes muddy. The water is very clean and warm.

The lake is ideal for lovers of fishing. It contains carp, pike, line, perch, roach and ruff.

The shortcomings noted by holidaymakers include the not very close location of shops and a small selection of products in them. However, all this goes to the background in comparison with the unforgettable, extraordinary beauty of Kolyvan Lake.