Sibinsky Lakes, Kazakhstan: description, location, nature and reviews

In Kazakhstan, there are many beautiful places, but once visiting Sibin, it is impossible to forget the amazing beauty of nature. The combination of granite and lakes - a phenomenon in nature is not rare. But the uniqueness of the Sibinsky complex is that five parallel reservoirs with crystal clear water are surrounded by rocks, like pearls in a granite frame of a bizarre shape. Mountain fresh air, clean cool water, serenity and tranquility are what attract tourists and travelers.

Historical places of interest

Silence and peace here have been found since ancient times. Even in the seventh century, the Sibinskie lakes attracted the attention of the Dzungarian Khan Ablai, and he began the construction of the monastery near Lake Sadyrkol, the first of the reservoirs. The Buddhist temple later gained its fame thanks to the richest temple library, where ancient Tibetan manuscripts were found.

Behind the low granite wall of the monastery on the mountain "hid" a small rocky pond. Ozertso, which according to legend has no bottom, is being studied by scientists. They do not quite understand where it comes from. It looks like a pond of black color, but if you scoop up your hands with water, you will immediately see that it is absolutely transparent. In this lake, according to legend, the exiled Khan Ablai and the monks are hiding treasures, including a golden statue of Buddha and valuable books.

A little above the monastery you can see the ruins of the ancient Dzungarian fortress. Right behind the fortress there is Baukuys cave, which has preserved traces of ancient people's parking and petroglyphs of animals. Ablaikit (monastery) is a historically unique place, the silent stones of which until now keep the secret of the monks. And who knows, maybe rest on the Siba lakes can help reveal the secret of Khan Ablai.

Paradise for lovers of scuba diving

Ablaikit lakes, as they are called Sibiny, are located at altitudes from 710 m above sea level to 880 m. Their total area is 31 km ² . On three sides of the lake protected by rocks, virtually devoid of vegetation. Their height reaches 1300 m above sea level. The lake feeds water from cracks in granite and numerous springs. Between each other the reservoirs are connected by ducts. There are 5 lakes in total:

• Sadyrkol;
• Tortkara;
• Shalkar;
• Korzhynkol;
• Caracol.

Their depth is from 2 to 40 meters. Transparency of water in the reservoirs is approximately 6.5 m. The average lake Shalkar is the largest and deepest, its area is 251 hectares, the transparency of the water in it reaches 11 meters. Sibinskie lakes attract divers, freedivers and underwater hunters. Several seasons in a row here are held festivals for fans of underwater sports.

Organizers of the Festival-2015 held a contest among the hunters for the largest fish, the trophy of the winner is a sazan weighing 12 kg. Local lakes are rich in fish, roach, bream and perch predominate. Large carp, lines and quite decent sizes of pike and carp are planted. A good indicator of water transparency is largely determined by the fact that Sibinskie lakes are chosen for holding such events.

Reviews of fans of "natural" tanning tell that on the opposite shore of Lake Shalkar is a real nudist beach. It is also called "golden beach" because of pure golden sand.

Water World

The aquatic vegetation of the lakes is represented by more than 30 species, some of which belong to relict plants - pond protozoan, yellow water lily, sea naiad, archer, pemphigus, duckweed, birdwalker, etc. There is a rare four-edged water lily that is on the verge of extinction. Sibinskie lakes have chosen ducks, seagulls, coots. Water in the reservoirs and muskrats.

From the words of divers, corals grow on the bottom of lakes. They do not differ from sea ones in appearance, they are similar in shape and have the same multicolored, but for some reason soft. Water-lilies grow at a depth of three to four meters, above all can see their flowers. And under water go long, thick stems, and under the water it seems that you walk past the trees. The bottom of the lakes is covered mainly by seaweed. Diatoms, filamentous and green algae are widely distributed.

Flood plants are reeds, cane, cattail, sedge and oats. In the adjoining territory representatives of the flora, which have dry and waterless soils, the so-called xerophytes, have spread. A large number of feather grass, bluegrass, yarrow, mordovnik, plantain, timothy grass, geranium grows. There are bushes of roses.

Natural laboratory

This is how we can name the chemical weathering of granite. Thanks to this ability, the Sibi lakes are rich in potassium, calcium, and sodium carbonates. The total mineralization of water is 26 g / l. Clean mountain water has the effect of soda baths and has a healing effect. After bathing, cheerfulness appears, working capacity rises.

The climate in the territory of Sibin is sharply continental. The warm period lasts 210 days. In summer, the maximum temperature reaches + 35 ° C, the average - + 19 ° C. Such a climate combined with mountain clear air has gained popularity, Sibiny became a favorite tourist destination.

Where are Sibiny? Where to stay?

A unique natural complex, famous for its lakes, is located 85 km south of Ust-Kamenogorsk. Recreational centers, recreation centers and private cottages are built on the territory of the Sibi lakes. At all recreation centers there are good conditions for living, excursions and entertainment programs are offered.

In 2014 a new tourist center "Sibiny-Shalkar" was opened. From the words of the administration to the services of tourists, comfortable lodges and yurts, hiking and horseback riding, medical equipment, a massage room. On the basis of the created conditions for recreation for people with disabilities. Always fresh products from a nearby farm: honey, milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, meat.

The places here are very beautiful. Mixed forests, in the broadleaf deciduous forest with birch, willow, aspen, rarer, viburnum, cherry, hawthorn are a little less common. Large thickets form juniper, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, dog rose and currant. The relic fir forest grows on Mount Medvedka. From the mountain peaks there are magnificent panoramas to the Sibinskie lakes.

Holiday Village «Sibiny»

Provides comfortable lodges for rest. They are equipped with modern furniture, TV, microwave oven, refrigerator. The houses have satellite TV, hot and cold water, a bathroom and a shower. For cars there is a guarded parking lot, there is a shop and a summer cafe on the territory of the base. At the service of guests: boat rental, catamarans, tennis court, volleyball court, football field.

The base on the second lake is located, the prices vary from 3000 to 22000 tenge / day. In addition, the administration of the base offers an entertainment program, discos, fishing and hiking in the surrounding area. This is why vacationers go to Sibinskie lakes. How to get there? In the days of arrival tourists to the base delivers a bus. You can get and "on your own".

How to drive to Sibinsky Lakes by car

You can get to the Siba lakes from Ust-Kamenogorsk in two ways:

• On the Samarskoye highway to the village. Targyn, further along the gravel road to the village of. Algabas.
• On the Samarskoye highway to the village. Vasilievka (Mamai Batyr), turn right, continue along the asphalt road to the village. Algabas.

Numerous reviews of holidaymakers enthusiastically talk about a unique place with azure cleanest lakes. Granite mountains of a bizarre shape and interesting relief are strikingly unusual. From Ust-Kamenogorsk the road is quite good and allows you to reach the lakes without problems. About two hours on the road - it's certainly a bit tedious. But what a pleasure after the passed way to immediately plunge into the crystal-clear and cool water!