Lake Aydarkul is a large reservoir of artificial origin, located in the north-eastern part of Uzbekistan and has become a real natural landmark of this country. Its area is 3478 km² and currently continues to increase. These huge expanses of water are spread in the middle of the desert, which is why Aydarkul is otherwise called "the sea in the sands".
How did Lake Aydarkul form in Uzbekistan?
Aydarkul is a very young lake. It was formed about 50 years ago as a result of artificial flooding of the saline depression, which was carried out to prevent further flooding of the Chardarya reservoir. The spring flood of 1969, which arose due to its overflow, became a real natural disaster. To eliminate the elements, it was decided to drain part of the flow of the Syrdarya River that fed the reservoir into the Arnasay lowland. So, instead of s alt marshes, a huge lake arose, comparable in size to the sea.
Currently, Aydarkul is fed by collectorrunoff from agricultural fields. Since the lake is drainless, the regular flow of water leads to its expansion.
General description and photo of Aydarkul lake in Uzbekistan
Aydarkul belongs to the Aydar-Arnasay lake system and is located in a saline depression in the northeast of the Kyzylkum desert. This is the largest body of water in Uzbekistan, except for the almost dry Aral Sea. Aydarkul is almost 250 km long and 34.8 km wide.
Currently, the lake is a popular holiday destination and is not inferior in beauty to prestigious resorts. The water in Aydarkul is s alty, which really resembles the sea. The lake is notable for the contrast of beach and desert landscapes. From the fruit of human activities, it has become a real natural reservoir with a high level of biodiversity.
Geographical characteristics and hydrology
Lake Aydarkul is located on the territory of the Jizzakh and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan, 50 kilometers from the city of Nurata. The water surface is located within the coordinates of 40°53' north latitude and 66°55' east longitude. The Aydarkul coastline stretches for 1,535 km. The height of the lake above sea level is 247 meters.
Aydarkul is conditionally divided into low water and high water. The first unites the coastal zone of the so-called kultuks - small lakes that arise during the period of shallow water and are separated from the main body of the reservoir by land areas that now look like islands and peninsulas, and earlier were hills framingArnasay lowland. Aydarkul also abounds in shallow straits.
During the spring rise in the water level, the lakes are connected to the main body of water, hiding under them areas of land, but in these places the depth remains relatively shallow. The road to the big water from the shore always means forcing several kultuks. The average depth in the lake is 12.33 m, and the maximum depth is 33.64 m.
The water in Aydarkul is not very s alty. The percentage of mineralization varies from 1.5-2% in the eastern part of the lake to 8% in the western part. There is no winter glaciation of water.
Environmental situation
The lake has a very favorable ecological climate, as it is located far from large settlements in an almost deserted place. It is estimated that only 1,760 people live in the coastal zone.
Aydarkul is a very quiet place with a well-established biosystem, not disturbed by the economic activity of people. The water in the lake is crystal clear, which not only favors the development of the ichthyofauna, but also pleases holidaymakers. Here you can have a great rest from civilization, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of nature and the traditional way of life of nomads.
Nature and landscape features
Lake Aydarkul is one of the most picturesque places in Uzbekistan. A huge reservoir in the middle of a hot desert is a rather unusual sight, very attractive for tourists.
In the photo, Lake Aydarkul looks like a real sea, surrounded by lowsteep shores with small beaches. The blue water surface creates a magnificent contrast with the sand dunes of the Kyzylkum desert. The shores are washed by low waves, giving a resemblance to a sea beach.
In the vicinity of the reservoir you can visit attractions such as:
- yurt camps - traditional nomad settlements;
- Nurata city;
- Sarmysh gorge - notable for the presence of rock paintings dating back to the period of the Stone and Bronze Ages.
Lake Aydarkul stretches along the Arnasay depression. When looking at the reservoir from the side of the desert towards the opposite shore, you can see the mountains. The water surface of Aydarkul is very beautiful and has a bluish-turquoise hue.
The collision of desert and aquatic ecosystems has created a unique biotope. The coastal zone is covered with vegetation, which is not typical for sandy hot expanses. Many birds settled here, including species that previously lived on the shores of the Aral Sea. The animal world is rich in endemics and representatives listed in the Red Book.
Recreation and fishing
Recreation centers on Lake Aydarkul in Uzbekistan run counter to traditional resort infrastructure. Instead of equipped beaches, shops, hotels, houses or tent camps, there are traditional nomad settlements where real yurts serve as dwellings. Such an atmosphere allows not only to plunge into history, but also to enjoy the pristine natural landscape.
Great addition to the restthere are camel rentals organized for tourists along the coast, as well as various cultural programs. In addition, here you can taste traditional Uzbek cuisine.
The beaches on Lake Aydarkul are very clean and, unlike many popular resorts, do not bear the marks of civilization. There are many uninhabited wild places where you can enjoy the view of pristine nature. Birds that have chosen the coastal zone of the lake give special picturesqueness to the beaches of Aydarkul. Here you can even meet exotic feathered inhabitants (flamingos, pink pelicans, etc.).
Within Uzbekistan, Lake Aydarkul is the best place for fishing. Many representatives of the ichthyofauna live here, such as:
- carp;
- silver carp;
- rudd;
- catfish;
- chukhon;
- carp;
- snakehead;
- Aral roach.
Catching can be practiced both on high water and in kultuks. However, in the latter case, it must be taken into account that in early spring and before the onset of winter, the fish swims to the depths.
Yurt camps
Traditional nomad settlements on the banks of the Aydarkul are called yurt camps. Here people live in Kazakh dwellings made of wood and felt. Such camps are located along the coastline, but at a decent distance from the lake itself (the road to the water by car usually takes an hour and a half).
One of the largest and most comfortable yurtThe settlement is called "Aidar". It is located 7 kilometers from the coast. Yurts are comfortable enough for guests to stay. The camp is adapted to the needs of tourists (there are showers, clean beds, etc.).
