Kolyvan lake
an interesting place in the Altai steppe
The Altai territory is famous for many beautiful, spread out in an environment of picturesque landscapes, lakes.
Kolyvan lake undoubtedly occupies a special place among the attractions of Altai. It is located in the spurs in the North-West of the Kolyvan ridge — these places in the South of the Altai territory are called ore Altai. If you look at the freshwater body from a height, you can see that the Kolyvan lake has a complex, elongated from South to North, shape and some travelers find this configuration similar to a two-humped camel with a large head. The length of the reservoir is four kilometers, and its width is two kilometers.
Nourish the lake with its gently sloping, overgrown with bushes cliffs, a small river Kolyvanka and natural keys, and springs which beat at the bottom of the reservoir located at a depth of three meters.
The largest among the reservoirs in the South-Western part of the Altai territory Kolyvan lake was given the status of a natural monument, as it is unique in its landscape, geological and floral features.
Lake Kolyvan prostrated himself on the border of the vast Altai steppe and Kolyvansky ridge in the Altai mountains 3 km from the village Savvushka, in connection with which he received his second name — Savushkino or Savvushka.
GPS coordinates: 51.361610, 82.191170
It is convenient to integrate a visit to this lake into the route of a trip from Russia to Kazakhstan. Usually travelers spend the night on the lake and in the morning go to pass the border checkpoint “Shemonaiha”, located to the south, about 80 km away.
The lake is fresh. Its area is small — just over 4 sq. km. the Reservoir has an irregular shape. Its average width is 1 km in some places reaches up to 2.4 km Length 4 km Depth Kolyvanskoe lake 3 m, but sometimes reaches 28 m.
The coastline is diverse: part of the coast is covered with excellent beaches, somewhere overgrown with bushes, in some places the lake water rises directly to the rocks, there are wetlands.
Scientists, having conducted a study of the lake water, found that it contains silicic acid and Rodon, the water in it is very useful for health. The water is not only tasty and resembles spring water, but also the action of the substances contained in the lake is to clean the human body from the deposition of salts, toxins and sand.
The purity of the Kolyvan lake is evidenced by the water nut growing on the surface of the pond — this plant belongs to the relict and is listed in the Red book, it is the pride of people living near the lake. Water nut, which grew on the ground and in the ice age, is rich in starch and protein, it is not only eaten, but also taken home as a souvenir by many tourists (what to do is prohibited).
The landscape feature of Savushkin Lake is the bizarre rocks that adorn the southern and Eastern shores. The shape of these amazing rocks gives space for imagination and associative thinking of a person: someone sees in them a human face, someone — majestic castles, and someone — figures of animals and mythical characters.
The most famous stone figures are “Elephant” and “Four brothers”.
According to geologists, on the site of the lake was once the edge of the surf of the ancient sea, splashing on the territory of today’s West Siberian plain. The action of waves, and then the wind and led to the emergence of such unusual formations.
To the mountain attractions of Kolyvanskoe lake include mountain Big or Vostruha (popular name), which is towering to the sky seven hundred feet above the earth’s surface, causing the greatest enthusiasm in its beauty. Gora Vostruha height of 644 meters located in the South of the reservoir. It offers beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding area. The path leading to the top of the mountain is easy to see. Climbing is easy and takes no more than 20 minutes. Since the foot of the mountain is overgrown with bushes, it is better to climb in closed clothes.
On the Northern coast of the lake there are sites of ancient people belonging to the archaeological monument “Kolyvanskoe — I”. It is a complex of 6 burial mounds.
On one of the mountains of the Kolyvan ridge attention is attracted by the optical-laser center of Herman Titov with a sphere at the foot. This is a military facility — excursions are not conducted there. But photographers are attracted to the “space” forms of this object, captivating to make an unusual picture.
Fishermen pond attracts primarily not for its amazing beauty, and the ability to catch in its waters of minnows, breams, carp, pike and tench. And over the water surface circling falcons, eagles and Peregrines, which gives rest on the shores of lake Kolyvan special charm.
Kolyvan lake, of course, can not be called a Paradise for the fisherman. However, coming here, you can spend time with a fishing rod. In the clear waters of the lake is found mainly small fish — roach, carp, Dace, perch, but there is also pike. It is best to fish from the rocks and mountains. This part of the lake can only be reached on foot or by boat.
The forest near the lake is decorated with slender pines, birch groves and aspen trees. Lovers to collect berries will find in these places gooseberry, juniper and barberry.
The entrance to the lake is free, except for organized places of rest. However, every year they become more and more. A large part of the coast can already be reached only for a fee, which, on the one hand, contributes to the appearance of basic amenities and cleanliness, on the other hand, is of concern to “wild” tourists. The cost of entry established by the owners of the bases: it ranges from 50 RUB. per person up to 300 rubles per car. Prices can vary, so the exact cost can be found only on the spot. In the areas of organized recreation offers a variety of entertainment. You can ride a jet ski, “banana”, water skiing, jump on the “bungee” or climb into the sky on a hang glider. Many recreation centers are equipped with baths.
How to get:
To get to Kolyvan lake, you need to go in the direction of Zmeinogorsk, the lake is located in front of him (not reaching 20 km to Zmeinogorsk), near the village of Savvushka (3 km).
From Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Kemerovo the way goes through Barnaul. In Barnaul, we leave on the Zmeinogorsk tract and go in the direction of Aleisk. Passing the Kalmanka (remains in the side of the road), Aleysk, Shipunovo (remain in the left side of the road). About 40 km after Shipunov turn left towards Zmeinogorsk. We pass the village of Pospelikha and Kurya. In the village of Savvushka turn left towards the lake. Total from Barnaul about 310 km.
From Omsk the road is different. We go in the direction of Novosibirsk, near Tatarsk, turn right in the direction of Karasuk. Passing Chistoozernoe, Kupino, Bagan, Karasuk, Burla, Slavgorod, Kulunda, Blagoveschenka, Rodino, Volchikha, Rubtsovsk, Pospelikha, Kuria, Savvushka. Only about 1,000 km.
Kolyvan lake itself is 3 km from the village of Savvushka. This let can be overcome on foot or by car. From the village Savvushka to the pond is an excellent path to the destination is only three kilometers. The road to the lake goes through the village — you need to focus on the ball Observatory. It will lead to the sandy part of the lake, where the most popular recreation centers are located. Part of the road leading to the opto-laser center is of excellent quality. The remaining part is the primer.
If you turn to the lake, before reaching the village, you will first find yourself at the Northern shore, then one road will go towards the East coast, the second along the West. The road along the West Bank runs through sandy areas, but in some places there are swamps, especially after heavy rains.
Bus:
Several buses from Barnaul pass through the village of Savvushka. If you go in the opposite direction, it is better not to choose the bus route Ust-Kamenogorsk — Barnaul, because it is international and because of the passage of inspection at the border of the bus is often delayed.
