Mar/26

Lake Darashkol – the Hidden Treasure of Altai

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Nature, Regions, Travel

Darashkol (in the Altai language “Dyarash Kol” means “beautiful lake”) is a glacial high-altitude lake (2,133 meters above sea level) located in the Altai Mountains in the southern part of the Altai Republic in Western Siberia.

The lake is situated on the territory of the Belukha Nature Park, which also includes the Kucherlinskoye and Akkemskoye lakes, and is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Lake Darashkol on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

Darashkol receives its water from the Ioldo-Ayry glacier along the Ioldo-Ayry River. Swimming here is unlikely, as the lake temperature remains around 8 degrees Celsius even in August. The river flows into the lake through flat terrain, and at its outlet, it forms a low but very picturesque cascading waterfall.

The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers of the Katunsky Range. Cliffs reach right up to the shore of Lake Darashkol.

This rocky cape is a favorite tourist destination offering picturesque views.

Lake Darashkol is 890 meters long and 330 meters wide.

A hiking expedition to the lake takes at least two days. Along the way, tourists will have a wealth of experiences, including beautiful views and fording icy mountain rivers. If you don’t have the time or energy for such a journey, you can book a helicopter tour.

Lake Darashkol lies in a remote area. It rarely hosts many tourists at a time. Only the most determined manage to reach it. That’s why Darashkol remains one of the Altai’s most hidden spots.