Trip to Lake Aiyr (Monastery).

"The journey from Semipalatinsk to Ust-Kamenogorsk was nothing remarkable: the Irtysh and the steppe; true, not ours, sandy and sad Semipalatinsk, but green and covered with flowers. From Uba the terrain becomes more and more mountainous and in the distance beyond the Irtysh three pointed peaks of Air-Tau, in Russian - Monasteries, appear."

L. K. Poltoratskaya. "Bremen Expedition in Semipalatinsk Region". 1879.

Recreational tourism in lakes of the East Kazakhstan region.

Lake Ayr (Monastery, Lake and Three Monasteries) is located at an altitude of 502 meters above sea level, is located in western part of small Ayirtau Mountains, southeast of Kalbinsky Range, 48.7 kilometers southwest of city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, 14 kilometers west of village of Ulanskoye in Ulansky District of East Kazakhstan Region. 
Lake Ayr is located in an intermountain basin at the southwestern foot of the Ayirtau Mountains (Monasteries). The southeastern shore of the lake is rocky, rises steeply upward. The southwestern, western and northeastern shores are flat, open, turfed.
The lake is fed by spring snowmelt, groundwater runoff and liquid precipitation, from the southwestern side the lake is adjoined by a channel, along which streams flow in spring and autumn and during rainfall. The maximum depth is 7 meters, the average is 3.2 meters, the water transparency is 1.5 meters, the color is greenish.
The lake stretches from the southwest to the northeast, its length is 1.7 kilometers, the greatest width in the central part reaches 855 meters, the area of ​​the lake is 1.47 square kilometers, the length of the coastline is 5.1 kilometers. The water in the lake is slightly brackish, slightly alkaline, moderately hard.
The bottom of the lake is hard, the silt is yellowish. The lake is home to roach, perch, carp, pike. The shores of Lake Aiyr are gentle, overgrown with reeds and swampy. Lake Ayyr (Monastyrskoye) is a natural pearl of Eastern Kazakhstan. This picturesque reservoir, located among the mountains, attracts tourists with its natural beauty, clean air and secluded atmosphere.
Lake Ayyr is surrounded by hills and rocky massifs, creating a special microclimate and unique landscapes. The water in the lake is clean, and its shores are a combination of grassy meadows and rocky slopes.
Legends and history of Lake Ayyr (Monastery).
There are many legends associated with this place. According to one of them, in ancient times there was a monastery here, which eventually disappeared, but its energy and tranquility remained in these parts. That is why the lake is sometimes called Monasterial.
It is also believed that the mountains surrounding the lake have a special power and attract travelers looking for solitude and harmony with nature. The flora and fauna of Lake Aiyr are very diverse. Fish live in the waters of the lake, and in the surrounding forests you can meet various representatives of the animal world.
In the summer, you can see many migratory birds here, and in the autumn, the forests around the lake are painted in bright yellow and red shades, creating a stunning landscape. The ecology of the lake remains relatively untouched due to its remoteness from large industrial facilities.
However, it is important to follow the rules of careful attitude to nature: do not leave garbage, do not pollute the water and preserve the natural habitat of animals.
Lake Ayyr is a great place for outdoor recreation. Here you can:
Enjoy hiking in the picturesque surroundings.
Swim in the clean waters of the lake during the warm season.
Set up a tent camp and spend a few days in complete harmony with nature.
Go fishing, as the lake is home to various species of fish.
Visit the nearest mountain peaks and admire the magnificent views.
You can get to Lake Ayyr by car from Ust-Kamenogorsk along one of the highways leading to the mountainous regions. The road passes through picturesque landscapes, and the journey itself becomes an interesting adventure. Lake Ayyr is a real natural corner where you can enjoy the silence, clean air and magnificent views.
This place is ideal for those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the wild nature of Eastern Kazakhstan.
Geographic coordinates of Lake Aiyr (Monastyrskoye): N49°45'00 E82°01'46

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.