Tours from Karaganda to Borovoye national park.

"August should be sipped slowly, like pear liqueur.
Pour it into a small glass, sip it drop by drop, and gaze at the sun through it.
August nights should be enlivened with candlelight, milk poured into a bowl for the brownie, the purring of a cat, and the chirping of crickets.
August days should be tucked between the pages of books, like bookmarks, so that you can shake out their glow in the chilly November when you take the book off the shelf.
And I implore you, please don't shout from every corner, 'Oh, here comes August, here comes autumn.'
What's your hurry?
Stop the clock.
Drink drop by drop."

Ray Bradbury.

Trip from Karaganda to Karkaralinsk.

Lake Bolshoe Lake is located at an altitude of 825 meters above sea level, 3.4 kilometers southeast of city of Karkaraly, 2 kilometers northwest of Lake Shortandy, and 7.2 kilometers northeast of Lake Pashennoye, it is in Karkaraly District in eastern Karaganda Region. 
Among the picturesque granite peaks and pine forests of the Karkaraly National Park lies one of the most famous and beautiful bodies of water in Central Kazakhstan – Lake Bolshoe Lake. This natural gem of the Karkaraly Mountains, located just a few kilometers east of the city of the same name, is located at an altitude of 825 meters above sea level and is part of a system of mountain-steppe basins formed by ancient tectonic processes.
The lake covers an area of ​​2.68 square kilometers, with a shoreline of 7.38 kilometers. It extends 2.3 kilometers from southeast to northwest, is 2 kilometers wide in the central part, and is approximately 4.6 meters deep. The water here is fresh, yellowish-green in color, and the eastern shore of the lake is marshy.
The best beach spots are on the northern and western shores of the lake. The Polytechnic, Bars, and Zhaltorai tourist centers are located in the southwestern part of the lake, 2 kilometers away.

Geological structure and origin of Bolshoe Lake basin in Karkaraly Park.

Bolshoe Lake is of tectonic origin. It formed as a result of the uplift of granite massifs and the formation of a closed basin where meltwater and rainwater accumulated over time. The reservoir does not have a permanent runoff; all its water comes from precipitation, underground springs, and streams flowing down the slopes of nearby hills.
The water is exceptionally clear and has a soft bluish hue, especially on clear days when the surface reflects the silhouettes of the mountains and clouds, turning into a natural mirror. The large lake lies within an ancient granite tectonic basin that formed during the Paleozoic era, approximately 300 - 350 million years ago.
At that time, intense tectonic movements resulted in uplift and faulting of the basement of the Kazakh Uplands, leading to the formation of numerous block structures - the future Karkaraly mountain ranges. The geological foundation of the region consists of intrusive granites, granodiorites, and gneisses, in places interrupted by veins of pegmatites and quartz.
These crystalline rocks are highly resistant to weathering and form the characteristic topography of the Karkaraly Mountains - rocky outliers, domed peaks, gorges, and enclosed basins. It was one of these depressions that served as a natural catchment area, where atmospheric and groundwater accumulated over time, forming the lake.
Morphologically, the basin is bowl-shaped, with a relatively flat bottom composed of weathering products and deposits of clay and sand. The closed structure without an outlet makes the lake an endorheic body of water, typical of areas with limited drainage.
As a result of centuries of weathering and denudation, the shoreline has acquired a soft outline. Thus, the Big Lake is a geological natural monument, embodying in miniature the history of the formation of the entire Kazakh Uplands: from Paleozoic magmatic processes to modern erosional and hydrological phenomena.

Nature and biodiversity of Bolshoe Lake in Karkaraly National Park.

The area around Bolshoe Lake is a typical corner of the mixed mountain ecosystems of Karkaraly. Pine and birch forests dominate the northern slopes, among which are rowan, bird cherry, rosehip, and juniper. In spring, irises, carnations, and steppe tulips bloom along the shores.
Wildlife here includes roe deer, Teleut squirrels, and wild boar, while birds include woodpeckers, crossbills, mallards, and black storks. Frogs and dragonflies inhabit the coastal waters, and in warmer months, butterflies flutter above the water, creating the feeling of a vibrant natural oasis.
Historical information and research about Bolshoe Lake in Karkaraly National Park. Bolshoe Lake has long attracted the attention of travelers and scientists. In the XIXth century, explorers of Central Kazakhstan mentioned it, admiring the contrast between the harsh granite cliffs and the soft greenery of the valley. During the Soviet period, hydrological and botanical observations were conducted here, and today the lake is an important part of the ecological trails of Karkaraly Park.

Legend of Bolshoye Lake in Karkaraly Park.

According to local legend, a village once stood on the site of the lake, whose inhabitants were known for their greed and indifference. An old traveler, asking for shelter for the night, was rejected, and only one girl offered him shelter.
In the morning, the traveler prophesied:
- "Only your pure heart will remain here."
That night, a torrential downpour fell upon the village, and the entire settlement disappeared underwater. Since then, the water in the lake has remained remarkably clear, a symbol of the girl's purity of soul, saved by kindness.

Tourism opportunities and walks to Bolshoye Lake in Karkaraly Park.

The lake is located a few kilometers from the town of Karkaraly and is one of the focal points of the park's tourist routes. A picturesque trail from the Tasbulak tract leads to it, passing through pine forests and granite outcrops. Rest areas, observation points, and nature trails are located along the shores.
It is especially beautiful here in summer, when the air is filled with the scent of pine needles and the mountain slopes are reflected in the still water. In autumn, the lake takes on golden-amber hues, and in winter, it transforms into a tranquil icy dome, surrounded by an almost mystical silence.

Travel tips for visiting Bolshoye Lake in Karkaraly Park.

The best time to visit is from late May to September. In summer, the water temperature reaches 18°C, and many vacationers enjoy short swims. For walking, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes, a light windbreaker, and water - the path to the lake is easy, but it does lead over rocky areas in places.
Tourist bases and guest houses offering overnight stays are located nearby. For those seeking solitude, a tent camp in a designated area is ideal. The best beach spots are located on the northern and western shores of the lake. In the southwestern part of the lake, 2 kilometers away, are the Polytechnic, Bars, and Zhaltorai tourist bases.

A poetic note about Big Lake in Karkaraly Park.

Standing on the shore of the Bolshoye Lake, it's hard not to feel a sense of antiquity - the water reflects the sky, the mountains, and the history of Kazakhstan itself. Every ripple, every splash reminds us that nature here is alive and eternal, capable of preserving both legend and humanity.
Geographic coordinates of Lake Big Lake are: N49°22'57 E75°30'52

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.