A trip from Karkaralinsk to Ekibastuz.

"Karkaraly, a Russian outpost, lies at the foot of a mountain in a beautiful valley. Stacks of fresh, fragrant hay, golden fields, herds scattered across green meadows, European dwellings, and finally, people engaged in various activities, became for me a real enchantment..."

K.A. Meyer. "Journey through Altai Mountains and Dzungarian Kirghiz Steppe." 1830.

Tourist sights of Karkaraly district.

Lake Komisarovskoye is located at an altitude of 897 meters above sea level. It is located in Komisarovskoye valley, 62 meters southeast of Forestry House, 5.7 kilometers northeast of Zhirensakal (Komsomol) Peak, 12.8 kilometers south and slightly east of city of Karkaraly, within Karkaraly Nature Park, in district of same name in eastern Karaganda region.
Lake Komisarovskoye is the jewel of the eastern Karkaraly Mountains. Against the backdrop of the Karkaraly Mountains, the lake looks truly picturesque. The lake stretches 570 meters from southwest to northeast, with its greatest width in the central part being 276 meters.
Its surface area reaches 11,695 square meters, and its shoreline extends 1,624.14 meters. The lake's depth reaches 8 - 10 meters. A small stream flows out of the northern part of the lake. The western and southern parts of the lake are marshy.
Numerous holiday homes are located in the northern and northeastern parts of the lake. On the northwestern shore of the lake is a forester's house, built between 1910 and 1913. Lake Komisarovskoye is located in the southeastern part of the Karkaraly Mountains within the Karkaraly National Nature Park.
The lake is hidden in a picturesque basin surrounded by low rocky ridges and coniferous and deciduous forests, reflected in its clear surface.

Geological origin and features of Lake Komisarovskoye in Karkaraly Park.

Lake Komisarovskoye is of tectonic-glacial origin. Its basin was formed millions of years ago as a result of ancient tectonic processes that accompanied the uplift of the granite massifs of Central Kazakhstan. Later, during the Ice Age, melting ice masses and melting streams gave the shores their current rounded appearance.
The lake bottom is predominantly rocky, with sandy areas along the shoreline. The lake is fed by underground springs and meltwater, all of which is retained in a natural basin. This keeps the water exceptionally clean and cool, even in the July heat.
In spring and early summer, the shores of Lake Komisarovskoye are covered with a variety of grasses, and as autumn approaches, the water becomes especially clear, reflecting the golden crowns of pine and birch trees.

Legend of Lake Komisarovskoye in Karkaralinsky Park.

Old tales of local residents tell that a small village once stood on the site of the lake. Among the residents was a girl named Komissar, whose beauty was considered equal to the purity of the mountain springs. She fell in love with a young hunter, but he died saving people during a severe snowstorm.
The despairing girl fled to the mountains, and according to legend, her tears filled a deep depression at the foot of the cliffs. This is how the lake named after her was born. It is said that on particularly quiet evenings, a soft ringing sound can be heard, as if the mountains remember her sorrow.

Nature and wildlife of Lake Komisarovskoye and surrounding area in Karkaraly Park.

The area around Lake Komisarovskoye is a typical example of Karkaraly's mixed forests. Scots pine, birch, rowan, meadowsweet, and bird cherry trees grow here. Currant and raspberry bushes grow in the undergrowth, and along the shores, you can see the tracks of red deer, roe deer, foxes, and even wild boars visiting the water. In spring, the air is filled with the scent of pine needles and resinous herbs, and ducks and goldeneyes swim in the water. In the evening, the shores are bathed in a soft pinkish light, and the entire surface of the lake seems like a mirror reflecting the sky.

Komisarovskoye Lake in Karkaralinsk Park: Travel Tips.

Komisarovskoye Lake is one of the most accessible in the eastern part of the park. A scenic road approximately 12 kilometers long leads here from the town of Karkaralinsk (approximately 30-40 minutes on foot along a mountain trail or 15 minutes by car along a park road).
Along the way, panoramic views of the Kokshetau and Zhirensakal ranges open up. Small areas and clearings are available for visitors to take a break. Swimming is permitted, but it's worth remembering that the water temperature, even in summer, does not rise above 16°C.
The best time to visit the lake is June to early September, when the roads are dry and the scenery is especially picturesque. Don't forget to bring a light windbreaker, water, binoculars, and a camera - the reflections of the mountains and clouds in Lake Komisarovskoye are considered some of the most beautiful in Karkaraly.

A poetic conclusion to Lake Komisarovskoye in Karkaraly Park.

When evening descends on the Karkaraly Mountains, the lake seems to come alive. The winds die down, and only the pines whisper softly over the water. Lake Komisarovskoye holds within itself the breath of antiquity - and perhaps even the legend of love and eternal memory, dissolved in its transparent depths.

Geographical context and nearby attractions at Lake Komisarovskoye in Karkaraly Park.

Lake Komisarovskoye is part of a unique natural complex in southern Karkaraly, where each landmark complements the other, creating a complete picture of the mountain landscape. Within a 6 - 10 kilometer radius of the lake are several iconic sites worth including on your itinerary.

Zhirensakal (Komsomola) Peak rises approximately 5.8 kilometers west of the lake. Its summit (1,403.4 meters above sea level) is one of the highest points in the Karkaraly Mountains. From here, panoramic views of Komisarovskoye Lake, the valleys, and the distant granite domes of the Kokshetau Range open up.
Rare mountain plants such as oxytropis, St. John's wort, and feather grass can be found at the foot of the peak.

Lake Bassein is located 15 kilometers northwest of Komisarovskoye. It formed in a closed tectonic basin and is renowned for its extraordinary beauty, nestled among granite cliffs. In spring and fall, Bassein becomes a haven for migratory birds.

Mount Kokshetau lies further north, 8 kilometers from Lake Komisarovskoye. It is considered a "sister" of Zhirensakal; they both guard the park's southern borders. Old pine and juniper trees grow on the mountain slopes, and from the summit, there is a magnificent view of the entire Karkaraly massif and the Bektau River valley.

Tasbulak valley is 16 kilometers north of Lake Komisarovskoye and is home to the Karkaraly National Park Nature Museum. One of the popular ecological trails begins here, which can be continued to Lake Komisarovskoye.

Recommended route for travelers to Lake Komisarovskoye in Karkaraly National Park.

Route: Karkaralynsk - Tasbulak tract - Lake Bassein - Lake Komisarovskoye - Zhirensakal Peak - Mount Kokshetau - return to Karkaralynsk.
Length: approximately 20 - 22 kilometers.
Type: walking and sightseeing, partially accessible by car.
Duration: 1 day at a good pace, or 2 days with an overnight stay at one of the lakes.
Tips:
The best time is from late May to September, when the trails are dry and safe. Be sure to bring water, a hat, waterproof shoes, and a light jacket - the weather in the mountains changes quickly. For photographers, the best lighting at Lake Komisarovskoye is in the morning before 10:00 a.m. and in the evening after 5:00 p.m., when the light is low and the water becomes mirror-like. 
Geographic coordinates of Lake Komisarovskoye are: N49°17'59 E75°30'29

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.