Walk on lakes in Shankoz mountains.

“Raising a granite - with water - a bowl,
For centuries, the lake keeps the mountain.
It is called the Devil among the people ....
To the shore of the splashing silver.
Once upon a time, God cursing the devil
Threw a horned one: this is the hole
Where do you perish! ”

Sabit Mukanov. Poem "Sulushash".

Trip from Karkaralinsk to Shankoz mountains.

Lake Moldir is located at an altitude of 905 meters above sea level, 6.2 kilometers southeast of Lake Zhartas, 13.6 kilometers northwest of village of Karkaraly, and 11.8 kilometers north and slightly east of Mount Koktobe, which rises 1,254 meters above sea level, it is in the northwestern part of Shankoz Mountains within Karkaraly National Park, in district of same name in eastern Karaganda region.

Lake Moldir is a hidden mirror of Shankoz Mountains.

Shankoz Mountains are characterized by a mattress-like topography composed of individual blocks. Granite outcrops form rocky mountains rising steeply from the vast, gently rolling steppe. Erosion has given rocks unusual shapes, including niches, towers, arches, and canopies.
A characteristic feature of the northern end of the mountains are small basin-shaped lakes in granite depressions on rocky outcrops. The northern part of the Shankoz Mountains is home to approximately 50 lakes, large and small, nestled among granite cliffs.
One of these is the picturesque Lake Moldir, framed by granite cliffs. Among the granite domes of the northwestern Shankoz Mountains, in the heart of the Karkaraly National Park, lies Lake Moldir, a stunningly beautiful and tranquil spot. It is one of those rare corners of Karkaraly where nature has preserved its pristine purity and tranquility.
Despite its small size, it impresses with the depth and clarity of its water: even on a windless day, the dark outlines of rocks and floating algae are visible at the bottom, giving the water an emerald hue. The lake extends from north to south, extending 114 meters, reaching its greatest width in the central part, reaching 31 meters. Its surface area is 2,323.15 square meters, and its shoreline extends for 250 meters.
The lake is home to two species of fish: perch and carp. The lake's western wall rises 20 meters, while the northern and northeastern shores are more gentle, with a minimum of 1.5 to 3 meters of water remaining. On the western side of the lake, a granite shelf extending from south to north extends for over 20 meters, offering a panoramic view of the lake.
It should be noted that the lake's name is not a geographical reference; a tourist wrote the inscription "Moldir" on the western wall. The southern part of the lake is overgrown with pine trees and shrubs. To the south and west of the lake are approximately 15 lakes in granite depressions, the largest of which is up to 20 meters long.
Currently, the Shankoz Mountains are a specially protected area within the Karkaraly Nature Park, and it is difficult or impossible to obtain permission to visit.

Nature and atmosphere of Lake Moldir in Shankoz Mountains.

Moldir is surrounded by granite ramparts covered in pine and birch groves, dominated by Scots pine, downy birch, and Kuril tea. In the spring, streams murmur along the slopes and flow into the basin, filling the lake with fresh spring water. In the summer, sedges and irises bloom around the water, and on warm days, dragonflies and swallows flit across the surface.
Here you can encounter rock chukars, mountain hares, and, at dawn, wary roe deer coming to the water. The surrounding flora is typical of the northern slopes of Karkaraly: Scots pine, white birch, Kuril tea, and a variety of steppe grasses and ferns.
The air is filled with the scent of pine needles and damp stone, and on a hot afternoon, a slight coolness rises from the water, making Moldir a true oasis in the granite country. In spring, the slopes come alive, streams bring meltwater, and in June, irises and sedges bloom along the banks.
In the evenings, a special silence reigns here - only the rustling of leaves and the splashing of fish disturb the tranquility. Roe deer, hares, and rock chukars can be spotted around the lake, and kites and rock doves often circle in the sky.

Geological origin of Lake Moldir in Shankoz Mountains.

Geologically, Lake Moldir is located in the fault system of the Karkaraly granite massif; the lake is of tectonic origin. It is located in a small, closed depression formed by ancient faults and weathering of granite from the Karkaraly massif. Over time, the cracks filled with meltwater and spring water, forming a natural basin.
The granite around the lake is gray-pink, coarse-grained, often with veins of quartz and feldspar. In some areas, traces of ancient tectonic fractures are visible, which contributed to the formation of the basin. Unlike many steppe bodies of water in the region, Lake Moldir is endorheic, meaning it has no surface inflows or runoff.
Its water balance is maintained by underground springs and precipitation. This is why its water level is relatively stable, and the water remains remarkably clear, soft, and cool even in summer. During the winter months, the lake freezes almost to the bottom, but by mid-spring it quickly clears, reflecting the white peaks of the Shankoz Hills.

Legend of Lake Moldir in Shankoz Mountains

Locals say that a camp once stood on the site of the present-day lake. A girl named Moldir lived among the mountains, renowned for her beauty and kind heart. She loved a young hunter, but fate decreed otherwise - the young man was caught in a mountain storm and never returned.
The girl climbed to the summit every day, peering into the distance, awaiting his return. They say one day she wept so bitterly that her tears filled a stone hollow at the foot of the mountains. When dawn broke, people saw that a lake had appeared where she had camped, clear and deep as Moldir's eyes.
Since then, on particularly quiet evenings, a girl's reflection seems to be visible in the water - as if she were still waiting for her lover among the Shankoz granite rocks. Since then, people have called this place Lake Moldir, and in the evenings, they say, you can see the silhouette of a girl leaning over the water in its reflection.

Modern significance and routes to Lake Moldir in Shankoz Mountains.

Lake Moldir is a rare example of small mountain lakes in Karkaraly preserved in their natural state. It is not marked on many tourist maps, so it is more often visited by explorers and experienced travelers who prefer solitude. The path to the lake passes through pine and birch forests and stone obstacles, and the last meters of the trail reveal an unexpected panorama - a small mirror among the gray granite.
It is an ideal place for nature observation, photography, and meditative walks. In spring and early summer, the road to the lake is most accessible, and in dry weather, it can be walked even lightly – the journey takes about three hours from the nearest tourist camps in the Shankoz area.

Path to Lake Moldir and observation deck in Shankoz Mountains.

The path to Lake Moldir runs along the western slope of the Shankoz massif. From the nearest Karkaraly National Park cordon, the trail leads through pine and birch forests, crosses small streams, and reaches a natural granite basin where the lake lies.
The hiking distance from the end of the forest road is approximately 500 meters, with an elevation change of approximately 120 meters. The best time to visit is late June to early September, when the road is dry and the water is particularly clear.
On the western side of the basin is a small granite platform – a natural terrace – offering a full view of the lake and the surrounding hills. This is an ideal spot for photography and observing the evening light, when the mirror-like surface of the water takes on golden-pink tones.
Geographical coordinates of Lake Moldir: N49°28'45 E75°19'25

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.