Cultural heritage tourism in Karkaraly park.

"Dawn gave me a red horse,
And the wind called into the distance with a cheerful trill,
The path, like a fox, rushed away from me
Towards Shaitankol
Along the gorge.
The earth is bent by the weight of the forests.
The birches are like white marals.
And the lake trembles,
Like bowls filled to the brim
With living water."

Syrbai Maulenov. "On Heights of Karkaraly"

Trip to Lake Shaitankol in Park Karkaraly.

Lake Shaitankol is located at an altitude of 1,133 meters above sea level in Bugaly Mountains, which are part of central Karkaraly Mountains within Karkaraly Nature Park, 7 kilometers southwest of village of Karkaralinsk (along trail), in district of same name in eastern Karaganda region. 
Lake Shaitankol is a mysterious gem of the Karkaraly Mountains. The lake is relatively small, but its location and surroundings give it a special charm. Rocky slopes frame the lake to the south and west, and in summer, its shores are covered with grasses and pine forest.
The lake extends 89 meters from southwest to northeast, and its greatest width reaches 58 meters. The lake covers an area of ​​3,972.22 square meters, with a shoreline length of 244.28 meters. The lake is located 7 kilometers from the western outskirts of Karkaraly. Its waters are dark, sometimes black. The picturesque beauty of the lake and its surroundings has made it a popular tourist destination. 
Legends of Lake Shaitankol.
The lake is associated with many legends, lending it an aura of mystery. According to one legend, in ancient times, a tribe known for its belligerence and pride lived here. For their cruelty, spirits punished them by flooding their village. Since then, echoes of voices and the clatter of horses can supposedly be heard at the bottom of the lake.
Another legend tells of a young woman in love who, unwilling to marry a man she didn't love, threw herself into the lake. Since then, its waters have been considered "magical," and on quiet nights, its surface reflects not only the stars but also "faces of the past."
These stories gave rise to the name "Shaitankol," emphasizing the lake's mystical glory.
Information for travelers about Lake Shaitankol.
Lake Shaitankol is one of the main attractions of the Karkaraly National Park. It can be reached via hiking trails from the town of Karkaraly, which lead through picturesque gorges and forests.
Travelers should keep following in mind when visiting Lake Shaitankol:
- lake is located at an altitude of over 1,133 meters above sea level, so the climate here is cooler than in the surrounding area. Even in summer, nights can be chilly.
- best time to visit is from June to September, when nature is at its most vibrant and roads are accessible.
- lake is surrounded by cliffs and forests, making it a wonderful place for photography and outdoor recreation.
- swimming in lake is not recommended: the water is very cold, the depth is impressive, and locals believe that the spirits of the lake do not like being disturbed.
- distance to Lake Shaitankol: Karkaraly village – Berloga holiday home (3 km). Walk from the holiday home to Lake Shaitankol (4 km). 
Atmosphere and impressions of Lake Shaitankol.
Lake Shaitankol is not only a natural landmark but also a part of the region's spiritual culture. It combines the beauty of mountain nature with the mystery of ancient legends. For some, it is a source of inspiration, for others, a mystical place of power.
A visit to Shaitankol leaves an unforgettable impression: the clear surface of the water, the silence of the high mountain forest, and the slight uneasiness of its "unpleasant" reputation make this place special on the map of Kazakhstan. The lake is surrounded by crumbling granite cliffs resembling a "layer cake" and surrounded by a pine forest. The lake is fed by snow.
Geographical coordinates of Lake Shaitankol: N49°23'48 E75°23'37

Authority and photos by:
 Alexander Petrov.