Shaitankol (Шайтанкөл), which translates to “Devil’s Lake,” is a small, mysterious, and beautiful mountain lake located in the Karkaraly National Park in central Kazakhstan. Nestled amidst a landscape of weathered granite rocks and dense pine forests, the lake is a place steeped in local legends and folklore. Its dark, clear waters and the serene yet eerie atmosphere of its secluded location have made it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Despite its ominous name, Shaitankol is a place of stunning natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape into one of Kazakhstan’s most picturesque mountain oases.

Name and Address

• Name: Shaitankol Lake (Devil’s Lake).
• Address: Located within the Karkaraly National Park, approximately 5 kilometers west of the town of Karkaraly, Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan.

How to Get There

The lake is located within the national park and is primarily accessible on foot.

• Starting Point: The main gateway is the town of Karkaraly, which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from the regional capital, Karaganda.
• By Foot (Recommended): The most common way to reach the lake is by hiking. A well-trodden trail leads from the edge of Karkaraly town up into the mountains. The round trip hike is approximately 10 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours, involving a moderate climb.
• Visitor Tip: The trail is scenic but can be steep in places. Sturdy walking shoes are essential. As with any mountain area, it’s wise to carry water and be prepared for changes in weather. The park charges a small entrance fee.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Shaitankol is its dramatic natural geology and the pristine forest landscape that frames the lake.

• A Mountain Lake: Shaitankol is a small, oval-shaped lake, roughly 70 meters long and 50 meters wide. It is situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in a natural basin. The lake is fed by groundwater and precipitation, and its water level remains remarkably constant year-round.
• Granite Rock Formations: The lake is surrounded by steep, weathered granite cliffs that rise up to 10 meters high. These rocks are part of the Karkaraly Mountains and have been sculpted by erosion into fascinating, layered shapes, often referred to as “layer cake” formations.
• Pine Forest Setting: The entire area is enveloped in a beautiful and fragrant pine forest. The dense trees grow right up to the edge of the rocky cliffs, creating a stunning contrast between the dark waters of the lake, the grey granite, and the deep green of the forest.

What Makes It Famous

Shaitankol is famous for its mysterious legends, its secluded beauty, and the eerie atmosphere that has captivated visitors for generations.

• The “Devil’s Lake”: Its primary claim to fame is its name and the legends associated with it. One tragic story tells of a beautiful girl named Sulushash who, fleeing with her lover Altai, drowned in the lake. Another legend says that hunters would mysteriously disappear in the area. This folklore gives the lake a powerful and mysterious allure.
• Mysterious Depth: Adding to the legend, the true depth of the lake is unknown. Attempts to measure it have been inconclusive, with some suggesting it could be located in the crater of an extinct volcano, leading to speculation about its bottomless nature.
• A Sacred and Spiritual Place: Despite its name, the site is considered a sacred place of power by many. In the early 20th century, a clergyman attempted to consecrate the lake by placing a cross on its shore, which later mysteriously disappeared and is now said to lie at the bottom. People often tie prayer cloths to the branches of the surrounding trees for good luck.

Differences from Other Wonders

Shaitankol offers a very different experience from the vast, open landscapes of other natural sites in Kazakhstan.

• An Intimate, Forested Lake vs. a Grand Canyon or Steppe Oasis: Shaitankol is a small, intimate, and enclosed wonder, hidden within a forest. This is a complete contrast to the vast, open, and arid landscapes of Charyn Canyon or the isolated granite massif of Bektau-Ata. The experience is one of discovering a hidden gem, not of being overwhelmed by immense scale.
• A Place of Legend vs. a Geological Marvel: While the geology of Shaitankol is interesting, its fame is driven primarily by folklore and mystery. This is different from a site like Bektau-Ata, which is famous for its unique and visible geological origins as an un-erupted volcano.
• A Hiking Destination: The primary way to experience Shaitankol is to hike to it. This makes it an active, physical journey into nature, different from more easily accessible viewpoints or roadside attractions.