Yazevoye Lake (Язевое озеро), also known as Karakol (“Black Lake”), is a stunning and remote alpine lake located deep within the Katon-Karagay National Park in the Kazakh Altai mountains. This pristine lake is a place of serene, untouched beauty, nestled in a picturesque mountain valley and surrounded by dense coniferous forests. Its name, “Yazevoye,” translates to “Ide Lake,” after the only species of fish found in its waters. The lake is most famous for offering one of the most spectacular and direct views of the majestic, twin-peaked Mount Belukha, the highest peak in the Altai Mountains and Siberia.

Name and Address

• Name: Yazevoye Lake (also known as Karakol).
• Address: Located in the Katon-Karagay National Park, Katon-Karagay District, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan.

How to Get There

Reaching Yazevoye Lake is a significant off-road adventure, requiring travel to one of the most remote corners of Kazakhstan.

• Starting Point: The main gateway to the region is the city of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk). From there, it is a long journey to the village of Uryl, which serves as the final base for trips to the lake.
• By 4×4 Vehicle (Essential): The final stretch of the journey from Uryl to Yazevoye Lake is on a rough, unpaved, and often challenging mountain track. A high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is absolutely necessary.
• Guided Tours (Highly Recommended): The safest and most common way to visit is as part of a multi-day guided jeep tour from Oskemen. These tours handle all the complex logistics, including transportation, permits for the border zone, and accommodation.
• Visitor Tip: The area is remote and lies within a border zone with Russia, so special permits are often required. It is essential to arrange these in advance through a tour operator. Accommodation is typically in rustic guesthouses or tents. The best time to visit is during the short summer season, from June to August.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Yazevoye Lake is its magnificent natural landscape, a pristine example of the Altai wilderness.

• Alpine Lake: The lake itself is situated at an altitude of 1,640 meters (5,380 feet). It is a relatively small and calm body of water, about 3 kilometers long, with clear, cool water that changes color from yellowish-green to a dark, metallic shade depending on the light and weather.
• Coniferous Forest: The lake is completely encircled by a dense taiga forest of spruce and other conifers, which grow right down to the water’s edge.
• Mountain Valley Setting: Yazevoye is nestled in a picturesque and secluded mountain valley. The area is rich in biodiversity, and it is common to see maral (Altai wapiti) and bears in the vicinity.
• Yazevy Waterfall: A short distance downstream from the lake, the Yazevaya River tumbles over a series of cascades, creating the beautiful Yazevy Waterfall, which is a popular side-hike from the lake.

What Makes It Famous

Yazevoye Lake is famous almost entirely for one reason: its breathtaking, picture-perfect view of Mount Belukha.

• The View of Mount Belukha: Its primary and overwhelming claim to fame is that on a clear day, it offers a direct, unobstructed, and stunning view of the snow-covered, twin-peaked Mount Belukha (4,506 meters). The mountain’s reflection in the calm, mirror-like surface of the lake is one of the most iconic and sought-after images of the Altai region.
• A Sacred Place: Mount Belukha is considered a sacred mountain and a place of immense spiritual power by Altai peoples, as well as followers of esoteric beliefs like Roerichism, who believe it to be a gateway to the mythical kingdom of Shambhala. Yazevoye Lake, as a primary viewpoint, shares in this sacred aura.
• Pristine Wilderness: The lake is renowned for its remote, untouched, and pristine natural beauty, offering a true wilderness experience far from civilization.

Differences from Other Wonders

Yazevoye Lake offers a unique experience focused on a singular, sacred view, which distinguishes it from other natural sites in Kazakhstan.

• A Viewpoint vs. an Experience: While lakes like Kolsai or Kaindy are destinations famous for the experience of being there (hiking between them or seeing the sunken forest), Yazevoye Lake’s primary purpose is to serve as a natural viewing platform for a different, even grander wonder: Mount Belukha. The experience is about the view from the lake, not just the lake itself.
• Altai Wilderness vs. Steppe Landscapes: The landscape of the Kazakh Altai is completely different from the arid, desert-like scenery of Charyn Canyon or Boszhira Tract. Yazevoye is set in a lush, green, and forested mountain environment, characteristic of the Siberian taiga.
• Remote Expedition vs. Accessible Day Trip: Reaching Yazevoye is a multi-day expedition into a remote border region. This is a stark contrast to the relative ease of access to sites like Charyn Canyon or the national parks around Almaty.