Karakol lakes

Karakol Lakes ( Yuzhnoalt. Kara-Kol - “ Black Lake ”) is a group of seven picturesque mountain lakes in Russia , on the territory of the Republic of Altai in the Chemalsky region , located on the western slope of the Ilogo mountain range , the watershed of the Biya and Katun rivers at the foot of the Bagatash pass. Here begins the river Tura - a tributary of the Karakol River, which, in turn, flows into the Katun Elekmonar tributary. The distance from Elekmonar village to Karakol lakes is about 30 km. There is no road with hard surface to the lakes.

Karakol lakes
South-Alt. Kara-Kol
basic information
Number of lakes	7
Largest lake	Lake number 5
Mineralization type	bland
Pool
Flowing river	Tour
Location
A country	Russia
The subject of the Russian Federation	Altai Republic
Area	Chemal district
Karakol lakes
Karakol lakes

The first 4 lakes

Karakol lakes are of glacial-tectonic origin. Their hollows are located on the steps of a giant karovo ladder . The lowest of the lakes is located at an altitude of 1820 m above sea level, the highest is at an altitude of about 2097 m ^[1] , according to other data - 1630 and 1840 m ^[2], respectively. With an increase in height, the size of the lakes and the water temperature in them become less and less. The length of the largest of the lakes is 440 m, and its width is 350 m, and the area is approximately 12 hectares. The lakes are at a distance of 300-800 meters from each other and are connected together by streams. The system of Karakol lakes includes a wide range of climatic zones, which is caused by a significant elevation difference. The lower lakes are surrounded by mountain cedar taiga, above the forest give way to alpine meadows , and for the surroundings of small upper lakes flora and fauna of high-mountainous tundra are typical. The water in the lakes is cold and clear, aquatic plants are practically absent in them, as well as fish.

The chemical composition of water in all lakes varies. The concentration of silver in lake No. 2 is increased, and iron in lake No. 5.

In 1978, by decision of the session of the Altai Krai Council of People's Deputies, the Karakol Lakes were granted the status of the Monument of Nature of the Gorno-Altai Autonomous Region. The status of the Nature Monument was subsequently confirmed by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Altai dated February 16, 1996. The mode of visiting the lakes is reserved and recreational.

Excursions from the tourist complexes of the Chemalsky region are organized to the lakes, many horse riding tours along the ridges of Iliy ridge do not go without visiting this lake complex.

On the shore of the lake number 5 is a tourist base.