Pros and Cons of Resting at Alakol
With each passing year, more and more residents of Kazakhstan choose to relax at Lake Alakol. Like any other resort, it has both obvious advantages and challenges. Let's try to figure them out to help you make a balanced decision: to go or not.
Hotels on the shores of Lake Alakol
Advantages of the Resort
Therapeutic Properties. Since the time of Genghis Khan, people have known that Alakol has healing properties. Speaking of what is much closer to us, the lake was very much liked by astronauts who came to recharge their strengths. The local water contains almost the entire periodic table of Mendeleev. According to scientists, it contains a lot of radon. The air is beneficial as well. Alakol is a bitter-salty lake. Consequently, it is almost like being by the sea. Add to all this the hydrogen sulfide mud. It is often for this that tourists come here. Just consult a doctor before starting treatment.
Picturesque Places. You can take a ton of photos at Alakol that will make your followers envious on social media. Firstly, the water here changes color depending on what is happening around. Secondly, the local beaches, covered with shungite pebbles and black sand, look unusual and impressive.
Fishing. The lake is rich in fish, and catching it is allowed most of the year. The official ban only applies from April 10 to June 1. You can fish effectively both from the shore and on the water. It is best to do this from early morning until noon and in the evening. In the latter case, be sure to stock up on insect repellent. Perhaps the main trophy that fishermen strive to catch is the white perch.
Disadvantages of Resting at Alakol
Water and Electricity Issues. There are many tourists at the lake, plenty of recreation bases and hotels, but the infrastructure is not quite ready for this. During peak moments of the season, there are voltage spikes and power outages. Entrepreneurs have to deal with this themselves. For example, buying generators helps. The situation with the water is also quite far from ideal. A lot is needed for consumption, the water pipeline can't cope, which is why wells are popular.
Lack of Entertainment. If you are a fan of swimming and can lie on the beach 24/7, then you won't have any questions regarding Alakol. However, if you want something more, problems begin. Recreation bases try to organize some entertainment programs. They hire animators for children, arrange discos, and rent out equipment for water activities. Those who came to relax "in the wild" will have a harder time.
It's long and difficult to get there. The journey from Almaty to Alakol takes about eight hours, during which time the road surface is, to put it mildly, disappointing. Authorities are investing in repairs, but the process is not moving as quickly as one would like. There are also trains, for which tickets are often not enough for everyone who wants to travel during the season. Additionally, it's possible to travel by sleeper bus-an experience for connoisseurs.
