SOUTH SHORE: THE BEACHES

Due to mining activity on the north shore, the lake waters are much less polluted and more suitable for swimming on the south shore. To get there, you will have to charter a taxi or wait until the summer season (mid-June to late August), during which, from the city of Taldykurgan, itself easily accessible by bus from Almaty, many minibuses and taxis commute to the beaches where Kazakhs like to spend the day and picnic. It is also during this period that the houses bordering the lake rent rooms at night to holidaymakers (rates to be negotiated with the owners according to the level of comfort).