Lake Akkul

Lake Akkul

Lake Akkul (also known as White Lake)

Lake Akkul is located on the high mountain slope on the western side of the Biediertao Mountain. The lake has a “Y” shape, stretches 6,600 meters in length, varies in width, and reaches up to 1,900 meters at its widest point, covering an area of 8.5 square kilometers. The lake water appears milky and semi-transparent, and visually looks white and somewhat turbid. This is because the internal and surface moraine rocks in the upstream glaciers are crushed and ground into white powder by glacial movement, which is then carried into the river and lake, giving the water its white color. Hence, in Kazakh, it is called Akkul, meaning “White Lake.”

Lake Akkul is a major component of the Kanas Nature Reserve and boasts unique and spectacular scenery. The lake area features ever-changing weather conditions throughout the four seasons—sunny on one side and rainy on the other, sometimes with clear blue skies, other times a mix of rain and snow. From the Gexujiageda Pass on the northern shore of the lake, one can look down at Lake Akkul as if it were a jewel embedded in a forest of ice and snow. The lake is broad and serene, with deep, mysterious waters where small whitefish thrive, and visitors can go boating and fishing. The surrounding peaks are reflected in the lake, creating a colorful and uniquely charming scene that gives one a feeling of being detached from the mundane world.

Lake Akkul is located within the Hemu-Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, 197 kilometers southwest of Burqin County and 54 kilometers northeast of Kanas Lake Village. It is accessible via a feeder road and sits at an elevation of 1,954 meters.