Yarovoye, Altai Territory is a land of thousands of lakes, springs and mysterious caves. Next to the endless steppes, forests rise, turn into mountains, and are no longer visible beyond the horizon. This is the very heart of Eurasia and a UNESCO site, of which the Altai region is immensely proud. It is not for nothing that it is recognized as one of the best places on the entire planet for permanent residence and recreation. Remember with what love Vasily Shukshin spoke about his small homeland, Altai!
What is this region famous for? Leading industries: mechanical engineering, developed agriculture and unique environmentally friendly products. All this is “helped” by the unique climate with its healing resources, mountain air and simply beautiful landscapes. Tourism is also developing, because people from all over the world come here for such nature, sports facilities and sanatoriums await their guests all year round.
The Altai region is multifaceted, and it will give every tourist what he needs: some adrenaline, and some peace and quiet. This is the pearl of Russia, come here and see for yourself.
Features of the lake
Lake Yarovoye in the Altai Territory is a closed reservoir with bitterly salty water. It is a relict fragment of those times when the sea roared on the endless Kulunda steppe. The lake has an almost regular oval shape, resembling a blue saucer lying on a treeless flat plain, blown by winds from all sides. The banks are steep. The gentle slopes are located in the area of equipped beaches - two “Piers”.
The length of Yarovoye Lake is 11.5 km, width is 8.4 km. The area ranges from 53 to 70 square meters. km. The depth reaches 8 m. This is the deepest lake in the Kulunda steppe and the lowest point in the Altai Territory.
The city of Yarovoye, located on the northern coast, gave its name to the lake. About 30 km to the northeast there is another lake called Maloe Yarovoye. Its water is also salty and also has healing properties.
© MadJager
Despite the enormous recreational potential, a chemical plant was once built on the shore of Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye. And if previously he only extracted bromine from lake brine and mud, today he is engaged in the production of paints and varnishes, chemical reagents, medicines, and disinfectants. Although modern filters have been installed at the plant in recent years, a study of the water on city beaches near the plant shows mercury levels exceeding the standards. But the tall chimney that rises near the lake and terrifies tourists who have just arrived has nothing to do with the plant - it is a thermal power plant.
A few important points
If you are planning a trip to a beautiful healing lake, then it will not be superfluous for you to familiarize yourself with some points. There is a chemical plant on the shore, it operates at full capacity, since all 2 workshops have been functioning for many years. The plant is equipped with very powerful cleaning systems, so it does not pose any threat. The presence of such a structure does not deter tourists. Moreover, everyone who has visited here does not leave any negative reviews; on the contrary, everyone praises this place and tells how positively it affects health.
Also take into account the climatic conditions of these places. The fact is that in the steppe the wind almost constantly rules. On the one hand, this is a huge plus, on the other, unfortunately, it is a minus. If the day is sunny and hot, then the breeze certainly makes you happy, considering that you won’t find any shade here. But when the weather is cloudy, you will need to cover yourself with something, for example, a towel or a jacket.
Another reason to enjoy the wind is the midge. It is the wind that saves you from these small, annoying bugs; it simply blows them away. You can swim in cloudy weather, when it’s cool, the water will delight you with warmth. The fact is that it retains heat much longer than fresh water.
But you need to sunbathe with great caution. The salt that remains on the body after bathing attracts ultraviolet rays more strongly, and there is a danger of sunburn. And don’t buy expensive swimsuits specifically for the trip, because from salt and sun they quickly fade and lose their appearance.
Girls also need to take care of their hair; the same combination does not have the best effect on hair. After rinsing your hair in the lake and drying it in the sun, your hair will turn into icicles. It is better to hide your hair under a Panama hat while swimming so that it does not get wet.
How to get to Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye
Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye, which is adjacent to the city of Yarovoye, can be reached by bus, train or car. From the city bus station the lake is a short walk away.
Pedestrian route from the Yarovoe bus station to the beaches of Lake Yarovoe
Despite the compact size of Yarovoye, you can use a taxi service. Semi-popular Yandex services operate in the resort town. Taxi and Maxim.
By car
Roads to Yarovoye lead from Barnaul, Novosibirsk and Omsk. There is a road to the famous lake from Kazakhstan.
When traveling from Barnaul, it is advised to follow the route Pavlovsk - Rebrikha - Mamontovo - Romanovo - Blagoveshchenka - Kulunda - Slavgorod - Yarovoye. The total length is about 470 km. The road is asphalted.
From Novosibirsk the road goes along the Ob towards Krutikha. Before Krutikha, turn right, then the route passes through the settlements of Khabary and Slavgorod.
There are two routes from Omsk - through Russia and through Kazakhstan. The first option includes sections of gravel road and dirt road. The road through Kazakhstan is completely asphalted.
By bus
The city of Yarovoe has bus connections with Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Tomsk, Belokurikha and other cities. During the holiday season, the number of flights increases, so getting to Lake Bolshoye Yarove will not be a problem.
The bus schedule for the Yarovoye bus station can be viewed on the Yandex service. Schedules.
Housing on Lake Yarovoye
The Yarovoye resort is actively developing, offering vacationers a huge number of accommodation options - from comfortable sanatoriums to apartments in the private sector. The largest tourist sites are the Khimik sanatorium and the Regional Medical and Rehabilitation Center, where, in addition to relaxation, you can improve your health with the help of healing local mud.
You can also stay in one of 6 hotels. Some of them are located right on the lake shore. For example, the Prichal Hotel (located on the territory of Prichal 22). Between “Prichal 22” and “Prichal 42” the “Uyutnaya” hotel is at the service of vacationers.
Local residents make a significant contribution to the lake’s tourism infrastructure. You can rent both apartments and houses from them. The level of service in such options is poor, but it will cost significantly less than renting a hotel room.
© Vladislav Kuznetsov
For those who appreciate solitude, it is better to choose camping accommodation. There are different options from a tent city to romantic houses for two. When you stay at the campsite, you will live a few meters from the lake: you can wake up, plunge into the cool salty waters, and spend the day in the evening admiring the mesmerizing sunset.
All housing options near Lake Yarovoye on the map
