In the east of Kazakhstan, 100 kilometers from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, among the hills spread a bowl of blue water, framed by sandy beaches and green slopes - Bukhtarma reservoir, the country's largest reservoir and one of the five largest reservoirs in the world with an area of 5500 sq.km.
The reservoir was created in 1960 on the Irtysh River. This artificial reservoir increases the capacity and production of electric energy in the Ust-Kamenogorsk and Bukhtarma hydroelectric stations. In addition, it creates a deep waterway for ships sailing along the Irtysh. Also used in agriculture for irrigating fields.
The travelers in these places are popular rest with tents. In numerous bays of the reservoir there is good fishing - here there is an ide, pike perch, pike, perch, carp, crucian carp, burbot, trout, bream and other species of fish. In the vicinity of the reservoir you can meet woodpeckers, gophers, foxes and hares.
Residents of Kazakhstan call Bukhtarma reservoir sea. On the coast for tourists all year round more than 20 recreation centers are open, in which guests are offered apartments with views of the reservoir, a fragrant kebab or walks through the waves by boat. The water here is great for swimming, and sandy beaches for sunbathing. And densely covered forests and diverse vegetation will not leave indifferent nature lovers.
You can get to Bukhtarma reservoir by bus or by train from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Novaya Bukhtarma station. The recreation centers can be reached by taxi from here. You can get to Ust-Kamenogorsk by train, by plane or by road. The distance from the city to the recreation centers ranges from 80 to 150 km.
