Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye is a salt lake located in the middle of the Kulunda steppe in the western part of the Altai Territory. It is the most popular lake in Siberia. It is famous for its healing brine and healing mud. Every summer, thousands of tourists from the Siberian regions of Russia and even from neighboring Kazakhstan come to the shores of the reservoir to relax and improve their health. The lake is located on the edge of the resort town of Yarovoye.
Yarovoye is a small resort town, 18 km from it there is the border with Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1943 as a village at a chemical plant, and now, thanks to the healing properties of the lake and good climate, it has become one of the most popular resorts in Siberia.
Russia, Altai Territory © Alexander Tsilikin / Photobank Lori
Rest and treatment on Lake Yarovoe
The recreation industry on Bolshoi Yarovoye Lake in the Altai Territory began to take shape in the 1970s, when the first sanatorium specializing in mud therapy was built. Until the 2000s, the recreational potential of the lake was not actively used. A real boom in the development of the tourism industry began in 2004. The construction of two beach and entertainment complexes on the shore “Prichal 22” and “Prichal 42” with the improvement of the coastal area and the creation of beach infrastructure made it possible to attract thousands of tourists here. Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye has become the most popular vacation spot for residents of Siberia. Every summer the population of the small town of Yarovoye increases by 5–10 thousand people. The number of guests reaches 80 thousand people during the summer.
© Vladislav Kuznetsov
The holiday season lasts from the end of May to the end of August. The largest influx of vacationers occurs in July, when the water warms up to +18... +20 ºС, and the air temperature reaches +25... +27 ºС. From July to the end of August, the coast of Bolshoy Yarovoye resembles the beaches of the Black Sea coast of Russia. In June there are significantly fewer people.
Water composition
Lake Yarovoye in Altai can be compared to the Dead Sea. The water in the lake is salty. Salinity varies from 110 to 120 g/l (unfortunately, the concentration of salts in the reservoir is gradually decreasing). Compare: Dead Sea 300 g/l, Black Sea 18 g/l, Mediterranean 39 g/l.
Despite the fact that Bolshoye Yarovoye is inferior in salt content to the famous lake in Israel, swimming in it will give you the same feeling. The water itself holds a person on the surface. If you take a vertical position, then you will stick out in the lake like a float, without sinking to the bottom, but if you “position” horizontally, you will be able to lie down without making any effort.
Swimming in water saturated with salt solutions and minerals has a beneficial effect on health. A high concentration of salts helps relieve swelling, relieves pain, accelerates healing, and activates blood circulation and metabolic processes. Lake water is indicated for skin diseases (eczema, neurodermatitis) and neurological diseases. It also helps with diseases of the nasopharynx (use rinses with diluted water).
Walking along the lake also has a healing effect. Water evaporation fills the air with various minerals, including bromine, which have a calming effect on the nervous system and have a positive effect on chronic diseases of the ENT organs. Holidays on Bolshoye Yarovoye Lake are the most pleasant prevention of ARVI and influenza.
Therapeutic mud
The silt mud of Lake Yarovoye has pronounced healing properties. It is similar in composition to the mud of famous mud resorts in Russia. The effectiveness of treatment, according to doctors, is 96%. The use of mud for medicinal purposes began in 1972 in a sanatorium specially built for this purpose.
The mud of the Big Yarovoye Lake is black in color, the consistency resembles an ointment, and smells of hydrogen sulfide. Applying it to the body is like spreading butter on bread. Mud therapy is indicated for many diseases. It is used in the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, gynecological diseases, prostatitis, adhesions and many others. However, there are also contraindications. Therefore, before using mud, you should consult your doctor.
Yarovoe resort from a bird's eye view
The creator of such valuable mud is the tiny reddish crustacean Artemia, which lives in the lake. Having scooped up water, you will have a hundred or two of these babies in your palm. When the crustaceans die, they settle to the bottom, where they interact with the mud microflora, and over time, that same healing mud is formed. Often the surface of the lake is covered with beige stains. This is not pollution, but the eggs of crustaceans, which do not pose any danger to vacationers.
Big Yarovoye Lake beach and infrastructure
With the advent of the recreation areas “Prichal 22” (targeted for young people) and “Prichal 42” (suitable for family recreation), Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye received good infrastructure.
© Vladislav Kuznetsov
The shores were covered with sand. Sun loungers can be rented in the beach area, and after swimming in salt water you can take a shower. Vacationers are offered a variety of entertainment: catamarans, hydroscooters. In the evening, discos and concerts with the participation of “stars” are held. During the day, beach visitors are entertained by animators and music. There are numerous cafes on the shore. Near the lake there is an open-air water park “Lava”, which is connected to the “Berths” by the Yarbat walking street. You can go on excursions to Pink Lake (Burlinskoye) or Stepnoy Klyuch, and visit museums.
Please note that payment for using the park infrastructure is carried out using a special plastic card.
If you want peace and solitude, you need to walk along the shore to the right, where you will find “wild” resting places. The banks here are steep, but the tourists themselves made their own descents to the water, breaking through the steps. To wash off the salt, dig a hole on the shore, which will immediately fill with fresh water. Or maybe nearby there will be a “wild swimming hole” already dug by someone - vacationers often form these holes with tires.
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.
Vacation prices
Prices for food in stores are approximately the same as the Russian average. Lunch in a cafe will cost about 500 rubles. Cafes and bars are located right on the shore, in the “Prichal 22”, “Prichal 42” complexes, and on Yarbat Street.
© Vladislav Kuznetsov
Accommodation prices depend on proximity to the lake and season. The most expensive month is July. The cheapest holiday is in June. A double room in a hotel can be rented for 2500–3500 rubles. At the same time, in guest houses the cost of daily accommodation in a “Standard” room is 3,000–4,000 rubles. Cheaper is the Economy room, which will cost 1,500–2,000 rubles.
The average price of a two-week holiday with treatment (sanatorium and treatment and rehabilitation center) is from 43,000 to 107,000 rubles. The most economical holiday in the private sector of the city of Yarovoye. Local residents are happy to rent out their apartments and houses to vacationers. A one-room apartment can be rented for 1,500 rubles. Two- or three-room apartment - 2500–35000 rubles. For large companies, it is more profitable to rent a house - from 3200 to 5500 rubles. for a house with several bedrooms. A small guest house can be rented for only 650 rubles.
Since today there is a large selection of entertainment on Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye, you need to take these costs into account when planning your vacation. Renting a boat or speedboat for a walk on the lake costs 500–600 rubles. Entrance to the water park for adults is 600-1500 rubles, for children under 14 years old - 400-1000 rubles, but children whose height does not exceed 110 cm can enter for free.
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
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.
Night life
The nightlife of Yarovoye deserves special attention. Quite calm during the day, after sunset the city turns into a party center. Most of the activities are concentrated in the Pier 22 area. This beach is considered the center of the resort's nightlife. It will be remembered by fans of club entertainment with thematic discos, the most summer music especially for guests from all over Siberia, unique shows of dancers, animators, freaks and MCs. Laser technologies, holographic, fire shows, foam parties, open-air on the sand near the Malibu bar - all this is a bright, reckless and uncontrollably fun night "Pier 22". The party zone will not leave anyone indifferent. It’s not for nothing that it is compared to Kazantip and Ibiza. But these party centers are far away, and the pearl of Altai Yarovoe is very close.
The night city is multifaceted. The 24-hour bars and clubs, particularly the Malibu at Pier 22, offer a variety of music, from crazy rave to highly technical electronica and romantic ballads performed by live bards. The bright shine of lights, original melodies, the intoxicating aroma of the lake, the night beach, the moonlit path of the lake and the starry sky above - this is how tourists remember the city of Yarovoye at night.
What's the weather like in summer? When does brine bloom? Where can I get healing mud? Answers here
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.
Methods and algorithm for using mud
- Scalp and hair care. Rub the dirt into the hair, leave for about 15 - 20 minutes, and then wash your hair thoroughly. Course: twice a week for a month.
- Cosmetic masks. Apply silt to an area of the body or face, leave for 15 - 20 minutes, then rinse. Course: three times a week for a month.
- Baths for elbows, hands, feet. Apply the mud for 20 - 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Course: up to 10 times per month.
- Wrap for excess weight and cellulite. Before the procedure, clean the skin with a scrub, then apply mud heated to 40 - 45° to problem areas, wrap in a special film for 20 - 30 minutes, then wash. Course: within a month 10 - 12 times for cellulite, 15 times for obesity.
