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
Yarovoye: TOP-3 places to see in 1 day
Health tourism has received the greatest development at this resort. Clean air, healing clays and mineral-rich waters have made Yarovoye a center of sanatorium complexes. Tourists will have an interesting trip, during which they will be able to relax their soul and body, as well as get to know the culture of Altai better. It’s worth starting your acquaintance with Yarov with the most striking and memorable places, which are the basis of city life and culture. You can visit these attractions in one day.
Waterpark "Lava"
- Address: st. Gagarina, 3B.
“Lava” is the main entertainment center of Yarovoye and the largest open-air water slide complex in all of Siberia. The water park occupies the coastal area. There are beach areas on the territory. Trees grow in natural conditions. The complex includes eleven water slides. Among them are safe (for children), slides of medium difficulty and extreme ones.
The most popular among visitors are:
- “Kamikaze” is the most extreme descent, surpassing others in height and speed;
- “Black Hole” is a closed pipe that will appeal to fans of sharp turns and bends;
- “Bodyslide” is one of the fastest and highest slides in the complex with stunning views of the surrounding area;
- “Rafting” is a serpentine slide, the longest in the water park.
The choice of pools is also great. Tourists are invited to swim in the heated pool, shallow children's bowls, lazy river and wave pool.
The list of services provided at Lava also includes:
- visiting the sauna, cedar bath and massage room;
- use of showers;
- rental of sun loungers and umbrellas;
- rental of inflatable rings, sleeves, “pasta” and boards.
Tourists often spend several hours at Lava and need a snack. The water park provides delicious lunches and dinners in local cafes and restaurants.
"Lava" is open from June to August. Summer days fly by in endless fun. This is facilitated not only by exciting rides, but also by an exciting animation program that delights children.
Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye
- Coordinates on the map: 52.868864, 78.611826.
The name of the lake and the city comes from the word “yar”, meaning “high steep bank”. This accurately reflects the landscape of the reservoir - a flat plain, cut by ravines and running down to the water with steep slopes. Bolshoye Yarovoe is the deepest in the Kulunda steppe and the lowest point in the Altai Territory.
The water in Bolshoi Yarovoye is salty, its composition is similar to the North Caucasian Lake Tambukan. The bottom is covered with clay and silt mud, saturated with hydrogen sulfide and bromine.
Healing mud extracted from the lake is widely used in local sanatoriums. Regular visits to mud baths help activate the body's defense mechanisms, eliminate harmful microbes, and restore the skin and cartilage tissue. Before visiting the baths, you should consult a doctor.
Museum of the History of the City of Yarovoye
- Address: 19, block A.
By visiting this museum, tourists take an excursion to the origins of Yarovoye and learn about the path of its formation. The museum was founded in the early 1970s on the basis of the Altaikhimprom enterprise. In 2003, the original exhibition dedicated to the industrial development of the city expanded and became more interesting and educational for a mass audience.
The central exhibition tells about Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye, on the shore of which the city stands. Here you can learn about the ancient history of the reservoir, archaeological excavations carried out on its territory, healing mud and the history of sanatoriums.
It is interesting to visit the hall telling about the life of the first inhabitants of Yarovoe. Initially, it was a small village near a chemical plant, founded in 1943. The atmosphere of the Stalin era is recreated in the hall. Here you can see antique furniture, Soviet symbols, as well as clothes, books and household items that were used by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers.
The city, born in difficult war times, preserves the memory of those years. A separate exhibition of the museum is dedicated to the history of the Great Patriotic War. Letters, photographs, uniform items and weapons are displayed in glass cases.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on various topics, drawing and photography competitions. There are also educational and social events that everyone can attend.
Therapeutic effect
Lake Yarovoye in Altai can be compared to the Dead Sea. The water in the lake is salty. 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.
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. Relaxing on Bolshoy Yarovoye Lake is a pleasant prevention of ARVI and influenza.
The silt mud of Lake Yarovoye also has pronounced healing properties. It is similar in composition to the mud of famous mud resorts in Russia. The use of mud for medicinal purposes began here back 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.
Sanatoriums of Yarovoe: also attractions
Balneological tourism is thriving in Yarovoye. On the shores of the healing lake there are health centers that have earned thousands of positive reviews due to their quality service and treatment.
Sanatorium "Khimik"
- Address: st. Lenina, 19.
“Khimik” is the most popular sanatorium in Yarovoye. Treatment programs are based on silt sulfide mud extracted from Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye. The advantages of such mud include heat capacity and biological activity, which arises due to the abundance of salts, gases and living microorganisms. Experienced specialists use a combination of various techniques, so that individual treatment is selected for each patient.
In addition to mud treatment, the following procedures are used in the sanatorium:
- hardware lymphatic drainage, which helps remove fluids and improve lymph circulation;
- acupuncture;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches;
- salt caves;
- magnetic field treatment;
- hydromassage;
- phyto barrels and much more.
Guests of the sanatorium are offered a large selection of comfortable rooms. The services provided include a children's room, hiring a nanny and using free WI-FI. "Khimik" is located near the beach, which adds to its attractiveness.
Regional medical rehabilitation center
- Address: st. Gagarina, 5.
“Lake Yarovoye” specializes in mud therapy. Treatments such as body wraps, mud applications, mud massages, and mineral baths are very popular. The programs are complemented by physical exercise classes, relaxing massages, and walks in an ecologically clean area.
Dermatological, neurological, gynecological and cardiovascular diseases are successfully treated at the Yarovoye Lake sanatorium. In addition, the sanatorium is useful for those who suffer from stress and chronic fatigue syndrome. The relaxing atmosphere of this quiet, secluded place will help restore emotional and mental balance.
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.
Active recreation in Yarovoe
Health and sports always go hand in hand, so in Yarovoe all conditions have been created so that tourists can enjoy an active pastime.
Pool "Neptune"
- Address: Gagarina street, 9.
The complex houses the largest sports swimming pool in the city with six lanes and two diving towers. The infrastructure also includes showers, changing rooms and a sauna, where you can steam both during the day and in the evening.
At Neptune you can consult with a trainer and order individual training. The complex hosts competitions in swimming, water polo and synchronized swimming. Access to the pool is subject to a subscription.
Sports complex "Khimik"
- Address: Gagarin street.
Khimik hosts training and competitions in basketball, billiards, volleyball, table tennis and football. The city football team is also called “Khimik”. Several times a year, the vast stadium hosts competitions between local champions and teams from other Russian cities.
In winter, the football field is transformed into a skating rink, and the hockey season starts. In free time from competitions and training, public skating is organized here. The skating rink offers rental of sports equipment: figure and hockey skates, sticks and pucks.
Zoo in Slavgorod
You have already found out what to see in Yarovoye. Where to go in its immediate vicinity? First of all, it is worth highlighting the mini-zoo located in neighboring Slavgorod (by the way, the oldest in Altai). Here you can completely immerse yourself in the amazing world of wildlife. The zoo is home to 250 species of various animals, birds, fish and reptiles. Among them are a real African lion, a Nile crocodile, and a Far Eastern cat.
The Slavgorod Zoo is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. The entrance ticket for adults costs 200 rubles, for children – 100 rubles (prices for 2022).
Cultural attractions of the city
The evenings will be brightened up by a vibrant cultural program: theatrical performances, film screenings, concerts and unusual exhibitions with colorful animation.
Cinema "Builder"
- Address: st. 40 years of October, 1D.
The Stroitel cinema hall is one of the most popular leisure centers in Yarovoye. Firstly, it regularly shows new releases in Russian and foreign cinema. Secondly, it serves as a venue for concerts, children's parties, educational events and conferences. Citizens and tourists follow the update of the “Builder” poster so as not to miss interesting events.
City House of Culture "Khimik"
- Address: st. Lenina, 9.
Khimik is the oldest cultural and leisure center in the city. It was founded in 1953 and has since developed, expanding its creative horizons. The House of Culture hosts performances by the folk choreographic ensemble “Yaroshki”, the Russian song choir “Yarovchanka”, a wind instrument orchestra, as well as retro song, modern dance and vocal groups.
It is interesting to visit the exhibitions that are held in the Palace of Culture. They present the works of artists and craftsmen of decorative and applied arts.
The vibrant life of the House of Culture captures the entire city when creative groups organize festivals in parks and on the streets. Most often, such events are dedicated to holidays: Maslenitsa, New Year and Victory Day. During festivals, townspeople and tourists not only have fun, but also become familiar with Russian traditions.
The building itself, where the House of Culture is located, deserves great attention. This is a mixed-storey building in the classicism style. The walls are covered with catchy burgundy paint, which sets off the whitewashed decorative elements: half-columns, arches, medallions and frieze. In 1998, this building was recognized as a historical and architectural monument of regional significance. This is the “pearl” of Yarovoy.
Ethnographic Museum of Nomadic Peoples
- Address: Mira Street.
The unique museum was opened in 2013. The complex consists of national dwellings of different peoples of Asia. Here you can see a Kyrgyz felt yurt, a Siberian tent made from deer skins and a yaranga - a portable Chukchi hut.
The everyday atmosphere has been recreated inside each home. Tourists are presented with household items, embroidery, dishes, paintings and musical instruments of various nations. The guides will tell you about traditions, cultural features, cuisine and legends.
Girls and boys are dressed in national costumes, which makes the excursion even more impressive. As an addition to the program, tourists can order a photo session in bright Siberian clothes and buy souvenirs.
Religious architecture: temples and churches of Yarovoe
Despite the small size of Yarovoye, it has several large religious centers around which the spiritual life of the city revolves. The nunnery and church attract pilgrims from different cities.
Ksenia-Pokrovsky Monastery
- Address: Pokrovskaya st., 1.
The convent was founded in 1994. The center of the religious complex is the church in honor of Xenia of St. Petersburg. This is a small white stone building of simple architecture, crowned with a dark dome. Above the main entrance rises a belfry, which is completed by an azure-colored dome.
Nearby there is a small chapel with a blue tiled tent. There are residential cells and outbuildings on the territory. The monastery is located in the middle of a small garden with fruit trees and flower beds. Nuns take care of the flowers and trees.
Church of Boris and Gleb
- Address: Altayskaya st., 7.
Boris and Gleb Church was built between 1997 and 1998. This is a small brick building in the classicist style. The main massif - a cubic temple - is crowned by a six-piece with a silver head. A refectory, decorated with a figured pediment, extends from the temple. The composition closes with a front porch with half-columns and colored sandals.
A bell tower rises nearby, which strongly contrasts with the snow-white church. It is a three-tiered brick structure with expressive decorative elements: porticoes, pilasters and friezes. The flat roof is crowned with a cone-shaped spire.
The church area is surrounded by greenery. Spruce and pine trees grow abundantly here, and flower beds bloom. In the shade of the trees stands a small chapel with a massive metal dome, where parishioners light candles.
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.
Historical monuments in Yarovoe
Sculptural compositions dedicated to significant historical events and legendary personalities attract the attention of tourists while walking through the squares and gardens of Yarovoye. You want to linger at such monuments.
Monument to V.A. Wolf
- Address: Square named after A.V. Fomicheva.
Vitaly Aleksandrovich Wolf grew up in Yarovoe. Here he graduated from high school and from here he went to military service. In 1992, Wolf participated in a peacekeeping mission during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict and in the same year decided to remain in extended service.
On March 27, 1993, the 7th parachute company guarded the seismological laboratory in the village of Nizhniye Eshery (Abkhazia). Senior Sergeant V. Wolf provided communication with the landing force. Late in the evening, enemy fire was opened on the laboratory.
A powerful explosion damaged the communication channel, and Vitaly received a shrapnel wound to the head. Losing consciousness, Wolf restored the connection. Thanks to this, helicopters were called from Gudauta and attacked the enemy shelter.
Vitaly Wolf died from his wound without regaining consciousness. He was twenty years old. In 1993 he was awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation, and in 2013 - the title of Hero of Abkhazia.
Wolf is buried in his homeland - in the city of Yarovoye. A street is named after him, and a memorial plaque is installed on the facade of the school where he studied. In 2014, a stele was erected in memory of the hero. Its upper part is decorated with a bas-relief of the emblem of the paratroopers.
A wide through crack stretched across the stele, symbolizing an untimely end to life. At the level of human growth there are inscriptions with the texts of decrees on the assignment of V.A. Wolf received the title of Hero of the Russian Federation and Abkhazia.
Obelisk of Glory (Monument to those killed in the Great Patriotic War)
- Address: st. Gagarin.
In the center of the monument are stone statues depicting two soldiers. One of them is a mature man, the other is a young man who has just left school. These are father and son who gave their lives for their Motherland. There is a memorial inscription on the pedestal.
The monument was erected in 1970 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Great Victory. For the townspeople, he is the personification of grief, pride and gratitude to the heroes who died in the name of the living.
Monument to V.I. Lenin
- Address: Lenin Square.
The monument to the great leader stands in the center of the square, which also bears his name. The bronze sculpture rises on a pedestal made of smoothly polished stones. There is a small area with flower beds and benches around. The monument was erected on April 21, 1964 in honor of Lenin's upcoming birthday. The bronze statue was made in the Barnaul art workshop.
Monument to the founders and creators of the city and the plant
The composition represents a heliocentric model of the Universe, which consists of four connected rings. The four rings symbolize the unbearably difficult years of the Great Patriotic War, during which the chemical plant and the city of Yarovoe itself were founded. The opening of the monument took place in 2013. The ceremony was timed to coincide with Chemist's Day and the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the city.
Geography and climate
Bolshoye Yarovoye occupies a significant part of the western section of the Kulunda Plain.
The Kulunda Plain is a steppe plain located in Western Siberia and covers mainly the Altai Territory. It also occupies small areas of the Novosibirsk region and Pavlodar region. Kazakhstan. Its area is 100,000 km2.
The lake is the lowest point in the Altai Territory. Its depth is from 6 to 8 m, and its height above sea level is 80 m. The city of Slavgorod is located very close to the lake, on the south side. The distance to it is 7 km. In the east is the village of Kuatovka, and on the northern coast, closest to all, is the city of the same name Yarovoye.
Lake on the map:
By territorial affiliation, the coast of Bolshoy Yarovoye belongs to two municipalities (“the city of Slavgorod” - the water area, “the city of Yarovoye” - 11 km of the northern coast) and the Tabunsky district (8 km of the southwestern and southern coast).
Area: 66.7 km2 (in some sources there are figures from 60 to 70 km2).
Beautiful places for walks along Yarovoye
It's nice to stroll through the beautiful squares and green parks of Yarovoye. In such corners you can find many interesting sights.
City Park
- Address: corner of Kulundinskaya and 40 Let Oktyabrya streets.
The city park is an ideal place for outdoor recreation. The park is home to many trees and flowering shrubs. Here you can see Siberian spruce, cedar, pine and birch. The park takes on special beauty in the spring, when the bird cherry and lilac trees gain color.
In the summer, children's attractions open in the City Park: trampolines, "Romashka", "Auto Rally", "Spider" and a shooting gallery.
On holidays, the park hosts competitions and concerts with an animation program. Sports competitions and health days are also held here. When the tourist season starts, a vibrant evening life begins in the park. Young people gather for discos and karaoke.
Fountain
- Address: st. Lenina, 9.
The square in front of the Khimik State House of Culture is very popular among the townspeople. Its main attraction is a large fountain. In the center of a granite bowl with a mosaic bottom, powerful, high jets beat, and small fountains gurgle around them.
At night, the crystal streams are illuminated, which gives them even greater beauty. Not far from the State House of Culture there is a cozy alley with a monument to the “Founders of the City and the Plant.”
Gagarin Street (Yarbat)
The busiest, most original, most picturesque street of Yarovoy received the nickname “Yarbat” among tourists. It stretches along the lake, connecting the beach areas and the water park. The main feature of the street is the huge number of bronze sculptures. Here you can “meet” cartoon characters, animals and strange abstract creatures.
In the center there is a sundial in the shape of a shooting star. Along the street there are souvenir shops, cafes and children's attractions, such as cars and moving dinosaur figures. It is impossible to ignore Gagarin Street. This is the center of urban fun.
Where to take your child in Yarovoe?
This question inevitably arises among tourists vacationing with children. In Yarovoe, moms and dads won’t have to rack their brains about how to entertain their child. Children's entertainment is everywhere.
Big Animal Circus
- Address: st. Gagarin.
In the summer months, a circus tent opens in Yarovoe. The impressive performances include Africa's largest animals: elephants, giraffes, lions and hippos. In addition to trained animals, the circus features acrobats, aerialists, clowns and stuntmen. Spectators will see an exciting fire show, elephant dances and tricks performed by big cats.
Dolphinarium
- Address: st. Gagarin.
The dolphinarium comes to Yarovoye every summer since 2015. A large swimming pool is being built on the territory of Pier 42. Citizens and tourists are invited to a performance with Black Sea dolphins, beluga sturgeon and fur seals.
The entertainment program is short (40 minutes), but intense. During this time, the animals will show their talents, dexterity and intelligence. After the show, for an additional fee, you can swim in the pool with dolphins and take a photo as a souvenir.
Open-air theater "Country of Lemonade"
- Address: st. Gagarin.
"Land of Lemonade" is located at Pier 42. There is a stage on the beach, decorated with arches and colorful flags. This is where the magic happens. Professional actors in bright costumes act out fairy-tale scenes, perform magic tricks and tell interesting legends. The theater program is interactive.
At almost every stage of the show, children are invited to the stage. This is an amazing opportunity to take part in a real performance and discover your acting talent. Spectators sit on comfortable benches right on the beach. The theater often hosts masquerades and festivals with foam parties or fireworks.
Beach holidays: the best beaches in Yarovoye
The flag and coat of arms of Yarovoy depict a blue lake against the backdrop of the bright sun. This is exactly the picture that opens to tourists on the sandy shore of Lake Bolshoye Yarovoye. Amazingly, the sun and luxurious beaches are the main assets of the Siberian town.
Berth 22
- GPS coordinates: 52.916090, 78.579659.
This beach is suitable for lovers of active pastime. At Pier 22 there is a huge number of water attractions: slides, trampolines, jumping bridges. There is an interesting photo area, the so-called “shaman’s corner”.
A large ritual tambourine with Altai patterns hangs on wooden beams. You can take an unusual photo against its background. On the beach there are cafes serving European cuisine, bars, a Chinese restaurant, souvenir shops and a mother and child room.
Berth 42
- Coordinates: 52.911926, 78.567453.
Pier 42 is one of the city's key entertainment venues. In the summer, a dolphinarium and “Country of Lemonade” open here. Festivals and holidays take over the entire beach, so all visitors become participants in the fun action.
Artificially planted palm trees grow on the beach, and slides and trampolines are installed along the water line. Zorbing is popular. Cafes, bars and restaurants are located under shady canopies. There are also dry toilets, changing cabins and smoking areas on the beach.
Berth 55
- Coordinates: 52.906237, 78.559453.
The newest beach of Yarovoye. The territory is divided into a beach area and a camping area. Pier 55 will appeal to those who like to have an adventurous holiday. Nearby there is a rental point for boats, boats and catamarans.
The campsite has a food court, where you can book a gazebo with barbecue. There are two lines stretching along the Pier, suitable for setting up a tent and making a fire. Entertainment here includes a volleyball court.
