Lake Kandrykul

Lake Kandrykul is the second largest lake in Bashkortostan, in the Tuymazinsky district, right at the center of the Bugulma-Belebey Upland, about 140 kilometers west of Ufa. It is a karst lake with a changing water level; despite its reputation as freshwater, the water is in fact slightly saline and stays clear down to about seven meters.

Nature and protection

The lake covers 15.6 square kilometers and holds around 113 million cubic meters of water. Its maximum depth reaches 15.6 meters, with an average of 7.2 meters. The island of Utrau lies in the lake's northwestern part. Kandrykul has been a protected natural monument since 1965, was added to the list of protected natural areas in 1995, and in 1996 became the core of the Kandrykul Nature Park. Swans and other Red Book birds nest here, pike and bream live in the water, and beavers and other rare animals are found along the shores.

Legends

Locals once called the lake Evil or Sad. One version holds that its basin formed along the course of an ancient river called Paleodeamik; another says Kandrykul is linked by underground water to the neighboring Lake Asylykul. According to local stories, the camp of a conquering Horde khan once stood on the northern shore. The name Kandrykul itself is translated from Bashkir as "Beaver Lake," since beavers have lived here since old times. Locals also call Utrau island the "island of love."

Getting there

By car, take the M-5 federal highway running Samara-Ufa-Chelyabinsk. By train, get off at Kandry station, then cover the remaining five kilometers to the lakeshore on foot or by local transport.

Recreation

Sanatoriums, recreation centers and equipped campsites operate around the lake, along with shops, cafes, and boat or catamaran rentals for reaching Utrau island. The shores are rocky and sandy. In winter the lake draws skiers and ice fishermen; in earlier years it served as a resort area.