Aydarkul Lake

A lake in the desert is not a mirage, but a real miracle of nature called Aydarkul. The fact that a crystal clear lake has appeared on the southeastern edge of the Kyzylkum desert is very mysterious in itself. Although there is a completely scientific explanation for it. Previously, excess drainage waters from the Jizzakh steppe drained into the Arnasai depression with saline soil. But in the summer of 1969, a catastrophically high flood on the Syrdarya River exceeded the capacity of the Chardarya reservoir, and the water filled the Arnasai depression. A lot of fish appeared in the lake.

Today, Lake Aydarkul has an area of 3,000 square kilometers, a length of about 250 km and a width of 8 to 15 km. The Aydarkul Lake area has good conditions for hiking and horseback riding and camel riding. The wildlife here is very rich. In spring and summer, alpine meadows are full of many colors - bright red tulips and snow-white acacias. Black storks nest high in the mountains. These birds are listed in the Red Books of many countries. In early spring, when Arnasai is filled with water, flocks of ducks, geese, pelicans and herons flock here. Tourists have the opportunity to fish, swim and sunbathe here.