Bukhtarma reservoir, or Where to rest in the East Kazakhstan region

Bukhtarma Reservoir is a popular holiday destination not only for residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Zyryanovsk, tourists come here from all over Kazakhstan and the nearest Russian cities in summer. Clean air, golden beaches and an immense water surface - this is exactly what you need in the summer heat.

History

In 1952 Ust-Kamenogorsk hydroelectric power station was created, and in 1960 the dam formed not only the Bukhtarma water reservoir (it, in turn, merged with the waters of the largest lake Zaisan), but also Ust-Kamenogorsk. At that time the sphere of tourism on its banks was completely undeveloped, only by the 1980s the construction of recreation centers began. They were quite rare, a few houses stood without electricity and other amenities. Entertainment was reduced to a public bath and a catamaran attached to each house, every day a steamer came to the base, brought milk and bread, there were no stores here. But in the surrounding lakes they sang whole fields of fragrant strawberries, and the packages and bottles did not have time to fill the free space.

The wind of change - how the bases changed today

Those who visited Bukhtarma reservoir in those distant Soviet times, today it will be difficult to find out. No, the lake itself has not changed, the beauty of these places has remained the same and charming, but the whole coast today is occupied by all kinds of boarding houses and recreation centers. From the side it is difficult to make out where one ends and another begins. Back in the late 90's on the basis it was possible to buy only freshly baked bread and dairy products, which was brought by the residents of the nearest settlement of Novaya Bukhtarma. Today, everything is full of various signs: shops, cafes, snack bars, saunas, billiards, indoor tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, discos and water parks.

Standard package of services

Having booked a house on the territory of the liked recreation center (I must say that they are quite different from each other), you get the keys for the entire period of your stay there. Inside there is a refrigerator, an electric stove, beds, tables, chairs and bedside tables. Crockery and bed linen are issued. You can cook your own meals or go to one of the local cafes. Barbecue for cooking shish kebab, the keys to the catamaran or boat can be taken for a fee. The usual recreation facilities on the Bukhtarma reservoir do not imply the existence of an individual shower and toilet in each house.

For fans of a relaxing holiday

The bases have also changed. To make the Bukhtarma water reservoir more attractive, today it has become fashionable to build mini-towns. These are completely fenced areas, having their own descent to the water. In their territory are: several comfortable houses, a sauna, a cafe or bar, sports grounds. Scooters and catamarans are parked at the pier. This option is suitable for a large family or a friendly company, but it is quite expensive.

Comfortable hotels

Urban residents with high demands for amenities are also waiting for Bukhtarma reservoir. Recreation bases "Blue Bay" and "Port of Fortune" offer restful cozy rooms and five meals a day. The program includes the services of animators and nannies, which will entertain the child in your absence, and a guide with which you can conquer the local mountain peaks. Both of these bases are very green and picturesque. The cleanest air, filled with the aroma of the sea and flowers, awakens in the morning and gives a mood for the whole day.

Separately, I want to say about the base "Port of Fortune". It is located in a picturesque bay, which is surrounded by pine, mountain ash and aspen forests. The hotel itself is a real miracle, similar to an ancient enchanted castle, standing in a fairytale forest. Especially it impresses inside: marble floors, beautiful fireplace, spiral staircases, unusual chandeliers - all this creates an atmosphere from which you do not want to return to reality.

Camping

Along with lovers of comfort, there are quite a few tourists who prefer a "wild" holiday. The Bukhtarma water reservoir also meets here. There are many free corners where you can pit a tent. On new, only under construction recreation bases, administrators for a nominal fee are allowed to enter its protected area, where you can choose a place for recreation. This is the best option in terms of the safety of your vehicles.

This is the cheapest and at the same time attractive form of recreation, which means unification with nature, collecting firewood and preparing fragrant tea at the stake. Evening songs with a guitar, a night in a tent, under the stars. No hotel will give you so many impressions.

How to get to the reservoir

The train "Ust-Kamenogorsk-Zyryanovsk" passes Novaya Bukhtarma stop, where you can go to any of the private taxis (and they are on duty a lot) to get to the place. An exception is the recreation center on the other side of the bay, in this case, guests are waiting for the boat, which will deliver to the place. If you order a ticket through a travel agency, usually the fare is already paid, and by the time you leave the train you will be waiting for a small bus that will take you to your destination.

Many people come by private cars. The route to the Bukhtarma reservoir from Ust-Kamenogorsk is quite complicated, which is only the Osinovsky Pass: mountain serpentine, on the one hand - a rock, and on the other - a precipice that is buried in greenery. But from Zyryanovsk you are waited by easy walk on an equal road.

Let's sum up the results

Bukhtarma reservoir is an endless sea, surrounded by stunning beauty in places. There are a lot of options for recreation - both budget and five-star. In these places it is worth visiting at least once in your life.