Camping at the Western Side of Balkhash Lake

From Balkhash town I made my way south towards Bishkek but had to break the journey two times since it was still quite a distance. First stop was still along Balkhash Lake on the southwestern side somewhere between Akerme and Ulken. Second stop was Shu. This effectively breaks each segment of travel to less than 300km per day but still more than 200km.

There was not much choice of places to stay in Ulken area and mostly are niche resorts along the lake catered for holiday getaway for family or gatherings which without knowing the Kazakh language was difficult for me to book or even inquire about the price.

A little dirt road to Balkhash Lake along the way to Shu

Campspot for the night overlooking Balkhash Lake

There was a small chance of camping since one never knew what the terrain was like or the weather or the environment if it was nice for camping. Camping is even more a luxury in my opinion. Always looking for that perfect spot, sweet weather temperature, no mosquito, no smell, no noise, no people, no bears and of course beautiful view.

I had to go offroad to find the marked hut hotel/resort by Balkhash Lake. It was a good 7km off road after leaving the main highway but then 2km into the offroad I saw tracks going everywhere and thought, maybe I could find a new camping spot, I thought to myself.

Clear Waters at Balkhask Lake

Camping at Lake Balkhash

There is always a little risk in this kind of adventure. I was alone and there was no one around to help if I were to get stuck. Slowly following the track marking, making sure that there was always a way back and no forcing through crazy offroad obstacles, I found many camp spots along the lakeview.

It was evident that many locals gathered here to camp to have a good time by the lake because I could see fire pits and rubbish pits everywhere. I picked a spot and set camp then it was a short walk to the lake. On this side of the lake there were barely any waves, and the water was crystal clear, cool and still fresh water instead of the expected salt water.

It was one of the nicer campsites that night with optimum weather and no one around. In a way I do miss company when camping alone. Nothing like a good bottle of Vodka and a little campfire to lighten the mood. Camping alone means just doing nothing and early to bed especially when there is no internet reception.

Travelled on: Aug 2024