Aydarkul – a Pearl in the Steppe

Steppe and desert landscapes, mountain ranges, rivers and lakes of Uzbekistan fascinate with their beauty. Lake Aydarkul, located at Nurata Mountains, is one of the wonders of Uzbekistan.

In the middle of the last century, this area was deserted. Lake Tuzkon appeared here in spring and evaporated in summer. Shardarya hydroelectric power station was built with a gateway to control the water level. The water in the hydroelectric power station came from Syrdarya. In 1969-1970, the volume of water accumulated in the hydroelectric power station was more than planned, and the sluices were slightly opened to prevent the break of the dam. As a result, the water began to drain into the Arnasay plain, and Aydarkul Lake was formed.

This saltwater lake unites many ditches and ranks second among the lakes of Uzbekistan after the Aral Sea. In fact, it can be called the “Uzbek Sea”. The length of the lake from east to west is 280-300 kilometers, the width in the central part from north to south is 30-35 kilometers. The total area of ​​the lake is 3 thousand square kilometers. Its basin contains 10 billion cubic meters of water. Today the surface of the lake is 4 thousand square kilometers. The total length of the Aydarkul coastline is approximately 1000 kilometers.

New landscapes and natural landscapes appeared with the emergence of this huge reservoir in the steppe zone of Arnasay. A flora and fauna were formed around the lake. To this day, the number of species of fish and waterfowl living here is increasing. It is hard to believe that only half a century ago there was no Aydarkul on the world map, but now you can find a variety of flora and fauna here. Therefore, this lake is of interest not only for tourists, but also for zoological scientists.

Fishing is very popular here. The Aydarkul area is included in the fish industry of Uzbekistan. The fish caught here meets the needs of one-third of Uzbekistan population.

If you are tired of the bustle of the city, then you will not find a better place to relax. Aydarkul is located far from settlements, and you can relax on the shore, swim in clean and cool water, sunbathe. Yurts have been built for recreation in the coastal zone. A camel riding tour is offered. Locals call the lake “Turquoise River among the Sands”. These places can surprise even experienced travelers. Aydar-Arnasay lake system is admirable. There is Qizilqum desert on the one hand, on the other – a wide emerald lake, behind which a mountain range is visible.

More than ten recreation areas have been created in Nurata district near Aydarkul. They have all the conditions for recreation.

Photos by Siroj Aslonov, UzA