Manzherok - Lake Gorny Altai: choose a place to rest

In the Altai Territory, at the foot of the Malaya Sinyuha and Sinyuha Mountains (on the right bank of the Katun River), there is a picturesque pond - Manzherok. The lake is one of the most beautiful places in this region.

Hydronym

An interesting fact is that the lake has several names. One of them is Manzhurek. From the Altay dialect "manzhurek" in translation means "fenced hollow". And the local population called the reservoir in its own way - Doingool, which literally means "princely lake".

Short description

Manzherok is a lake, which is located at a low altitude - only 420 km above sea level. It arose as a result of the water erosion process of the Katun River. Water - fresh, muddy, greenish shade. The reservoir has the shape of an oval, the coastline stretches for more than 1000 km. The width of the lake varies: in the narrowest places reaches 20 meters, and in the widest - 240 m. The total area of the reservoir is 38 hectares. The lake is of insignificant depth, the maximum value does not exceed 3 m.

Natural features

Altai has always been famous for its special climate. Lake Manzherok is rich in minerals and trace elements, the composition of water refers to the chloride-carbonate type (due to this peculiarity such specific taste and color). However, water is suitable for drinking and bathing, even has medicinal properties.

The reservoir is low flow, its surface warms up in hot weather, but at depth it always remains cold. Transparency is low - only 60-150 cm.

Flora and fauna

In the 90 years the lake was awarded the title of natural monument. Contributed to this rich flora and fauna near the pond. The surroundings of Manzherok are inhabited by rare species of birds, some of them even recorded in the Red Book. In its waters there are many fish - carp, perch, tench, as well as pike and carp. All year round fishermen come to Lake Manzherok. Rest in these places will give real pleasure. However, fishermen recently complain about a decline in the fish population. There is no exact explanation for this. Perhaps, due to the fact that the lake water was updated several years ago - they were almost completely cleaned.

There are more than 25 species of aquatic plants growing on the pond, among them the white water lily on the verge of destruction, as well as the endemic plant found only in this territory - the chilim (water chestnut), it is known for its medicinal properties. In ancient times, people even made flour from this nut and baked bread, fleeing from hunger. Water lily flowering begins in mid-July, which contributes to an even greater flow of tourists: many want to see this miracle, because there are very few places where you can find this plant.

Manzherok - a lake with a long coastline. However, most of it is boggy and almost impassable terrain. On the other bank (eastern and south-eastern slopes) are wide forests. Vegetation there is diverse: fir, spruce, pine, birch. Shrubs are represented by raspberry, currant, hawthorn, honeysuckle, kalina and other plants. And closer to the water - weeping willows, hops and birches.

Popular bases of Gorny Altai

The beauty of this picturesque nature is also added by Mount Sinyuha. In winter, all winter sports enthusiasts come here, you can ski here. Several years ago, the ski resort "Manzherok" began to be built at the foot of the mountain. Along the Chuysky tract there are several tourist bases and sanatoriums. Organized excursions are organized to the lake. It is worth noting that the bases of the Altai Mountains meet tourists all year round. Here in any season you can be interesting, and most importantly - unforgettably, spend time.

The birth of the popularity of Lake Manzherok

Its popularity began in the 60's of the last century. This was facilitated by the holding of the Youth Soviet Friendship Festival. Especially for this event was written the song "Manzherok", which was performed by the popular singer E. Pieha. At one time, this motif was a real hit, conquering the hearts of many people. Thanks to this song, the lake became widely known all over the world.

How to get to the pond?

Manzherok is the lake of Gorny Altai, and as you know, all roads to this region pass through Biysk. To get to these picturesque places, you need to leave Biysk on the Chui highway. The distance is 130 km. Then - turn off the main road to the village of Ozernoe. And then, after reaching the village of Manzherok, drive through it and follow the signs to get directly to the lake.