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Lake Yazevoye: sunset and its reflection in the lake

Lake Yazevoe in the Kazakh Altai: road, altitude and the permit question

A lake at almost 1,700 m in Katon-Karagay District with a view of Belukha. No buses go here, and sources disagree on whether you need a border permit.

  • Almost 1,700 m
  • 2.5 km from the border
  • 4x4 only
  • Check the permit
See photos · 5 When to go Plan the trip

Photo: Stanislav Sergeevich · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Verified: 2026-11

Lake Yazevoe in the Kazakh Altai: when to go, month by month

  1. January: off season
  2. February: off season
  3. March: off season
  4. April: off season
  5. May: off season
  6. June: good
  7. July: best time
  8. August: best time
  9. September: good
  10. October: off season
  11. November: off season
  12. December: off season

Sources do not name months for the lake. Expect a short high-mountain season and check the forecast.

Lake Yazevoe in the Kazakh Altai: why go

Belukha in Lake Yazevoe

In clear weather the mountain is reflected in the water. At almost 1,700 m the lake sits in forest, and no buses reach it.

Permit: conflicting answers

Decree 356 lists the lake among exceptions, but Aviasales mentions a pass through eGov. Get an answer from the Border Service.

A bridge over the Berel

In June 2026 a bridge meant to open the way to the lake was reported under construction. We could not confirm it is open.

Start for Kokkol waterfall

From Yazevoe the waterfall is about two days on foot with tents or 6–10 hours on horseback, says Aviasales.

Lake Yazevoe lies at almost 1,700 m (Aviasales, 2026) in Katon-Karagay District, East Kazakhstan, 2.5 km from the Russian border. People come for Belukha’s reflection and to start the walk to Kokkol waterfall. There are no buses, and the road beyond Rakhmanov Springs is markedly rougher, so plan on a 4x4 with an experienced driver. Sort out the border question before anything else.

Katon-Karagay: belukha peak reflected in Yazevoye lake, viewed from the Kazakh side, September
Belukha reflected in Lake Yazevoe on a clear day. Stanislav Sergeevich · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The permit question

SourceWhat it says
Government Decree 356Lake Yazevoe is listed where the pass regime for foreigners does not apply
Aviasales, July 2026A pass is needed, issued through eGov in a day or two

Getting this wrong means turning back at a post after a day’s driving. Ask the Border Service in writing. Our border zone page explains the documents.

The road

It is about 380 km from Oskemen to Katon-Karagay village. The road on to Rakhmanov Springs is being upgraded, and in June 2026 a bridge over the Berel, meant to open the way to the lake, was under construction. We could not confirm it has opened.

At the lake

Camp, look at the mountain and carry on to Kokkol waterfall: about two days on foot with tents or 6–10 hours on horseback. Nights at this height are cold. Rakhmanov Springs and the Berel burial mounds are close by, and our Katon-Karagay guide covers the area.

Not verified yet We could not confirm whether the Berel bridge is open, whether a park fee applies here, the lake’s size, or which months suit it. Check the forecast before you commit.

Lake Yazevoe in the Kazakh Altai: tips before you go

  1. Arrange a 4x4 in advance: no buses, and the road is rougher after the springs.
  2. Keep your ID with you: the lake is 2.5 km from the border.
  3. Bring a warm sleeping bag: nights are cold at this height.

More to see nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do foreigners need a permit for Lake Yazevoe?
Government Decree 356 lists Yazevoe among sites where the pass regime for foreigners does not apply, yet Aviasales (2026) says a pass is required through eGov. Confirm with the Border Service in writing before you go.
Can I reach Lake Yazevoe by public transport?
No buses run here, according to Aviasales. You need a reliable 4x4 or a group tour.
Can you see Belukha from the lake?
Yes, in clear weather; photos show it reflected in the water. Mountain weather can hide it, so allow a spare day.

Sources

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