Balkhash Lake

Lake Balkhash stretches across an immense closed basin north of the Tian Shan. A narrow strait divides its waters into two contrasting halves: the western lake is nearly fresh, while the eastern part is brackish to salty. The Ili River enters from the south, spreading into a great delta of channels, marshes and reeds. These wetlands offer shelter to fish and waterbirds amid the arid plains and sands surrounding the lake.