Lake Markakol

Lake Markakol fills a mountain basin in the southern Altai, between the Kurchum and Azutau ranges. Small rivers and streams feed its clear waters, while the Kalzhyr carries water westward to the Irtysh. Most of the lake freezes in winter, though the outlet remains open. Its fish include lenok and grayling, and birds nest in the meadows along a shore cut by many bays.