Lake Kobeytuz is one of the most unusual places in Kazakhstan, where the water has a rich pink hue. Located in the Akmola region, about 160 kilometers east of Astana, this natural phenomenon attracts tourists from across the country and abroad with its otherworldly beauty.
Why is the water pink?
The secret behind the color lies in the microalgae Dunaliella salina, which produce beta-carotene, especially actively during hot and dry summers. The same phenomenon can be observed in pink lakes in Australia and Senegal. The color can vary from light pink to deep crimson, depending on lighting, temperature and the rate of water evaporation.
Why is it worth visiting?
- Aesthetics and the chance to capture beautiful photos, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the angle of the sunlight creates incredible shades.
- Such lakes are a rare natural phenomenon on the planet;
- An opportunity to enjoy solitude and nature — there are no crowds or hustle and bustle.
A surge in popularity and a temporary closure
During the COVID-19 pandemic — especially in the summer of 2020 — the lake went viral on social media as thousands of Kazakhstani tourists flocked there in pursuit of the «perfect shot.» However, the influx turned out to be devastating: some drove their cars directly onto the lakebed, while others collected salt and mud, believing it to have healing properties. As a result, the lake was damaged, and authorities temporarily closed it to visitors.
Now, Kobeytuz is open again, with significantly fewer tourists. This makes the trip to the lake more comfortable and safer for both visitors and the environment.
How to get there
The trip from Astana to the lake takes about 2.5 hours by car. First, head toward Pavlodar via the highway, then turn left toward the village of Yereymentau. From there, it’s best to use a navigation app to reach the destination quickly and easily.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Great Kazakh Steppe and may spot wild animals such as gophers, hares and birds, as well as wind power plants rising above the hilly terrain.
A careful attitude is key to its future
Kobeytuz is not a beach or a resort — it is a fragile ecosystem. That’s why it’s important to:
- Avoid taking salt, mud, or sand, as doing so disrupts the lake’s natural balance;
- Refrain from littering — visitors are expected to clean up after themselves, even small items like a piece of paper.
As Kazakhstan promotes responsible eco-tourism, it urges visitors to help preserve this unique site, so that future generations may also experience this rare natural wonder with their own eyes.
