Bartogay Lake

Bartogai Lake (, "Bartoǵaı begeni") is a reservoir in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. As it is far away from any pollution sources, it has remained relatively pristine. It was built in the early 1980s on the Chilik River at the base of the Sogety Plateau (Syugaty Hills) as part of an irrigation project. The dam was completed in 1983 and the site became operational in 1985. It collects water during the winter and spring and releases water for irrigation from June through September.
Recreational fishing in the lake and in the outlet stream is permitted at certain times of year. Animals in the area include marmots.
On the territory of Almaty Region, thanks to The Bartogay reservoir, the Shelek (Chilik) river was formed. In the early 80-ies of the XX century, it was blocked by a 60 – meter high stone-embankment dam with a length of 330 m.this is how the bartogay reservoir was formed. The waters of the reservoir feed the Big Almaty canal, which stretches to the city of Almaty, irrigating the foothill agricultural zone on its way.
Bartogai is an ancient tract. On all sides, the tract is surrounded by mountains, which is protected from the winds. In the middle of the tract is a vast clearing. Once it was arable land, there are traces of ancient ditches. There are many ancient burial mounds in Bartogai. The stones they are made of are covered with soil and are barely visible from it. The abundance of mounds here is no accident. From time immemorial, attracting people, Bartogai was considered sacred. Rites were performed there, and holidays were celebrated.