Chagytay Lake

Chagytay (Tuv. Chagytay khöl) is the deepest freshwater lake of the Tuva Hollow: 28.6 km², maximum depth 17 m, elevation 1,005 m. It lies 70 km south of Kyzyl on the north slope of the Eastern Tannu-Ola range; the Mazhalyk River is its only outflow. Since 1995 the Chagytay biogeohydrological sanctuary (~5,350 ha) protects the lake with a three-kilometre shore belt. In the 1960s–70s carp, bream and peled were stocked; peled later supported commercial catch and spread down the Little Yenisei basin. Turn off federal M54 “Yenisey” before Balgazyn village. The lake is popular with locals; dust storms on the open hollow can turn conditions harsh — noted in regional materials. Fishing is regulated: the lake is a Category I fisheries water body. Do not use illegal nets or ignore seasonal limits; pack out picnic litter — local university students also run clean-ups.