A shallow salt lake at 339 ‰ salinity north of Tore-Khol.

Region: Republic of TuvaCoordinates: 50°23′N 94°52′E

Dus-Khol Lake (Samagaltay)

This Dus-Khol in Tes-Khemsky kozhuun is one of several “salt lakes” sharing the name in Tuva. The basin lies 45 km south of Samagaltay: 0.4 km², about 1.4 km long, depth to 0.6 m, elevation 1,000 m. Register salinity is 339 ‰. It sits north-west of Erzin Dus-Khol and north-east of Shara-Nur, north of Tore-Khol. A closed hollow with gentle banks and sparse vegetation — typical southern hollow scenery. Photographers and geologists value pale salt crust against dark water; bathing is not for everyone — strong brine. No infrastructure. Add to the southern Tuva “salt triangle” with Shara-Nur and Tore-Khol; carry drinking water.

How to get there

45 km south of Samagaltay, Tes-Khemsky kozhuun. Steppe dirt tracks.

Best season

May to September

Travel tips & stories

  • 339 ‰ — among the saltiest stops; keep brine out of eyes.

  • Depth to 0.6 m — “looks shallow” can lie after rain.

  • Do not confuse with Tandinsky and Erzin Dus-Khol — three different lakes.

  • Salt crust on shoes — bring a spare pair.

  • Cluster Shara-Nur + Tore-Khol + this lake in 1–2 days.

lakesalt lakesteppeTes-Khem district

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