Akkol (White) Lake
白湖（阿克库勒湖）
An alpine lake beneath Friendship Peak Glacier, upstream of Kanas Lake. Its milky-white color comes from glacial meltwater carrying mineral sediment, and it is a hidden destination for experienced hikers.
Akkol (White) Lake, called Akkol in Kazakh meaning 'white lake', lies beneath Friendship Peak Glacier upstream of Kanas Lake, near the China-Mongolia-Russia border tripoint. It sits at about 2,200 m and is one of the sources of the Kanas River. Rock flour ground by the glacier stays suspended in the water, giving the lake its milky-white color. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and primeval forest surround it, and the scenery is remarkably untouched. Reaching Akkol Lake means hiking or riding horses from the north end of Kanas Lake, or taking the Hemu–Akkol route. The round trip usually takes 2 to 4 days. There are no supplies along the way. The area is a border management zone, so you need to arrange a border pass in advance, register as required, and hire a local guide. Ordinary visitors can look toward the snowy Friendship Peak to the north from Fish Viewing Platform.
Opening hours
Summer hiking season (registration required)
Nearby sights
- Jikepulin (Hemu) International Ski Resort
- Hemu Viewing Platform
- Hemu Village
- Meili Peak
- Kanas Lake
- Kanas Village & Tuvan Home Visit
- Kanas Fish-Watching Pavilion
- Yaze Lake