Nature / Lake
Akgöl
Özalp, Van
A salty tectonic lake with no outflow at an altitude of over 2300 meters in Özalp; a feeding area for flamingos, ruddy shelducks and cranes.
Safety warning
Its story
Akgöl is a tectonic lake within the Lake Van Closed Basin, at an altitude of about 2343 meters above sea level. With an area of about 407 hectares and a depth of 3–5 meters, it is a shallow lake; as it has no outflow, its waters are salty and it is fed only by rainfall and spring water. Because of this delicate water balance, the lake shrinks in summer, and in dry years it dries up completely, leaving a salty surface behind; it forms again in rainy periods. It is stated that it has lost most of its area compared with 1965 maps. When it is full of water it is a feeding and breeding area for flamingos; ruddy shelducks, mallards and cranes are also seen. Spring and early summer are the best times for birdwatching.
Key facts
- Area
- ~407 ha (variable)
- Altitude
- ~2343 m
- Getting there
- Southwest of Özalp, village roads
- Visit duration
- 1 hour
Trip purpose
- Seasonal
- Photography
- Quiet
Location
38.48931, 43.92380
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. Reviews are written in the app after a visit.
Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akgöl_(Özalp) | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Gölü_Kapalı_Havzası | https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/17190592