Lake Marankul is located in the Tashtypsky district of the Republic of Khakassia. It is located at an absolute height of 1600 meters above sea level in the highlands of the Western Sayan, on top of the ridge separating Khakassia from Tuva.
The lake has an ovoid shape with a sharp point in the northern part. The length and width of the lake slightly differ and are 1100 and 900 meters correspondingly. The bottom of the lake is represented by fragments of rocks, rubble with rare sandy interlayers, only in the central part it is covered with mineral silts. The water in the lake is crystal clear, cold, even in the hottest years its temperature does not exceed 16 degrees.
The lake is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks with stone fields and bold peaks, which have a unique mosaic texture. The age-old taiga stretches for many kilometers around. Cedar and firs are predominant here. In open rocky areas, there are dwarf birch trees, enhancing the harsh beauty of these places. In the waters of the lake there is a rare fish – grayling and peled. In the vicinity of the lake, a variety of plants grow, including those from the Red Book: rhododendron, carthamoid rhapontic and rhodiola rosea, Kuril tea, edelweiss. The animal world is also peculiar: argali sheep, ibex, you can often meet a bear, and if you're lucky, then a snow leopard – an ounce. Excursions from all over Khakassia are regularly organized to Lake Marankul, so there are sometimes quite a lot of tourists in its vicinity. Travelers are attracted by the harsh majestic beauty of the mountain peaks surrounding this cold and mysterious body of water, especially beautiful in the early morning or at sunset. When visiting the lake, you should take warm clothes with you: due to the height of the relief, there is a large difference in day and night temperatures on the shores of the lake.
It is impossible to get to the lake by car. Follow the road Abakan - Ak-Dovurak to reach the tourist base "Snezhny Bars" located 6 kilometers from the lake. You will have to go further either on foot or riding a horse.
