Lake Khara-Nur
"Khara-Nur" means "black lake" in the Buryatic language. The lake got its name from the volcano crater inside of which it lies. The water is unbelievably clear and, because of the dark volcanic rocks, seems to be almost black. With an area of 12 km2 the Khara-Nur Lake is the largest lake in the Russian part of the Eastern Sayan and legendary for its high abundance of fish. Especially Karius, a certain trout species, is extraordinarily popular among local fishermen. However, the lake is very hard to get to.
Only two ways are leading there - either through the volcano valley or via the valley of the Shom-Bolok Creek. The way through the volcano valley has been graded very hard and you should allow at least two days for a return tour.
