Kow Ata

Kow Ata (also The Bakharlyn) is an underground lake in an eponymous cave near Bäherden in Turkmenistan, at the foot of the Kopet Dag.^[1][2] It is the largest in Commonwealth of Independent States.^[3]

Kow Ata
The Bakharlyn
Köw Ata (Turkmen)
The lake as seen in 2009
Kow Ata
Location	Bäherden, Baherden District, Ahal Province
Coordinates	38.2975°N 57.5222°E / 38.2975; 57.5222
Type	Underground lake
Basin countries	Turkmenistan
Max. length	75–80 m (246–262 ft)
Max. width	8–23 m (26–75 ft)
Average depth	10 m (33 ft)
Max. depth	15 m (49 ft)
Max. temperature	38 °C (100 °F)
Min. temperature	33 °C (91 °F)
Location

Kow Ata
Location	Turkmenistan
Type	Underground lake
Max. length	80 metres (260 ft)
Average depth	10 metres (33 ft)

History

The landform was first documented by archaeologists in 1856.^[1] Coverage by the local press in 1896—noting the authorities of Bäherden rail-station to have had a wooden staircase installed for safe descent—led to tourists from Ashgabat flocking the site.^[1][3]

In 1960s, a road was constructed to the cave, electricity supplied, and hotels built in nearby areas.^[3]

Geology

Cave

The cave has a length of 250 m (820 ft) and variable width of 12–50 m (39–164 ft).^[2] There are five entrances.^[2]

Lake

The lake is at a depth of 55 m (180 ft) from the 3rd (by height) cave entrance;^[a] no sunlight reaches the cave.^[4][5] Length is reported to lie between 75 m (246 ft) and 80 m (260 ft); breadth varies, across the length, between 8 m (26 ft) and 23 m (75 ft).^[2][3] Average depth is about 10 m (33 ft); maximum depth is 15 m (49 ft).^[6]

The water flows out into a sulfur-rich spring.^[5][6]

Limnology

The temperature of the lake remains roughly constant throughout the year, between 33 °C (91 °F) and 38 °C (100 °F).^[4] The water has a high mineral content^[b] and is especially rich in sulfur.^[4] The water is transparent with a shade of bluish green.^[5]

Flora and fauna

Bats, rodents, birds, and about 50 invertebrate species inhabit the cave.^[2]

Tourism

Bathing is permitted in Kow Ata, making it a prominent weekend destination for residents of Ashgabat.^[4] A long-winding illuminated staircase leads to the cave.^[7][6] Changing cubicles and an observation platform are provided at about 80% length of the stair-route.^[8] There are no safety features except a tape warning swimmers to not proceed beyond.^[8]

Healing

Balneotherapy is practiced.^[2]

Notes

1. Staircases are only installed at this entrance.
2. Turkmenistan Government claims the water to contain 38 elements including sulfur, iodine, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfate, aluminum, bromine, iron, and antimony.