Kow-ata

Kow-ata
Geographical location	Ahal , Turkmenistan
Data
Coordinates	38 ° 18 '  N , 57 ° 42'  E Coordinates: 38 ° 18 '  N , 57 ° 42'  E
length	80 km
width	30 km
Maximum depth	16 m
particularities	Very mineral-rich, high water temperature due to thermal heat

Kow-Ata (also: Köw Ata , translated: Father of the Caves ) is a thermal cave lake in Turkmenistan .

location

The cave is located about 100 kilometers northwest of the Turkmen capital Asgabat in Ahal welaýaty , one of the five provinces of the Central Asian landlocked country . The country's most important trunk road, the M37, runs in the immediate vicinity of the cave .

lake

The underground lake is 60 meters below the entrance to the cave and can be reached via 350 steps. The lake is 80 meters wide and 30 meters long, its maximum depth is 16 meters. This makes it one of the largest underground lakes in the world. The water contains traces of many salts and minerals, which is why it is said to have healing properties. The temperature of the lake fluctuates between 33 and 38 ° Celsius during the year .

history

The lake was first mentioned in 1856, the lake first gained greater fame through an article in the local press in 1896, which made the lake known mainly to the residents of Azgabat. Today the lake is a popular tourist destination.

natural reserve

The lake and the surrounding cave are protected by the state as a natural monument, especially to protect the largest population of bats in Central Asia that can be found in the cave.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Kow-Ata. Father of Caves :: Monumental Sites of Turkmenistan. Retrieved December 19, 2018 . 
2. ↑ Google Maps. Retrieved December 19, 2018 . 
3. ↑ Kowata. Retrieved December 19, 2018 . 
4. ↑ Köw Ata Underground Lake. Retrieved December 19, 2018 .