Lake Baskunchak (Russian: Баскунчак; Kazakh: Басқұншақ, romanized: Basqunshaq) is a salt lake of 115 km2[1] in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, located at 48°10′N 46°53′E / 48.167°N 46.883°E / 48.167; 46.883, about 270 km north of the Caspian Sea, and 53 km east of the Volga.

Since 1997, the area is protected as part of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchakski Nature Reserve.

To the south of the lake, Mount Bolshoye Bogdo rises to 150 m above sea level, forming the highest elevation in the Caspian Depression.

Sinkholes, and Karst caves of up to 1.5 km length lead through the hill.

The natural conditions of the area are truly unique: the healing air is high in bromine and phytoncides, sulphide silt mud, similar in effect and composition to the Dead Sea mud, sodium chloride brine containing macro-complex and trace elements.