The lake basin is a seasonal grazing ground for local cattle.

[2] Karakoin is an endorheic lake in the Sarysu basin.

It is located in an arid zone at the northern edge of the Betpak-Dala.

The western lakeshore is nearly straight and rises abruptly from the lake surface, while the eastern is low, marshy and deeply indented.

[3][1] The lake fills during the spring thaw, with intermittent rivers Katagansay and Taldyespe flowing into it and bringing the lake to reach a surface of 80 square kilometers (31 sq mi) to 90 square kilometers (35 sq mi) in years of abundant snowfall.