[2] In 1976, the lake became part of the newly created Markakol Nature Reserve.

[3] It has a pH of 8 [4] Under normal weather conditions, the water in Markakol is clear blue.

Loons, grebes, ducks, gulls and waders nest in the coastal meadows.

During winter, snow falls and air temperatures reach −55 degrees Celsius.

The average annual temperature is −4.1 degrees Celsius (lowest in Southern Altai).