The lake has a sinuous shape stretching roughly from east to west, surrounded by salt pans.

The lake lies in the middle of the Meshkeysor region, a vast 8,100 square kilometers (3,100 sq mi) area characterized by flat valleys and "melkosopochnik" [ru] low hills.

[3] Lake Meshkeysor is located at the center in a trough of saline young soils and salt marshes.

[3] The steppe vegetation of the area is characterized by wormwood and fescue, with junegrass and feathergrass in the banks and higher grounds.

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