[2][3] Lake Shalkar is part of the Kokshetau National Park, a protected area.

The southern shore is steep, with up to 8 meters (26 ft) high cliffs, while the remaining lakeshore is gently sloping.

[1] The Koi-Bagir river flows into the lake during the spring floods from the northwestern side.

The outflow of lake Shalkar is river Tyun-Tyugur, flowing southwards from the southwestern end.

[1][2][5] There are forests close to the southern shore of the lake, with birch, aspen and sea buckthorn, among other trees and shrubs.