Basaral
# Basaral

Basaral (Kazakh: Басарал, Basaral) is an island in Lake Balkhash. It is located in the southwestern portion of the lake.

## Geography

Basaral is located close to the shore, separated from it by a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide sound. It has a length of a little over 11 km (6.8 mi) and a maximum width of roughly 7 km (4.3 mi). Ortaaral is a similar smaller island located to the southeast of Basaral's southern end. The shore of the island is rocky and its maximum height reaches 393 m (1,289 ft). The vegetation is sparse and is mainly composed of Salsola, Caragana and Anabasis scrub.

Administratively Basaral Island belongs to the Moiynkum District of the Jambyl Region of Kazakhstan.

View of Lake Balkhash from Space (August 2002) :

* The numbers mark the largest peninsulas, island and bays:
* Saryesik peninsula —separating the lake into two parts —and Uzynaral Strait
* Baygabyl Peninsula
* Balai Peninsula
* Shaukar Peninsula
* Kentubek Peninsula
* Basaral and Ortaaral Islands
* Tasaral Island
* Shempek Bay
* Saryshagan Bay
