Nurata Sports & Outdoors

For me, the highlight of our visit to Aidurkal Lake was the opportunity it afforded for a swim. After several days travelling, and some involving long bus journeys through the hot desert, I was glad of the chance to relax in its cooling waters.

If you want to do the same, come prepared. There are no bushes for privacy behind which to change, but you’ll probably be able to do as we did and change in your tour bus. The edge of the lake is a little stony (so I kept my flip-flops on) but you don’t have to wade too far to be deep enough to swim, though the odd sand bank beneath the surface means that you can find your toes scraping the ground again at intervals. There is also no shade at all, so do be careful to wear waterproof sun-tan lotion and don’t be tempted to stay in the water too long, however lovely and cooling it is.

By the way, when I suggested to Chris that he might take a photo of us swimming I didn't know he planned to climb a hill before pointing the camera ;) Look very closely and you may see three dots in the water - that's me, Sandra and Sue enjoying ourselves!

Equipment: Bring flip-flops, or better still shoes you can swim in, a sarong or similar to cover you before and after your swim, and a towel to dry off before lunch.