It’s a picturesque warm lake, situated in Altai Region, 25 km away from Gorno-Altaysk, near the village named after the lake on the left bank of the Katun river.

Translated from the Turkish language "Ai" means "the moon", and in fact, the lake has a shape of half-moon. An Altai legend says that the moon went down into the valley and there caught an ogre Delbegen to save the human race. At the spot where the moon came down from heaven, a hole and later the lake appeared.

The length of the shoreline is 1410 m, the maximum depth is 21.7 m, the area is 9 hectares, diameter approx. 300-400 meters. The lake is located at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level. In the center of the lake there is a small island with a small green pavilion.

Aya Lake is surrounded by the green mountains and is characterized by clear and warm water. This is one of the few places of the Altai Mountains, where you can swim. In summer, the water is warmed up to +20 C and higher.

The lake is a very popular recreation center among local people. There is a beach on the shore and people can hire water bikes here. Entrance to the beach is to be paid.

Almost all winter (mid-December to mid-February) there has been a steady snow cover and strong ice. On the ice you can skate. Just behind Aya village there is mountain Vesyolaya, where there is a skiing and sleighs tracks. Also there are two elevators and all the necessary equipment, such as skis, sleighs, snow scooters. For those who like ice extreme there is a slide 100 m long with steep turns. You can also find a skating rink 60 m long and 30 m wide.

Near the lake there is the mount Devil's finger, which offers a beautiful view of the Katun valley and the majestic panorama of the Altai Mountains. It is considered to be the best viewing platform on the coast of the Lower Katun. The top is located near lake Aya, to the right from the road leading from the suspension bridge over the Katun to the village of Lower Kayancha. It is a rock-outlier.

In 2003 was established nature reserve “Aya”, which undertakes different measures to improve ecological situation in the district.

There is a great number of campsites around the lake, of different level of comfort and budget. Campsites offer some activities: disco, themed shows, boat trips, cycling, horseback riding, rafting, bungee jumping and even paragliding or ballooning. Dining is possible at the campsites, as well as numerous cafes around the lake offer budget meals.

The lake Aya is surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery, caves and pine forests on the left bank of the Katun river. In 2003, Aya Natural Park was created, which is currently tries to improve the environmental situation in the area of the lake. The total area of the natural park of approx. 1109 ha. The climate in the natural park is more favorable than in neighbor territories. The average temperature of the warmest month July + 18C. The average January temperature is -15 C. In the winter thaw often happen to +10 C.
This area is one of the few in the Altai region, has unique recreational resources, including the foothills of the scenic landscapes with forests, medical climate, beautiful rivers – the Katun and Peschanaya, 10 natural monuments, including the lake Aya.