There is no salt mining at the lake. Its waters have a bitter, stinging taste and a strong smell of hydrogen sulfide. The authorities are exploring the potential of developing Botkul as a tourist attraction.[2]
Geography
Botkul is an endorheic lake located east of the course of the Volga in the Caspian Lowland, about 40 kilometers (25 mi) to the south of lake Elton. The main river feeding its waters is the Solyonaya, a small stream flowing from the west. The lake is shallow and in years of drought it dries completely up.[3][4]