The Lake Karakul is one of the most amazing natural phenomenon of Central Asia, situated high in the spectacular Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. The “Black Lake” is a wonderful alpine lake that enchants visitors with its pristine waters and majestic surroundings of snow-capped mountains. As the name suggests the lake is very clear, appearing dark only on certain days in strong mountain winds, making an enchanting contrast to the surrounding white mountains and rock formations.
Lake Karakul is a tectonic glacial lake at a high altitude of 3914 m above sea level, which is one of the world’s highest and largest lakes of this type. The lake is almost 380 square kilometres, and is almost 240 metres deep, higher than even the renowned Lake Titicaca. Surrounded by steep-sided ridges of mountains, and with a deep valley to the east, Karakul has a dramatic vista unlike anywhere else on earth, even some vistas on Mars, that many visitors have been impressed with.
The lake is known for its clear waters, with a depth of up to 9 metres. The water is, however, cold all the year round and rarely above 12°C even on the hottest summer day. The lake is rich in minerals and salt and has a decidedly bitter taste, which is why locals call it the “dead water. But this special combination only compounds its enigmatic nature, making it one of the world’s most mysterious lakes.
Karakul’s beauty is further enhanced by the changing seasons. In winter the lake is completely covered with ice that is sometimes still visible well into May. The best time for visitors to come is in July and August when the days are warmest, and sometimes hot, at 35°C, but the cold water does not allow even the most intrepid swimmers to stay. Rather, visitors are drawn to the awe-inspiring beauty, take in the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks and enjoy the immense peace and quiet of this secluded mountain wonderland.
The enigmatic old ice of the lake adds to its scientific puzzle. Some scientists continue to debate whether the large ice masses are remnants of the Ice Age or relatively new ice masses. The lake is continually changing due to the effects of climate variability and climate change, which impact the frozen surface, and thus Karakul remains a valuable location for continuing environmental and geologic study.
The climate of Karakul Basin is also very unusual. It receives only approximately 20mm of annual rainfall, and considering it to be one of the driest areas in the Eastern Pamirs. Nevertheless, nature has created a landscape of great purity and serenity, with all its vast open spaces, snow-covered mountains, and crystal waters making an unforgettable destination that attracts adventurers, photographers, scientists and nature lovers from all over the world.
Lake Karakul is not only a scenic place but has evolved into a symbol of human adventure as well. It has been a host of one of the world’s highest competitions in sailing since 2014 – the internationally acclaimed Roof of the World Regatta. The regatta, which takes place near the village of Karakul in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan, not far from the Chinese border, attracts sailors from all over the world who are willing to live up to the challenge and to take part in this one of the most remote lakes on earth. It has attracted a host of adventure travelers to Karakul and introduced Tajikistan to the world’s amazing natural resources.
It is an adventure to reach Lake Karakul. Tajik travel agencies provide opportunities for travelers to take private cars and taxis or hitchhiking or organized tours. The lake is about 130 kilometres away from the village Murghab on the old Pamir Highway M41, which is one of the world’s highest international roads. Though the surrounding mountains do not permit a full tour around the lake, travelers can take the eastern side of the lake, which borders the lake with stunning viewpoints and islands to see, for a tour through much of the lake.
In the end I would say that Lake Karakul is a breathtaking and awe-inspiring place, and a testament to the beauty and power of nature. On the legendary Roof of the World, this majestic alpine lake is one of the greatest treasures in Tajikistan, for the visitor an experience of wonder, solitude and awe.
President “The Gulf Observer Research Forum” and the Editor-In-Chief, https://thegulfobserver.com
