Lake Sarez in Tajikistan: photos and reviews of tourists

Pamir has always attracted a huge number of tourists. After all, only here you can see a combination of natural beauty, like high mountains with glacial caps, clear lakes and emerald valleys. One of the most unusual and sufficiently young attractions in the Pamir mountain system is the Lake of Sarez, located on the territory of Tajikistan. Features of its location on the world map, as well as an incredible history of its appearance attract thousands of tourists a year from all over the world. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.

History of the Lake

Sarez Lake, whose photo is filled with unusual beauty, was formed relatively recently, at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of a severe earthquake. The details of that tragedy have not yet been established, since neither the epicenter nor its exact power have been established. Whatever it was, but as a result of the displacement of the rock layers, a collapse occurred, forming the so-called dam, which blocked the Murab - a fairly large mountain river. The true extent of the destruction that occurred in mid-February 1911, were established only after a month and a half. Calculating the volumes of the fallen rocks in the Murab River, the scientists were amazed, as the figure was too big - about 2.5 cubic kilometers.

The dam blocked the river across the river completely, as a result of which the water flowing down the mountain slopes of the Pamirs began to accumulate in the valley, at the bottom of which many residential settlements were located. The speed of the incoming water was so great that the villagers did not have time to escape. By the name of one of these small settlements and was given the name of the lake. Sarez Lake has an origin not quite usual, though it arose as a result of a natural phenomenon. This is what attracts tourists from all over the world.

And what's on the bottom

The history of the formation of the lake high in the mountains touches its tragedy. Lake Sarez, according to many local residents, is still a mass grave for at least 900 people. This figure is appalling because in the mountains such a large number of people could completely populate a decent city. It can be assumed that at the bottom of the lake you can still find many household items belonging to those who once lived in the lowlands that were flooded. Fairy treasures here, of course, no, because the flooded dwellings belonged to ordinary people engaged in cattle breeding.

Size and depth: and again something unusual

Lake Sarez is a highland reservoir, as the surface of its water mirror is located at an altitude of more than 3 km above sea level. The area of the reservoir is about 80 square meters. Km. The lake extends along the Pamir mountain range for 60 km. The main feature of the lake is its depth - up to half a kilometer. The shoreline of Lake Sarez is decorated with numerous bays and estuaries of small mountain rivers. Here you can not find any gently sloping coast, which could become even a likeness of the beach. The surrounding cliffs and cliffs, covered with ice caps, are reflected in crystal clear water. The Lake of Sarez in Tajikistan has been described many times by poets and prose writers as the most ominous, but at the same time beautiful place.

Why the lake became a tourist attraction

Despite the fact that the lake, which is discussed in this article, is located in a remote place, every year thousands of tourists come to its shores. What attracts them to this harsh land? Undoubtedly, this is the beauty of the landscape, as well as the story of how the reservoir formed. According to scientists, the Lake of Sarez is a delayed-action bomb, the power of which can in one moment wash away not only the nearby villages and cities of Tajikistan, but also cause irreparable damage to neighboring states: Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The fact is that the dam, formed as a result of the terrible earthquake in 1911, can collapse at any moment under the pressure of the water masses. The long-term expectation of an imminent catastrophe, the cause of which may be the breakthrough of a dam, is in the air. Anyone who visits this amazing place can feel this tension on themselves. This is why the Lake of Sarez attracts tourists from all over the world.

Forecasts: what will happen if the dam collapses

To date, the lake holds more than 17 billion cubic meters of water. Such a huge mass is capable of colossal destruction. The fears of scientists are primarily due to the fact that the dam itself can not withstand pressure. In addition, there is a possibility that part of that landslide massif, which is the shore of Lake Sarez, can collapse into its waters. As a result of this phenomenon, a reservoir can cover nearby territories with a kind of tsunami, whose height, according to specialists, can reach 180 meters. It is easy to imagine what disastrous consequences this can bring to the population of the Pamirs. However, for over a hundred years, Lake Sarez has not given any signs of "excitement," so there is hope that it will please its guests for many years to come.

Flora and fauna of Lake Sarez

The surrounding landscape is beautiful and harsh. Naked rock formations with scanty vegetation are replaced by emerald green valleys and dark deep gorges. Everyone will find here for themselves the very place that they will certainly want to capture as a photograph. The typical nature of the Pamirs due to the Lake of Sarez has acquired a special uniqueness and uniqueness. Among the huge boulders you can find timid and at the same time beautiful buds of mountain flowers. The shores of the lake are also magnificent: naked steep cliffs are unexpectedly intersected by a strip of greenery, and the sheer wall of the mountains is replaced by a gentle beach. But what does Sarez Lake hide inside of itself? Fish, as, indeed, other living creatures, does not live here. A reservoir containing a huge amount of the purest, extraordinary blue water color is absolutely devoid of any life. Algae did not settle down here, so on clear days you can see even small stones deep at the bottom of the lake.

How to get to the shores of Lake Sarez: tourist routes

To date, almost all travel companies offer visits to the Lake of Sarez by tourists from all over the world. In total there are three tourist routes, each of which has a certain level of complexity. The fact is that roads to the shores of the lake are not in the usual sense. Mounted along the mountain ranges are horse and foot paths, in addition, some part of the route can be overcome by car.

One of the routes running through the Bartang Valley includes, in addition to visiting Lake Sarez, an introduction to the life and culture of the local people. Through the lake Karakul lies the second very popular route to the shores of the amazing Pamir water body. This trip includes a visit to a number of healing springs, as well as an introduction to the nature of the Pamirs, its vegetation and wildlife. A similar excursion awaits those tourists who will choose the route to the lake, passing along the banks of Yashilkul.

Preparing for a trip to the lake

Prepare for a trip to Lake Sarez must begin at least 3 months before departure to Tajikistan. This is due to the fact that the route must be coordinated with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Tajikistan. In some cases, it may take up to 2 months to obtain all the necessary certificates.

Particular attention should be paid to equipping, because climatic conditions are high in the mountains very far from those to which many people are accustomed. Dry rarefied air, icy wind, resembling a draft, a scattering of small stones under your feet - all this can become an unexpected surprise for the tourist. Therefore, it is important to take with you several sets of warm clothes, strong waterproof shoes on a thick sole, and glasses protecting your eyes from bright sunlight. In addition, travelers are useful and moisturizing cream, since dry cold winds can greatly dehydrate the skin in the open areas of the body, namely on the face.

The opinion of tourists about Lake Sarez

Fabulously beautiful lake in the Pamirs, called Sarez, is considered a tourist one of the most unusual places on Earth. According to the majority of those who have ever been on its shores, the desire to return here is increasing every year. Meanwhile, experienced travelers note that it is very difficult for a person unprepared physically and morally to be in such a harsh world as Pamir, in particular, the shores of Lake Sarez. Those who are used to passive rest will be uninteresting here, but fans of thrill will find another amazing place where one can feel complete freedom from civilization.