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Karakul Lake

Lake in Tajikistan

Introduction

Geography

  • 📍 Location: Karakul Lake is located in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan.
  • 🗺️ Coordinates: 39°02′24″N 73°25′12″E.
  • 🌊 Size: The lake covers an area of 380 square kilometers (150 square miles).
  • 🏞️ Altitude: The lake is at an elevation of 3,960 meters (12,990 feet).
  • 🗾 Division: The lake is divided into two basins by a peninsula and an island.
  • 🌋 Origin: The lake lies within a 52 km (32 mi) impact crater.

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Climate

  • 🌡️ Temperature: Summer highs around 16°C (61°F) and winter lows well below -20°C (-4°F).
  • ❄️ Winter: The lake is frozen from November to April.
  • 💨 Winds: The Markansu valley is known for its fierce winds and occasional tornadoes.
  • 🌧️ Precipitation: The area receives less than 3 cm of rainfall per year.
  • 🌞 Summer: Water temperature can reach up to 12°C (54°F) in summer.

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Wildlife

  • 🦢 Birds: Home to over 90 bird species, including bar-headed geese and ruddy shelducks.
  • 🦅 Raptors: Saker falcons and Himalayan vultures are also found here.
  • 🦆 Waterbirds: The lake's islands are key nesting sites for various waterbirds.
  • 🐟 Fish: The only fish species in the lake is Triplophysa lacusnigri.
  • 🌿 Flora: The surrounding area includes marshes, wet meadows, and peat bogs.

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Activities

  • 🚶 Hiking: Popular hikes include the South Aral peak hike, offering stunning views.
  • 🦅 Birdwatching: The lake is an Important Bird Area with over 90 species recorded.
  • 🏛️ Archaeology: Explore geoglyphs and ancient tombs dating back to the BC centuries.
  • 🏄‍♂️ Watersports: Kite-surfing and kayaking are popular during the summer regatta.
  • ⛸️ Winter Sports: The lake is perfect for ice skating from November to April.

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Accommodation

  • 🏡 Guesthouses: Several guesthouses are available in the village of Karakul.
  • 💲 Prices: Prices range from $6 to $20 per night, depending on the guesthouse.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Most guesthouses offer dinner and breakfast options.
  • 🛏️ Amenities: Basic amenities include roll-out mattresses, outdoor toilets, and banya-style bathrooms.
  • 🔌 Electricity: Available only in the morning and evening.

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Access

  • 🚗 Pamir Highway: The lake is accessible via the Pamir Highway (M41).
  • 🛣️ Route: The highway runs along the eastern side of the lake.
  • 🌉 Border: Located 50 km south of the Kyrgyz border at the Kyzylart Pass.
  • 🛤️ Nearby: 100 km from Sary Tash, the nearest village in Kyrgyzstan.
  • 🗺️ Alternative: An alternative route follows a track south of Karakul into the Muzkol Valley.

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<br><br> <div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tajikistan Pamir Highway: Day 3 Karakul Lake to Murghab", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y6OBbhNJTA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 22, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Pamir Highway from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan: Day 2 Lenin ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3gE03E-kfo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 9, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Cycling the Pamir Highway - Tajikistan - by Gravel Bike / Part ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3thnRZdY9I", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 4, 2021", "length": "" }</div>