Aqtash-Qarakul
Natural, Geological formations, Junction
The junction is located at 95km of Murgab – Karakul Road and connects Bartang valley with Murgab plateau. There is a view from that junction to the south shores of Karakul Lake (from a Turkish word meaning ‘Dark Lake’). It is geographical coordinates are: (lat: 38.335405 N long: 73.373766 E).
Karakul lake is the largest natural reservoir of Tajikistan that exist at the altitude of 3900m of sea level. It is 33km long and 23km wide. The big island – ridge, extended from north shore to the south, divides the lake into two parts: shallow – eastern and deep water – western. Its deepest point is in the western part which is 230 m. Up to the end of XIX century, the north part of the island was linked with shore through the narrow isthmus. Now this isthmus has disappeared. Few small rivers such as Qarajilga, Qaraart, and Muzkul fall into the lake but none of them flows out. There is no outflow from this lake and its water is salty.
When this lake was found by British scientists in 19th century, they named it Lake Victoria in honour of the Queen. After, when the Soviet Union was established in Central Asia, the lake took its Kyrgyz name Kara Kul.
Travelling to the Site
For reaching out to those entertainments and beauty, tourists may use public transport or rent cars. The majority travel by their own cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. The road from Khorog to Murgab is 310 km. From there tourists can take a car or contact the touristic companies for traveling to the lake. This lake is easily accessible because there are many ways to reach it. The details for traveling tourists can take from the touristic companies and news agencies. One of them is PECTA (Pamir Eco Cultural Tourism Association) which is in Khorog. Kara Kul Lake is exciting for tourists and people are coming from different places to see it and capture the views it has. It is important to promote such sites to build the awareness of people about them. This place has great potential for tourism and can become more attractive due to the development and improvement of tourism services.