Fedchenko
Natural, Water bodies, Gracier
The largest valley and mountain glacier in the world is in the northwest of the Pamirs. It starts from the northern slopes of the Yazglom Range and reaches the eastern slope of the ridge of the peak of the Academy of Sciences. It is 77 km long, 1700 to 3100 m wide, and 1000 m thick in the middle. The glacier has many branches. The highest point of the glacier is 4200 m.The geographical coordinates of the site are: (lat: 38.46120 N, long: 72.165880 E). The river of Seldara flows from beneath the glacier. The hydrometeorological observatory is working in the glacier at an altitude of 4200 m. This longest glacier in the world belongs to the mountain-valley type of glacier. It originates in the central region of the glaciation of the Pamirs, at an altitude of 6200 m. Fedchenko is formed by the northern slopes of the peak of the Paris Commune (6350), the peak of 26 Baku Commissars (6848 m) and the north-western slope of the peak of Independence (formerly the peak of the Revolution) (6940 m). It receives ice from dozens of tributary glaciers. Its meltwater forms the headstream of the Surkhob River and the Amu Darya.
Travelling to the Site
Travelling from Dushanbe to Khorog, visitors and tourists can diverge from the Pamir Highway in the place where Wanjob flows into the Panj River. Visitors need to turn at the checkpoint at this place and follow the narrower, but the better road leading to the town of Wanj. They can have rest in the centre of the district, where several shops and bazaar, ATM are available. To travel to the glacier, a taxi should be hired from the district centre to reach Upper Wanj (Wanji Bolo). Wanj is well-known for its beautiful and fertile lands, fruits, in particular apple and nuts. Reaching Poi Mazor, the last village traveller can go further towards the glacier. The other routes to the Fedchenko glacier come from Bartang Valley. Also, the glacier can be reached from Yazgulyam valley, Tanimas valley (Kok jar), and Belandkiik valleys. Many trekkers visit Tajikistan for climbing the Fedchenko Glacier. Usually, the trekking season starts in September and one tour lasts for 25 days. The visitors should have good fitness because they will carry their part of the food, equipment, and personal belongings.