Yashikul
Natural, Water bodies, Lake
Yashilkul is one of the largest lakes in the National Park of Tajikistan. The length of the lake is 25km, its width is 4km and its depth in some places reach 50 meters. The name of the lake is taken from Kirgyz language and means ‘Green Lake’ and the water temperature does not exceed more than plus 14 degrees Celsius. It has crystal-clear water. The lake came into existence during obstruction and blocked the flow of Alichur’s river. The length of the obstruction is more than 4km with a height of 100-110m high. The Alichur River originates in the eastern part of the Pamir and flows into the Yashilkul. It is the shallowest stream in the eastern part of Yashikul. A vivid green spot distinguishes the place where the river waterfalls into the lake. From the mouth of the lake, it receives the name Gund. Its length is 296 km. The wettest period of the Alichur River is July-August with a flow rate of 34.1 cubic meters per second, and in the dry season (February) - 24.2 cubic meters per second. The nature around Yashilkul is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Pamirs.
Yashilkul is a lovely place. There is nothing that disturbs you from your enjoyment of nature. Around you is nothing besides the wide landscapes, high mountains, crystal water, and wildlife. Due to the poor touristic infrastructure, Yashilkul is not used to its potential. Maybe in the future, when everything is set up and there would more entertainment for tourists up there, Yashilkul would become one of the most visited places in GBAO and Tajikistan as well.
Travelling to the Site
Yashilkul can be reached both by car road and trekking/hiking routes from various destinations. By car it can be reached from Murgab driving for 100 km via Pamir Highway (M41) and then taking a detour to the right side through the dirt road around 45-50km leading to Bulunkul village and then Yashilkul.. The other means to reach the site is vice versa from Khorog driving through the M41 road for 150 km passing Koitezak Pass detour on the same place as can be done form Murgab side, reaching Bulunkul and Yashilkul lake. Several trekking/hiking routes also lead to Yashulkul; one starts from Bachor, a village in Shugnan district which is 120 km far from Khorog. From Bachor to Yashilkul is a half day hike along the stream that takes its source from the Yashilkul lake. The other trekking routes are from Bardara and Barchidev villages of Bartang valley, Rushan district. Bardara and Barchidev villages can be reached by car and form there the trakking routes starts and both can be ended in Yashilkul lake jining somewhere the hiking route that starts from Bachor village.