Nurek Reservoir
Обанбори Норак
A high-mountain reservoir formed by the Nurek Dam, one of the world's tallest earth-fill dams on the Vakhsh River. Its blue-green waters are known as the 'Sea of Tajikistan.'
The Nurek Dam is about 300 m high and was completed in 1980. For a long time it was the tallest dam in the world, and it supplies most of Tajikistan's electricity. The reservoir behind it stretches about 70 km, its water a turquoise colour, surrounded by barren hills. Along the shore there are observation points and several resort hotels, and visitors can swim and go boating. Tourists can look out over the dam and reservoir from viewpoints near the town of Nurek. The dam itself is a sensitive facility and is closed to tourists, and photographing the security zone around the dam wall is prohibited. It is about 75 km from Dushanbe, roughly a 1.5-hour drive, so it can be visited as a day trip, passing through scenic mountain passes on the way.
Opening hours
Open all day (viewpoint)
Nearby sights
- Victory Park
- Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Mehrgon Market
- National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan
- Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments
- Ismoil Somoni Monument
- National Library of Tajikistan
- Chaikhana Rohat