Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lake
Булункул / Яшилькуль
A high-altitude blue-green lake at about 3,700 m and a border village beside the Pamir Highway, a classic stop on the Murghab–Khorog stretch.
Yashilkul, meaning “Green Lake,” lies in a high valley west of Alichur at about 3,730 m. Its blue-green waters are framed by bare brown mountains, and on the northern shore are remains of a Chinese-language stele from the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty. Nearby Bulunkul village claims the title of Tajikistan's “Cold Pole” and has a few simple guesthouses, so you can spend the night in the village and then hike or drive to the lake. You can also visit the smaller Lake Bulunkul and nearby hot springs. From the Pamir Highway junction it is about 16 km of dirt road into the village, roughly 3 hours' drive from Murghab. A GBAO travel permit must be obtained in advance. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, and bring plenty of warm clothing and cash.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Alichur
- Ak-Balyk Spring
- Bash Gumbez
- Pshart Valley
- Madiyan Valley Hot Springs
- Shakhty Cave Paintings
- Murghab Town & META Yurt Stays
- Murghab Container Bazaar