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Yashilkul
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Lake
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Lake Yashilkul (Green Lake) is located in the Pamir Mountains in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan, at an altitude of 3,722 meters. The lake is about 3.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. Its turquoise water comes from glacial rivers. The lake is surrounded by barren, rocky mountains. The area is sparsely populated; the nearest settlement is Bulunkul village. The lake is an important stopover for migratory birds, including the endangered black stork. Fishing is a local income source, mainly for trout. The climate is harsh, with winter temperatures below -30°C. The lake freezes from November to May. There are hot springs in the area. Yashilkul is a popular destination for ecotourism and trekking. The landscape features permafrost and glacial moraines. Despite its remoteness, the lake attracts nature enthusiasts.
- Location: Tajikistan
- Top sights: super place for tents · Khingchashma (Sasiqbulok) Hot Springs
- Nearby: Bulunkul (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -19 | -17 | -12 | -6 | -1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 1 | -5 | -11 | -17 |
| Rain mm | 11 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 9 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The lake is located in the remote Gorno-Badakhshan region; it is typically reached by 4x4 vehicle from the village of Alichur on the Pamir Highway via unpaved tracks through the barren terrain.
Best season
The best time to visit is from July to September; during the rest of the year, the region is often blocked by snow, and the lake remains mostly frozen due to the extreme high-altitude cold.
Terrain & paths
The surroundings consist of a barren high-altitude plateau with rocky shores at nearly 4000 meters; the ground is often dry and stony, offering very little protection from wind or sun.
What to bring
Bring warm layered clothing, high-SPF sun protection, and a water filter; sturdy hiking boots are necessary for the stony paths and the loose scree found along the lake's shores.
Parking
There are no official parking lots; vehicles are usually left on level ground near the shore or at the base in Alichur village, where organized tours often begin their journey to the lake.
Safety
Watch for signs of altitude sickness and stay well hydrated; temperatures drop rapidly at night even in summer, and the location is extremely remote with very limited emergency services.
Time needed
The lake is most often visited as a full-day excursion from Alichur; however, an overnight stay in a tent allows you to appreciate the water's impressive color changes in different light conditions.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 3,722 m
- Length: 3.5 km
- Width: 1.5 km
- Maximum depth: 50 m
- Ice cover: November–May
- Annual visitors: approx. 1,000
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Yashilkul (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Yashilkul a good place for camping?
Yes, the shores offer fantastic, secluded spots for tent camping under the open sky.
How is the water temperature?
The water is extremely cold all year round.
Is a 4x4 car needed?
Yes, the approach is via unpaved high-mountain roads, which are only passable with 4x4 vehicles.
Are there many tourists there?
No, it is a remote destination for travelers seeking tranquility.
What is the best season?
From June to September, weather conditions are mildest.
Yashilkul: where is it located?
Yashilkul is located in Tajikistan.
Yashilkul: what is there to see?
Highlights include super place for tents, Khingchashma (Sasiqbulok) Hot Springs.
Yashilkul: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Yashilkul: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Yashilkul (Green Lake) is located in the Pamir Mountains in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan, at an altitude of 3,722 meters.
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Nearby cities
Khorugh
Khorugh is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, located high in the Pamir Mountains.
Ishkoshim
Ishkoshim is the gateway to the Wakhan Corridor and renowned for the cross-border market on the Panj River.
Murghob
Murghob is the highest town in Tajikistan and an important stop on the legendary Pamir Highway.
Bulunkul
A remote mountain village by the eponymous lake, known as the coldest place in Tajikistan, offering raw Pamir beauty.
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Sarez Lake
Sarez Lake is a remote high-mountain lake in the Pamir, created by an earthquake and known for its massive depth and wild beauty.
Jisev (Geisev) Valley
An isolated hiking paradise in the Pamirs accessible only on foot, featuring crystal-clear lakes.
History & landmarks
Langar
A strategic village at the confluence of the Pamir and Wakhan rivers, famous for its thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs.
Vrang
A historical village in the Wakhan Corridor, known for its unique 4th-century Buddhist stupa.
Yamchun Fortress
The ruins of an ancient fortress overlooking the Wakhan Corridor.
Yamchun Fortress
An ancient Silk Road citadel perched high above the Wakhan Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Nature
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A small, shallow freshwater lake in the Pamir, known for the coldest temperatures ever recorded in Tajikistan.
Sarez Lake
This lake was formed in 1911 by a massive earthquake that blocked the Murghab River with a landslide.
Karakul Lake
A deep crater lake in the Pamir formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago.
Zorkul
This transboundary lake lies on the border with Afghanistan and is a strictly protected nature reserve.
Gunt River
This glacial river flows through deep gorges in the Shugnan Mountains before emptying into the Pyanj at Khorugh.
Bartang River
An impetuous mountain river that drains the Sarez Lake system and cuts through one of the wildest valleys in the Pamir.
More places
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Wakhan Mulberry Groves
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Trans-Alay Range
The impressive northern border of the Pamir Plateau, whose snow-capped peaks rise like a white wall.
Vrang Buddhist Stupa
A rare testament to Buddhism in the Pamir Mountains, built on terraced platforms.
Alichur Valley
A wide, windswept high valley in the eastern Pamir, traditionally used by Kyrgyz nomads as summer pasture.
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Shugnan Range
A glaciated ridge in Gorno-Badakhshan, known for its wild rivers and high-altitude valleys.
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Zorkul Nature Reserve
A protected area in the Pamir covering Lake Zorkul, serving as a critical habitat for snow leopards and argali sheep.