Nurek Reservoir

The Nurek dam was completed in 1980 across the Vakhsh river, an earth-fill embankment of around three hundred metres that was the tallest dam in the world for decades and remains among the tallest built. Behind it the reservoir backs up some seventy kilometres between bare hills, an intense turquoise against the brown slopes. The station supplies a large share of the country's electricity, and the dam itself is a restricted area.

What you'll find

• The reservoir - turquoise water backed up some seventy kilometres between bare hills.
• The dam - an earth-fill embankment of around three hundred metres.
• The colour contrast - blue water against dry brown slopes.
• The viewpoints - the road above the reservoir looking down on the water.

When to go

April to October is the season; the colour is strongest under midday sun. Water levels drop through the irrigation season. Summer in the valley is very hot.

Practical notes

The dam is a strategic installation and photography near it is restricted and challenged. Swimming is prohibited in most of the reservoir. Access to the shoreline is limited.

Nearby

Dushanbe is northwest, and Kulob is southeast.

Key facts