20 km from Khujand begins one of the natural attractions of Sughd region – Kayrakkum reservoir, which stretches for 50 km in the Eastern direction. This artificial lake was created in the 50s of the XX century to install hydroelectric power plants and regulate the flow of the Syrdarya. Residents of the country, which has no access to the world ocean, often call it the “Tajik sea”.
In figures, the Kayrakkum reservoir looks quite impressive: the length is 55 km, the width is 20 km, the maximum depth is 25 meters, and the total volume of water is 4.2 km3. The length of the dam is 1205 meters and the height is 32 meters. In addition, in cold winters, the Kayrakkum reservoir freezes, and in summer the air temperature near the coast is 30-35 degrees Celsius.
The artificial lake has become a new ecosystem of the region: the waters are rich in commercial species of fish (pike, carp, catfish, walleye, bream and others), as well as a Parking lot for migratory birds that annually travel from the North of Asia to India and other countries.
The Kayrakkum reservoir has become a popular holiday destination over its half-century history. Along the coast there are various sanatoriums, recreation areas and children’s camps. It is a great place for swimming as well as fishing. And along the coast there are numerous orchards.
