Nurek – The City of the Largest Dam in Central Asia
Nurek is a small but well-known city in Tajikistan, located about 70 km southeast of Dushanbe. It lies at an altitude of around 885 meters above sea level, surrounded by the scenic mountains and green slopes of the Gissar Range.
The city was founded in 1960 during the construction of the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP).
In 1961, Nurek was granted city status.
The main purpose of the construction was to ensure the region’s energy independence. Today, Nurek is known as the “energy heart of Tajikistan.”
The Nurek HPP is the largest in Central Asia.
The dam stands 300 meters high, making it one of the tallest dams in the world.
Construction lasted from 1961 to 1980.
The plant’s capacity exceeds 3,000 megawatts, providing a significant share of the country’s electricity.
Its massive reservoir stretches for dozens of kilometers and has become a jewel of Tajikistan’s natural landscapes.
Also known as the “Nurek Sea.”
It extends about 70 km in length and reaches depths of up to 200 meters.
The reservoir not only serves an energy function but is also a popular recreational spot.
Visitors enjoy boat trips, fishing, and picnics along its scenic shores.
The city’s population is about 50,000 people.
Nurek is a cozy green town with clean air and a peaceful lifestyle.
Tourists are drawn to its unique combination of a 20th-century engineering marvel and breathtaking natural beauty.
For many years, the Nurek Dam was considered the tallest dam in the world.
The reservoir is so vast that locals call it a sea.
Picturesque gorges around Nurek are perfect for mountain tours.
Nurek is a unique place where the grandeur of engineering meets the beauty of nature.
