In the 50s. of the last century with the aim of building a hydroelectric power station and regulating the flow of the river. The Kairakkum reservoir was built in the Syr Darya on the territory of the Sughd region. Locals, having no direct access to the seas, call this body of water the Tajik Sea.
General characteristics
This artificial reservoir is located at an altitude of 7 m above sea level, has a total capacity of 4,160 million m³, only half is actively used. The length of the reservoir is 75 km, the width is 20 km, the height of the dam is 32 m. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 25 m.
In the winter period of the year, the Kairakkum reservoir often freezes, and in summer the water can warm up to +32 °С.
Initially, it was planned that the artificial reservoir would have only economic importance for the region, but over the years this region has become a popular holiday destination not only for residents of Tajikistan, but also for tourists from neighboring countries. The construction of the reservoir began in 1950 and was filled with water from 1956-1958
The reservoir has created a new ecosystem in the region. Appeared in the pondcommercial fish. Birds migrating from Asia to India camp on the banks of the reservoir.
Tajikistan on the world map will not be difficult to find, but you will have to try hard to find a reservoir on it. If you want to go here on vacation by car, it is better to take a detailed plan of the area.
Climatic conditions
The reservoir is characterized by its microclimate, the formation of which is influenced by the nature of the underlying surface and the activity of the three main cyclones of the region - the South Caspian, Upper Amu Darya and Murgab. Depending on which air flow is in force, the weather of the region is also determined. The average annual rainfall is 400-800 mm. Winter is cold and wet, summer is hot and dry. The Kairakkum reservoir is located in a territory where precipitation falls mainly in the warm season in the form of rains and short showers. Snow occurs in winter, but rarely, sometimes a permanent snow cover is established. The average temperatures in January are -1…-3°С, in July – +33…+35 °С.
Plant and animal life
Orchards have been planted in the surrounding areas and land areas have been developed, which, thanks to the reservoir, have constant watering.
Kairakkum reservoir is suitable for fishing. This is what the rest in Tajikistan is famous for. Carp, bream, khramulya and pike are found in large quantities in the reservoir, in total 12 species of freshwater fish. They got into the reservoir straight from the Syr Darya. Not far from the reservoir there is a fish farm, the fishermen of which are engaged incommercial catch.
Currently, the region is developing as a resort. The warm water of the reservoir and the sandy beaches on the coast are excellent conditions for a family holiday. A resort area stretches along the reservoir with numerous recreation centers, sanatoriums and children's camps.
Where to rest?
The most visited camp sites are the Rest House "Kairakkum", "Mirnaya Bay", "Tajik Sea", sanatoriums "Shifo" and "Bahoriston", DOL "Zukhal" and "Eaglet".
Kairakkum rest house welcomes visitors. The area is always quiet, comfortable and peaceful. But, as visitors say, the service is lame. Also, the conditions are for economy class only.
"Mirnaya Bay" is popular because it's a stone's throw from the houses to the beach. On the territory of the base, one-story buildings are equipped, ready to accommodate up to 45 people. At the service of vacationers entertainment: billiards, catamarans, sauna, barbecue. And of course, a clean and equipped sandy beach. Separate deluxe cabins are available.
The base "Tajik Sea" is focused mainly on young people. Comfortable rooms, a vast area for various sports games, the ability to rent a catamaran or a bicycle, there are also excursions in the region. Living in this establishment, one can understand how good the views of such an object as the Kairakkum reservoir are.
You can also spend your holidays in the Shifo sanatorium. It consists of houses for living and a complex with treatment rooms. People come here to improve their he alth.
SanatoriumBahoriston is a large he alth-improving complex. Among the visitors of the sanatorium are not only residents of Tajikistan, but also vacationers from Russia and neighboring regions.
About 7,000 children are cured in children's he alth camps over the summer. In total, there are 23 such institutions in the region. Such a wonderful country is Tajikistan. On the map you can find each of the buildings, so getting to them will not be difficult. For lovers of “wild recreation”, convenient campsites are equipped on the coast of the reservoir. Prices for accommodation and excursions are budget, there is an opportunity to relax well and inexpensively.
Interesting historical objects
The Sughd region and its center, Khujand, have a long history and architectural and historical monuments that have survived to this day. The most popular places in the region are the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin and the Khujand fortress. Both attractions are located south of the reservoir. The mausoleum is an architectural ensemble of the 19th century, consisting of a minaret, a cathedral mosque and the burial place of Sheikh Muslihiddin. The Khujand fortress was built 2.5 thousand years ago and protected the city from enemies. Gradually, the fortress collapsed, rebuilt. The original appearance of this building was returned in 1990 after a powerful restoration. In the same year, the historical museum was opened, which keeps more than 1,000 exhibits within its walls.
You can get to the resort area of the reservoir by reaching the region. center - Khujand, and from there 20 km to the east.
Conclusions
Restin Tajikistan, namely on the described reservoir, it still has many disadvantages, since it is just beginning to develop in the resort direction. But the region has already earned a lot of positive reviews and received regular vacationers. Tourists are attracted by the cultural and historical heritage of the region, picturesque landscape areas with diverse flora and fauna, and favorable climatic conditions. These are the reasons why there are so many travelers and families with small children here.
