Papan Reservoir, dam in Nookat District, Osh Province, Kyrgyz Republic
Papan Reservoir is a man-made lake in Kyrgyzstan's Osh Region, completed in 1981 and covering about 7.1 square kilometers when full. The 50-meter-high dam sits in the narrow Papan Gorge blocking the Ak-Bura River, with rocky and sandy shores lined by small villages built into the hillsides.
The reservoir was built in 1980 and opened in 1981 to control the Ak-Bura River and provide water for irrigation and the city of Osh. The dam proved essential for protecting communities downstream from seasonal flooding.
The reservoir serves local farming communities who depend on its water for crops and daily needs. Fishing is a common activity here, and the quiet setting draws people seeking a break from city life.
The reservoir sits about 20 kilometers south of Osh and is accessible by highway toward Batken or via walking trails through the Ak-Bura Gorge. The location is open year-round, with warmer months offering better conditions for visits.
The reservoir emerged from the need to control flooding and store water in one of the country's driest regions, making it a surprisingly vital element of regional ecology. Fishermen frequently camp near the water's edge during warm months, creating a quiet gathering spot for those seeking solitude rather than crowds.
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