Sarez Lake

Sarez Lake is a mountain lake in Gorno-Badakhshan that sits high in the Pamir Mountains at roughly 3,260 meters elevation. The water body stretches for many kilometers and reaches depths exceeding 500 meters in places.

An earthquake in February 1911 triggered a massive landslide that blocked the Murghab River and created this lake. The geological event reshaped the valley and its surrounding landscape.

The lake serves as a testament to the geological forces that shape Central Asian landscapes and stands as a symbol of nature's transformative power in Tajikistan.

The region is remote and accessible only through difficult mountain passes, requiring careful planning. Visitors should prepare for basic conditions, high elevation, and limited services in the area.

The lake formed behind a natural dam created by the landslide, now standing approximately 567 meters high. This dam is a rare geological feature that formed entirely without human construction.

Location: Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region

Inception: February 18, 1911

Elevation above the sea: 3,255 m

GPS coordinates: 38.25000,72.61667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:24