Rangkul valley, Protected lakes in Murghob District, Tajikistan
The Rangkul valley sits at about 3600 meters elevation and holds two large lakes in a stark high-altitude landscape. The water is cold and fish-free, but supports populations of invertebrates including small crustaceans and beetles.
The valley was officially recognized as a Ramsar wetland site in 2001, granting it international status for environmental protection. This designation established formal conservation rules for the region.
Local herders use the valley for grazing their animals while respecting the area's protected status and conservation rules. Their presence shapes how the landscape is managed day to day.
The valley freezes solid in winter and is only accessible on foot or with specially equipped vehicles during warmer months. Summer offers the best window for visiting when the landscape is accessible and bird life is most visible.
The two lakes connect through a narrow channel, forming a closed water system with no external drainage or inflow. This isolated setup creates a special habitat for high-altitude bird species found nowhere else in the region.
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