Zorkul Nature Reserve

The 1,610 square kilometer reserve encompasses Lake Zorkul and sections of the Pamir Mountains, situated between the Alichur and Vahan mountain ridges at elevations reaching 5,460 meters.

The area received protected status as a zakaznik in 1972 specifically for bar-headed geese conservation, and later became a full nature reserve in 2000.

The reserve borders Afghanistan's Wakhan region, where local communities maintain traditional pastoral practices in adjacent territories while respecting conservation boundaries.

Located 320 kilometers east of Khorugh, the reserve requires special permits for entry and features challenging terrain with altitudes starting at 4,000 meters.

Lake Zorkul contains multiple islands where bar-headed geese breed, while the surrounding territory provides habitat for snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep.

Location: Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region

Inception: 2000

GPS coordinates: 37.42640,73.77220

Latest update: March 3, 2025 18:12