Nurek Dam

I posted pictures on facebook, but thought I would go into more detail about my trip to Nurek this weekend.  Last Saturday, I went to one of the most amazing places in Tajikistan, Nurek.  Nurek is a small town full of Tajik pride. As we drove down the tree covered street, we passed larger than life posters of the President. The streets were lit with lanterns that resembled the Tajik flag.

Nurek lies on the Vakhsh River.  The city formed when the people began construction of the Dam in 1960.  The Nurek Dam is currently the world's tallest man-made dam.  At the bottom lies a 9 unit power plant. According to Wikipedia (and we know everything on Wikipedia is correct) it accounts for 98% of the country's electricity.

At the top of the dam is a reservoir filled with some of the cleanest water I have ever seen.  The temperature of the water was just right to accommodate the 90+ degree day we had.  Some friends and I had rented a house boat.  It was the perfect day to lie around, read a book, and take a swim. If anyone takes a trip to Tajikistan, seeing this beautiful reservoir is a must see.

Nurek Reservoir

The world's tallest dam