Karakul Lake (Murghab) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Karakul Lake is a large, high-altitude lake located in the Pamir Mountains in Murghab District of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Eastern Tajikistan. It is situated within the Tajik National Park, which is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Karakul Lake is accessible via the Pamir Highway, which is the second-highest altitude international highway in the world. Visitors typically travel by 4WD vehicle due to the rugged terrain. The closest major city is Osh in Kyrgyzstan, and many tours to the lake start from there.

Yes, visitors to Karakul Lake and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region require a GBAO permit in addition to a Tajik visa. Tourists can apply for this permit when they apply for their visa or at the OVIR (Office of Visas and Registration) office in Dushanbe or other major Tajik cities.