Zerafshan Range - a small miracle of nature

Zerafshan Range is considered one of the most interesting for travelers. The variety of terrain and interesting historical events that took place here attract a curious tourist who will be able to discover many interesting facts.

Where is the Zeravshan Range

The ridge stretches for 370 kilometers and belongs to Gissaro-Alay.

The location of the ridge on the map The coordinates of the Zeravshan ridge:
  • 39 ° 20'00 "north latitude;
  • 69 ° 40'00 "East.

The name is traditionally Tajik, but part of the Zeravshan Range is located on the territory of Uzbekistan and adjoins the Zeravshan River.

Highest point of the mountain

The highest peak of the Zeravshan Range is Mount Chimtarga. Its height is 5,489 meters. Chimtagra is not just the highest in its area, but the highest mountain in the whole south-west of the Pamir-Alai (Fan Mountains).

Great view from Chimtarg Pass

At its height, it may well compete with Elbrus in the difficulty of subjugation. Routes range from 2B to 6A, which indicates a wide variety of difficulty categories. Climbing travelers start from muddy lakes.

Relief of the mountain system

Zeravshan ridge stretches for about 370 kilometers, the average height of its peaks is about 4 110 meters. The northern slope of the ridge is represented by transverse valleys formed by tributaries of the Zeravshan River. On the territory of the southern slope, weak dissection is observed. The eastern section is the opposite of the southern one; here the mountains reach more significant heights. The West is represented by the midlands.

Minerals of the Zeravshan Range

Various minerals are mined on the territory. Among them, barite can be noted, which is a stone with increased density. This mineral is used in medicine (the manufacture of protective plates in x-ray technology). Fluorite was widely used. This mineral is fluoride. It is used for the needs of metallurgy (in the smelting of aluminum). Crystals are made from fluorite, which are then used in optics. Using crystals, hydrofluoric acid can also be made. In the area of ​​the Zeravshan River, sodalite is mined.

The history of the conquest of the ridge

For the first time, Russian climbers came to the Zeravshan ridge. Back in 1935, A. S. Mukhin and V. F. Gusev climbed to Chimtarga. However, scientists testify that tools were discovered in the area of ​​the ridge, which indicates the development of these places in time immemorial.
The age of finds totals about 40 thousand years. Thus, the historical significance of the Zeravshan Range is very high. It is believed that representatives of the Mousterian culture lived here. The Mousterians were representatives of Neanderthals; they belong to the Middle Paleolithic. It is the mustiers who are considered one of the pioneers of art, in particular, ornaments were found on their tools and objects. Mustiers decorated the monuments with ocher, and also applied a primitive ornament, using some kind of pencil.

Natural objects of the Zeravshan Range

The Zeravshan Range has few natural objects, but all of them are noteworthy. For example, muddy lakes are a system; they are located in the Fan Mountains and are considered one of the most famous lakes of the Gissar Range.
You can find muddy lakes at the mark of 3,511 meters. They are located east of Mount Chimtarga. The flora here is poor, you can’t swim in the lakes. However, many foreign tourists like to look at the lakes because of their specific muddy color and harsh environment. From the lakes you can go to a glacier called Maria. Note that the glacier is mobile and dangerous, so it’s not worth getting close.

Little Lake Big Allo

Muddy lakes are classified as half-dead, since there is no real outflow as such. Water is filled thanks to the surrounding glaciers. Muddy lakes in the winter are frozen. Interestingly, they can get to Dushanbe by road. You will have to go uphill to the lakes themselves, and at a distance of 22 km from them there is a small village. The muddy lakes have a rather severe landscape. The lack of forest and rich flora make them gloomy. Glaciers are located around, snowfalls fall in winter. But there are all conditions in order to set up camp. It is usually not cold at night; it is even hot in the summer. From here you can get to the Chimtarga Mountain Pass, from where you can admire the local beauties.

Among natural objects, such a lake as Big Allo stands out. It appeared due to the devastating earthquake that occurred in 1912. The destruction of the southern slope of the Fan Mountains in the Zeravshan ridge led to the river stopping, which allowed Big Allo to appear. In the Fan Mountains, this lake is considered the most beautiful, it is distinguished by a shape resembling large beans. The beauty of the lake is due to the rich blue color. Around - a picturesque forest of relict juniper. These trees are distinguished by unusual trunks. Together with the lake they form an amazingly beautiful landscape. Nearby are blockages of stones. If you advance 2.5 kilometers, you can get to Upper Allo. This lake is much smaller, but also has a peculiar beauty. Here you can follow the famous route through the Chimtarga mountain pass directly to Big Allo via Upper Allo. The route includes a visit to the Zindon Gorge. Finally, you can reach the Sarymat River, though the road to it is quite difficult. It will require the use of an SUV.

There are another lakes called Marguzor. They are located in the western part of the Fan Mountains, and the system has as many as seven reservoirs. The most famous of the seven lakes was Nejegon. Thanks to its turquoise color, it became a popular reservoir. The lake was formed in a relatively small hollow, a mountain covered with snow rises above the pond. Light plays both on snow and on the water surface of the lake. Nezhegon, like the rest of the lakes from the Marguzor system, changes its color from blue to purple during the year. From this lake you can get to another, which has the uncomplicated name Soy. A wonderful view of Nejegon opens from the trail, which fully reflects its beauty.

The beauty of the relief of the Zeravshan Range

A legend was born in connection with Marguzor lakes, which tells about the time when Allah sent his servants to the ground to plant juniper and fruit trees. Marguzor lakes prevented the servants from entering the local gorges, so they decided to plant all the seedlings in the area of ​​the Sarymat River.

It is also worth noting the Zeravshan River, which originates from the eponymous glacier. The Zeravshan River has a long history. The first settlements date back to 4-2 millennium BC. It is established that people lived here in the Neolithic period. The famous writer in the Roman Empire, the writer Quintus Curtius Ruf, wrote about the river. Her gifts were used for irrigation, now the river is of great economic importance.

Climate

The climate is specific. Hollows and valleys are characterized by high temperatures. In summer, the temperature rises to 28 ° C. In January, it is relatively warm (minimum temperature - 1.5 ° C). As the altitude rises, it gets cold, at around 3,600 meters, even in July, cool weather remains (up to 13 ° C).

Precipitation occurs most often on the side of the windward slopes. Up to 2,000 mm can fall in a year. The midlands receive almost no moisture, so less than 200 mm of precipitation falls during the year. The rainiest season is the demi-season (spring-summer). However, rainfall is enough to fuel the local rivers and lakes. Severe cold weather is noted in the highlands, where eternal glaciers and snow are located. Zerafshan glacier is the largest in the territory of Gissar-Alai, its length is about 25 km.

Flora and fauna of the Zeravshan Range

On the mountain ranges, juniper, wormwood grow, Pontic hawthorn is found. Forests grow in the river valleys; the largest areas are near gorges. Many plants have successfully adapted to local conditions, in the highlands whole pillows are formed that can retain moisture and heat. In the lower reaches, where summer temperatures can be quite high, plants grow that retain moisture through needles. This reduces the consumption of wet liquids.

Mouflons are one of the symbols of the local fauna.

In the Zeravshan Range live:

  1. Siberian goat.
  2. Ermine.
  3. Brown bear.

Predators hunt gophers and hares; with great luck, you can find an Asian leopard. No less rare in recent years has become a Tibetan wolf. Mouflons live in the Zeravshan ridge, able to climb to great heights to escape from predators. Poisonous snakes live in the lower reaches, which should beware of. Of the birds, the most common mountain partridge.

Ridge tourism

It may seem that there are not many interesting sights in this area, but this is not at all the case. It is enough to go to the ancient settlement of Sarazm to see this.

Sarazm is located on the left side of the Zeravshan River. Religious buildings were preserved in excellent condition here, the results of excavations made it possible to obtain valuable jewelry inlaid with precious stones. The settlements are included in the archaeological complex. Scientists are still arguing what role Sarazm played in the history of Tajikistan and the whole area. It is believed that this settlement has more than 5,500 years. The death occurred due to significant changes in nature. It is assumed that there was a long drought, because of which people had to move to other places. Because of this, the settlement fell into decay. However, until the onset of the drought, Sarazm flourished, because important routes such as lapis lazuli and tin passed through it, which then turned into the famous Great Silk Road connecting China and India.

Sarazm is a popular tourist attraction

Sarazm is part of a complex that belongs to the Margian civilization. This civilization began its life since the Neolithic. In the world of science, disputes about what knowledge the inhabitants of this civilization possessed do not cease. It belongs to the Bronze Age, and the same destructive and long drought is among the reasons for the disappearance.

The city of Karakul, which is located in the Bukhara region, is worth visiting. Next to it is also the Zeravshan River. Karakul is associated with the oasis of the same name, which is considered one of the first inhabited throughout the Zeravshan Range. The first settlements here date back to the 5th century BC. Scientists were able to detect the remains of tools that were used by hunters and fishers. Traces of cultures were also found here, as Bukhara historian Muhammad Narshakhi wrote in detail about. Testimonies of the then historians of the 14-15th centuries claim that during the reign of Tamerlane the oasis flourished. There were many fragrant gardens, various structures were built, including cult ones. In the 18th century, warlike tribes invaded here, a battle broke out for the territory, which led to massive destruction. The local fortress, created to protect against opponents, managed to contain the onslaught, which allowed it to exist until the 19th century. However, over time, almost nothing remained of it. During the period of prosperity, masters of pottery, restorers, bakers and traders worked in Karakul.
Zerafshan ridge is fraught with many interesting things, it is perfect for both a beginner and an experienced tourist, so a trip to these places is sure to be remembered for a long time.

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