Nestled at an altitude of 2,874 meters above sea level, the fresh-flowing Kulisiekh Lake—aptly named «Black Lake» in Tajik—sits in the northeastern part of the intermontane Kulikalon Basin. It is surrounded by the majestic Govkhona Mountains to the west and the Saryob Mountains to the northeast, with the Chimtara Gorge and the Artuch River Valley to the south and southwest. Located just 5.1 kilometers southeast of the Artuch Alpine Camp in the Fann Mountains, Kulisiekh Lake lies in the northern part of the Gissar Range in the Penjikent District of Sughd Province.
Kulisiekh is a fascinating body of water, representing the second step in a natural cascade, where the waters of the Bibi-Jonat Lake overflow into the expansive Kulisiekh Lake. Its shores are enveloped by dense, nearly impenetrable thickets, adding to the lake’s mysterious allure. The water, dark and enigmatic, mirrors the surrounding mountains, while the lakebed is adorned with long, dark brown algae, swaying gently in the currents.
The lake stretches from the southeast to the northwest for 513 meters. In the westernmost part of the lake, a 30-meter-wide channel separates a smaller water body from the main lake. The widest section of the lake, found in its eastern part, spans 192 meters. The perimeter of Kulisiekh measures 1,003 meters, with a total surface area of 38,846 square meters.
The lake’s exact geographical coordinates are N39°15’35.82″ E68°11’33.78″.
For those adventurous enough to continue their trek through the rocky terrain and dense forest, another hidden gem awaits. This is Lesnoye Lake (Forest Lake), a body of water with intricate shorelines, dotted with stone islands, bays, and capes. The lake’s surroundings are rich with wild blackcurrant bushes, adding a sweet touch to the otherwise rugged landscape. Forest Lake is the last lake before reaching the larger Kulikalon, making it a perfect stop for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
