Norak, often referred to as Nurak or Nurek, is both a city and a province in the South of Tajikistan. Located on the banks of the Vakhsh River in the Khatlon Province, just 70 kilometers from the Tajik capital, it makes for a great day trip from Dushanbe.
Established in 1960 during the Soviet Era, the city of Norak in Tajikistan, was once nicknamed the ‘City of Lights’ after its famous hydropower plant of the same name. It was created at the same time as the Tajikistan Dam and was once a bustling place. Locals relocated here in search of well-paying, steady jobs and tourists flocked to see what was once the largest dam in the world. This massive concrete structure still provides electricity to more than two-thirds of Tajikistan!
Today, Norak has lost some of its former splendor. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the five-year civil war that followed, many people left Norak in the 1990s in search of greener pastures. Today, the industrial town mainly serves as a military hub for those working at the nearby Okno Window Complex or at the hydropower plant. However, while there are not many things to do in Norak, that is all part of its charm. A visit to the top of the Norak Dam is one of the best day trips from Dushanbe and the spectacular bird’s eye of the town is rewardingly peaceful.
Stay a little longer and you can really reap the rewards of the Norak Dam. Affordable accommodation can be found on the lake with incredible views. Some even include floating houseboats on the dam where you can relax and swim in the cool turquoise waters of the lake. Other activities around Nurak Dam include fishing, boating, and hiking.
One of the most famous attractions in Nurak, Tajikistan is the old statue of Vladimir Lenin that still stands proudly in the central square. And, along with the rest of the Norak District of Tajikistan, it has seen better days. However, like many other Tajikistan towns and cities, Norak has seen a resurgence in recent years. The streets and buildings have been upgraded and new parks and cultural centers have been built to tempt more tourists into this authentic Tajik town.
Did you know that you can combine your visit to Norak, Tajikistan with any of Paramount Journey’s other attractions in the Khatlon Valley? For example, the Khoja Mashad Complex or the many archeological sites of Khatlon, such as Ajina tepa and Takhti Sangin. Chat to us today about planning your Nurak, Tajikistan trip!
