- Location: Tajikistan
The Shorbulak Observatory is located at an altitude of approximately 4,350 metres in the remote eastern Pamir Mountains, not far from Murghab. The astronomical research station was established in the early 1970s on the initiative of the Pulkovo Observatory in the Soviet Union. Its exceptionally dry air and numerous cloudless nights make this a particularly suitable location for astronomical observations.
During the Soviet era, researchers studied the sun, cosmic radiation and various astronomical phenomena here. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the station gradually fell into obscurity. Today, its buildings and technical facilities stand largely abandoned amid the barren high-altitude landscape of the Eastern Pamirs.
A visit to the observatory is like stepping back in time into the history of Soviet science. At the same time, the site offers impressive views across the Pamir Plateau towards the mighty peaks of Muztagh Ata and Kongur on the Chinese side of the border. A fascinating detour for anyone travelling along the Pamir Highway and looking to explore beyond the usual routes.