Roof of the World Regatta 2027 at Lake Karakul, Tajikistan - Preview
by Andre Koster 12 Nov 11:48 PST
3-4 September 2027
Roof of the World Regatta © RotWR
Lake Karakul, Turkic for "Black Lake", lies high in the Pamir Mountains of eastern Tajikistan, within Tajik National Park. At 3914 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the country and sits along the legendary Pamir Highway.
Expect big skies, snow-capped ridges and almost total silence. The water isn't actually black: the deep blue of this meteorite crater lake is simply stunning.
The lake is about 33 km long and 23 km wide, and up to around 230 m deep. Fed by glacial meltwater, its crystal-clear water is slightly brackish. On the shore lies a small, typical Pamir village where you can stay in simple homestays and meet the locals.
Regatta Festival 3-4 September 2027: Roof of the World Regatta
Do you want to take part in something that has never been done before? On 3 and 4 September 2027, we invite adventurous, skilled and a little crazy kitesurfers and sailors to the Roof of the World Regatta: the highest-altitude sailing and kiting regatta in the world.
Catch wind. Lose breath. Win glory.
Kitesurfing
Twin-tip and foil kiters are invited to a short race on the lake and a separate freestyle competition. Win or lose, you'll be part of something special: kitesurfing on one of the highest lakes on the planet. The regatta is part of a complete tour package: a spectacular 10-day road trip through Tajikistan, including the Pamir Mountains, the remote Wakhan Valley, Silk Road monuments and many other highlights. More information on this tour package to come soon!
Catch wind. Lose breath. Win glory.
Pre-subscribe here as kitesurfer
Sailing
For sailors, the challenge is just as high, maybe higher. There are no marinas, no facilities, and not even boats on the lake. We may use small inflatable dinghies. We will sail short match races, with start and finish by GPS as there is no race committee boat and there are no buoys on the lake.
The sailing regatta is part of the same complete tour package through Tajikistan.
Catch wind. Lose breath. Win glory
Presubscribe here as sailor
One more thing: all kitesurfers and sailors will be part of an official Guinness World Records attempt for the highest-altitude kitesurfing and sailing regatta in the world. You might just become famous.
Regatta Festival
Beyond the racing, 3-4 September brings a festival with traditional Tajik and Pamiri food, cultural dancers, music and handicrafts, all with a Silk Road theme.
Not a sailor or kiter? You're welcome to cheer on the participants or simply enjoy the festival, as part of the same tour package.
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Activities
The water is chilly (8-10°C in summer), so leave your swimwear at home. A walk along the low-lying eastern shore is lovely, though.
Want a better view? Ask a driver to drop you on the southern shore and hike the southern peninsula, about three hours return. If you hike to about 4400 meters, the view over the lake is spectacular.
Before you go
- Bring warm clothing; temperatures can be unpredictable, even in summer.
- Acclimatisation matters at this altitude. Don't take it lightly: the lake lies at 3,914m, and the surrounding roads and passes climb as high as 4,700 m.
- The lake is frozen for about five months, roughly December to April, which makes September the perfect time for a summer event.
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