Its name is special—Nofin, which translates from Tajik as “umbilical.” The lake sits at the center of the entire chain, resembling a link between the peaks and the water. It stretches for more than 2.5 kilometers.

Nofin sits at an altitude of 1,840 meters above sea level, with a surface area of almost 0.5 square kilometers. The water here is a rich turquoise color. When the lake is covered by shadow, it turns almost inky, only to lighten again at dawn.

The road to Nofin runs along its eastern shore. In summer, if the water level is high, it can get flooded. I’ve often seen cars turn back, unwilling to venture into this watery channel.

In the part where the lake stretches deep into the valley, there’s a small village. Just a few houses, a couple of them for guests—everything is simple. The people here have long known the lake’s temperamental nature, yet they still admire its beauty.