An artificial lake on the eastern edge of the city center, Komsomol Lake (now sometimes called Zulfiya Lake) is a popular recreation area for Dushanbe residents. Paddle boats are available for hire, there are shaded walking paths around the perimeter, and several outdoor cafes and tea houses operate on the banks in summer.
The lake has the typical Soviet origin story: created as a public amenity in the 1950s on the site of a marsh, surrounded by parks and promenades. The surroundings have aged and the lake has seen better days, but it remains a pleasant place to spend an afternoon, particularly for families with children. The east bank has the best views of the Hissar Range in the background.