The reservoir behind the dam stretches some 70 km up the old Vakhsh valley and is the most striking feature of the landscape here. The water is an intense turquoise — the result of glacial sediment carried down from the Pamirs — and contrasts vividly with the dry brown of the surrounding hills.
There are a few informal viewpoints along the eastern shore, reachable by car. Fishing villages and small picnic spots dot the bank in summer. Swimming is possible but the water is cold and the depth drops quickly. For a longer drive, follow the reservoir's eastern shore towards the upper end where the original river enters.