Why Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s growing popularity as a tourist destination is growing each year. It is on the list of 100 “Top Sustainable Destinations” according to ITB Conference in Berlin. Let’s see what places and sites make tourists plan their tours to Tajikistan.

Pamir Highway is a road connecting Osh city in Kyrgyzstan with Dushanbe and stretching 1, 300 km. Its international name is M41. The word Pamir means “the roof of the world”, which is fair as the Pamir mountain ridge stretches along the most part of the country and boasts with 7,000 meters peaks. This region was once was isolated by mountain ridges and small states, but later roads started to emerge due to the British and Russian struggling for influence in the area.

Dushanbe is the capital city of the country, one of the most beautiful cozily places in the mountains, a city with lots of historical monuments. Walk in its wide boulevards, parks and squares; get acquainted with history by visiting its Museum of Antiquities, Museum of Ethnography, Fine Arts Museum, and Hissor fortress located in 26 km from the city which served a residence for Bukhara Emir in medieval ages.

Iskanderkul lake is a significant natural object without which it is impossible to imagine any trip to Tajikistan. It is 130 km away from Dushanbe at the altitude of 2, 200 meters. The water basin occupies the area of 3,4 square kilometers and the maximum depth is 72 meters. It is possible to stay overnight in nearby villages, swim in the lake, walk to a mountain waterfall and spend a great time by the lake.

Khujand city is the second-largest city in Tajikistan. It has a long history starting from the 7-6^th centuries BC and within many centuries it remained as important center of trade and transport. Nowadays it is possible to visit some of the historical sites such as Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum, Jami mosque and Khujand fortress built somehow 2, 500 years ago.

Istaravshan city is a museum city and is one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia that celebrated 2, 500 years anniversary in 2020. You can visit the remains of former residences, fortresses, walls with domes left from the medieval ages.

Khorog is the only city in Pamir and the administrative center of Gorno- Badakhshan region, taking a place right in the middle of Pamir Highway, 600 km away from Dushanbe. This cozy little town lies on the most picturesque part of the road that has two branches: the northern leading to Murgab and southern leading to Wakhan corridor where the most ancient fortresses are found. Thus, Khorog enjoying the favorable geopolitical position, is a main touristic center in Pamir.

Penjakent is a city located in Zeravshan valley, the name means “five villages”. Its history started in 5-6 centuries AD and was an important center of trade and crafts of Sogd. It was also called the “Central Asian Pompeii”. It is possible to make a nice city tour and interesting excursions in its outskirts to see the remains of ancient settlements.

Seven lakes are located near Penjakent city. The local name is Haftkul meaning seven lakes. It is a cascade of lakes with vibrant and constantly changing colors and charming beauty. There are some hiking opportunities in the area.

Murgab is the highest mountainous village of Tajikistan located at 3, 600 meters above sea level. It was settled as a result of the “Great Game” to spread the influence in the area. The landscape has not much vegetation but has a specific isolated beauty and charm. This place is used for an overnight stay when crossing Kyrgyzstan border.

Wakhan corridor is a mountainous part of Pamir, Hindu Kush and Karakoram regions of Afghanistan. The village in Tajikistan called Ishkoshim is located right at the entrance of this Wakhan corridor. The only natural border between the countries is the Pyanj river. This place was a strategic point between the Western and Eastern Central Asian portions. Nowadays there are some trekking tours organized in its mountains.

Tajikistan amazes with its impregnable mountains, formidable cliffs, huge rivers. The people of Tajikistan carry a diverse and deep history, the culture is unique. So if you decide to explore this part of the world, be prepared to experience overwhelming emotions and sudden love for this country.