Dushanbe: The Capital of Tajikistan

 

Tajikistan’s tree-lined Soviet-style capital once known as ‘Stalinabad’ has been going through a few changes in recent years. Although not at the breakneck speed of others in the region, Dushanbe still keeps some of its ornate charms and greets travellers like a warm hug.

 

Dushanbe has something to fit all tastes, tree-lined streets and parks surrounded by neoclassical architecture, museums, tasty restaurants, and bars. If you’re into the bizarre, it also has the world’s second largest flagpole rising from its centre like a giant map pin!

 

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Highlights

 

Museum of Antiquities

An older style museum although it delivers on its promise showing everything from stone age onwards. However, the museum’s highlight has to be the centuries old stone Buddha, ornately carved and looking serenely at home in Dushanbe.

 

Victory Park

If you are looking for a little Soviet relief, then head to Victory Park, great for a morning stroll and to view the impressive Soviet-style Victory Monument commemorating all of those who lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War (WWII).

 

Tea House

More than just a tea house, this fantastic construction was built using the finest materials and the best artisans. Marvel from start to finish as you view rooms made of crystal gold, semi-precious stones and the finest wood.

Northern Tajikistan: Stunning Landscapes of Tajikistan

 

Travel north from Tajikistan across the rather impressive Zerafshan mountain range and you’ll reach the region of Sughd. Coming down from the mountains, it seems like a whole other world, lush green fields surrounded by small busy villages. This region will be the highlight of any visit. Home to stunning natural scenery, ancient towns and cities, there’s enough to keep any historian entertained for a lifetime.

 

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Highlights

 

Khujand

One of the oldest cities in central Asia, historians can trace its origins back over 2500 years from Cyrus the Great through Alexander the Great to more recent Soviet times when it was renamed Leninabad. This bustling city has a fabulous market, ornate mosques and statutes from its more recent past. At its heart is an incredible museum that will help bring some semblance to the city’s importance.

 

Panjakent

Located on the Zeravshan River banks and just a stone’s throw from Uzbekistan, this small town is a real gem. Panjakent is also a must for those who wish to experience authentic, local life; it is also home to the ancient settlement of Sarazam, a neolithic archaeological site that has been awarded UNESCO world heritage status.

 

Iskander Kul (Lake Alexander)

Iskander Kul is a gem at the heart of the Fann mountains nestled for most of the year amongst snow-capped mountainous peaks. It may be a bumpy adventure to get there, although the ever-changing colours of this stunning pool are worth every pothole and scare.

 

Fann Mountain

For many, a tour to Tajikistan could not be complete without a hike in the Fann mountains. This stunning snow-capped range of mountains is easily accessed from the nation’s capital Dushanbe or from the ancient city Samarkand in Uzbekistan. Hikes can incorporate the famed seven lakes, rugged trails, remote picturesque villages, and of course the everpresent mountain peaks.

Central Tajikistan: The Rarely Visited Heartland

 

The area around Dushanbe is commonly known as Central Tajikistan, although not as well visited as other areas of the country, it shouldn’t be missed. Surrounded by the omnipresence of mountains, many of the surrounding towns and villages have a magical feel.

 

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Highlights

 

Varzob Valley

Only 40 minutes from Dushanbe this mountainous valley is full of picturesque villages and homes of the country’s wealthy. Further within this stunning channel’s depths, there’s also a ski resort, a remnant of the Soviet Union now newly restored. No matter the time of year, Varzob will have something for you.

 

Obi Garm Health Spa

It’s big, it’s brutal, it’s Soviet and it’s pretty damn awesome. The Obi Garm Health Spa, another of Tajikistan’s soviet relics, is nestled deep within the Rasht Valley; this giant brute of a building offers spa treatments deep within its ageing bowels. Everything’s up for grabs from massages, leech treatment to a bath in mildly radioactive radon water!

 

Hissar Fortress

The ancient fortress of Hissor may have seen some heavy restoration work, but it’s still worth the visit. Massively popular amongst locals on the weekends it’s not only a great place to catch an actual Tajik wedding, but the on-site museum will give an excellent overview of the country’s history.

Southern Tajikistan: Khatlon Region of Tajikistan

 

Travel south of Dushanbe and you’ll happen across the Khatlon region, many visitors pass through it on their way to the Pamirs, but very few take the time to stop. For those who do decide to visit the south, the weather is always a factor. During the summer the days are furnace-like. The Autumn, winter and springtime make the best time of year to visit.

 

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Highlights

 

Kulob

One of the largest cities in Tajikistan, few people have ever heard of it. However, it has a lovely local market, an excellent history museum and some unique Soviet-era mosaics, buildings and monuments. If that weren’t enough, then the surreal Paris street must surely be of interest, complete with an English phone box!

 

Hulbuk Castle

Hulbuk Castle is located on the road between Dushanbe and Kulob within the village of Kurbon Shahid. If you didn’t plan to stop, it’s a construction that will make your head turn and then pull over for a second look. This large fortress marks the site of ancient ruins now heavily restored. There’s a small museum worthy of a glance, and the local guide onsite is an attraction himself (although avoid too many questions!)

 

Khoja Mumin

Not your usual tourist stop but Khoja Mumin is an exciting place nonetheless; known as the salt mountain of Vose. Even Marco Polo visited and commented that there was enough salt for the whole world. The salt mountain has caves underground rivers and strange natural made sculptures that change and form from year to year.

Pamirs: The Mountainous Highlands

 

The Pamirs or High Pamirs are probably among the largest draws of travellers to Tajikistan, and rightly so. A road of myth and legend, the High Pamir highway cuts across the world’s roof following the footsteps of Marco Polo, the Silk Road and spies from the Great Game. The world’s second-highest highway cuts across seemingly Martian terrain, high mountain passes and runs through lush green valleys.

 

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Highlights

 

The Wakhan Valley

This lush green sliver of land runs between high mountains – on one side, Tajikistan the other, Afghanistan. For many, the draw of The Wakhan Valley is to peer across into Afghanistan although there is also much more to see here. The Wakhan Valley is home to numerous hot springs, ancient petroglyphs, fortresses and local villages.

 

Khorogh

The roads around the valleys of Khorogh can be a scare or a marvel, travel here and catch those stereotypical Pamiri driving pictures as the road winds around steep-sided cliffs. Khorogh town has a beautiful local feel that offers a more relaxed stay in well-equipped accommodation; a ragging river breaks its silence while a beautiful botanical garden looks out on high over the city.

 

Murghab

Rolling along the high altitude roads to and from Murghab are a real highlight in themselves whilst the town may not be much to some, it’s an excellent stop for others. Murghab is often overlooked, although its historical significance is quite essential. Retaining many of its Soviet features such as victory monuments and Lenin statues, one can easily guess its origins.

 

Karakul Lake

A large meteorite created Karakul Lake high on this vast plateau close to the Kyrgyz border. A closer look will reveal beautiful crystalline water and an amazing mirrored surface to catch photos of the stunning Pamir mountain range in the distance. The whitewashed Karakul village nearby village, a bit like the set of a spaghetti western, offers an opportunity to taste local food.