Tajikistan – The Secure, Steady, and Scenically Breathtaking Land

Tajikistan, a Central Asian country, is a safe country now to visit with mesmerizing high-altitude delights, ideal ecotourism choices, glittering lakes, and the Silk Road Path. Its history speaks about it safety as being one of the most inaccessible territories that did not let the attackers’ and intruders’ intention to be been successful.

This all is true despite the fact that its infrastructure is yet in the developing stage carrying the scars of the civil war in the past. Mostly covered with a hilly terrain, one can say it is just the land of trekkers and natural lovers for its several opportunities of climbing.

Tajikistan Tourist Attractions

Dushanbe

This is the capital with the best looks as compared to the other capitals of Asia with cool mountains, tree-dotted boulevards, and neoclassical buildings. Here, we visited the following sights.

• Barakat Bazaar:
  This is the exotic commercial centre to the north of Hotel Tajikistan. One more alluring bazaar is the Shah Mansur Bazaar north of Maydoni Ayni.
• Bekhzod National Museum:
  Located on Maydani Ayni, this offers standard exhibits related to history, art, ethnography, and archaeology with a handful of English text. Further, wonder at a few charms such as the lovely minbar (mosque pulpit), and mihrab (slot indicating the direction of the Holy Mecca) from Istaravshan, and a painting of Lenin encountering some demoralized women in the Moscow’s Red Square.
• Haji Yakoub Mosque and Medressa:
  Located west of the Hotel Avesto, this is a rare wonder with its curved minaret atop and glossy gilded dome. Named after Haji Yakoub who was a Tajik religious leader escaped to Afghanistan, women cannot enter the mosque and can only visit the courtyard.
• Museum of Musical Instruments:
  Named also as the Gurminj Museum after the owner,  Gurminj Zavkybekov, the museum hosts many antique instruments such as the gijak (fiddle), doira (tambourine/drum), and rubab (mandolin); ancient photos; and memorabilia. Here, you can enquire for the schedule of the musical concerts. The museum is veiled from the mosaic of justice to a district court.
• Museum of National Antiquities:
  This is the most remarkable museum in the country, it exhibits the Greco-Bactrian sites of Takht-i-Sangin, an ivory image of Alexander the Great and Kobadiyan, Sogdian murals of Penjikent, 6th century casing, and above all a 13m long sleeping Buddha of Adjina-Tepe (Witches Hill) found on digging in 1966.
• Statue of Ismail Samani:
  This is the most visible monument here.
• Writers’ Union Building:
  Exhibiting the Persian history of the country, this edifice is decorated as a medieval cathedral holding saintly stone figures of Sadruddin Ayni, Omar Khayam, Firdausi, and other Persian writers.
• Prospekt Rudaki:
  Situated near the railway station, you can expect a main mosque, a synagogue of the late 19th century, a Russian church, and a columned opera house.
• Hissar Port:
  Situated at 16 km from Dushanbe, this port came into origin somewhere between the 16th and 19th centuries. Here, there is a fort, two Islamic seminaries (madrassahs), a caravanserai, and a mausoleum.

The Wakhan Valley

This is a fantastic remote valley shared with Afghanistan offering one of the most awaited views of the 7000 m peaks of the Hindu Kush Mountain in Pakistan. Do not forget to have Ishkashim marked on your GBAO permit without which you cannot visit the valley route.

• Garam Chashma:
  Located at 46 km south of Khorog and 7 km from the Anderob junction at Anderob, this is the site of hot springs with many stays nearby.
• Koh-i-Lal Ruby Mine:
  Heading further south of Anderob towards Ishkashim, this is the famous mine of rubies from where you have spectacular views of Afghanistan.
• Khakha Fortress:
  After crossing Ishkashim and then at 15 km close to the village of Namadguti, this citadel belongs to the 3rd century B.C and now surrounded by the Tajik border guards. This calls for the permission to take photos.
• Ismaili Mazar (Tomb):
  Some 300 m ahead, this is a beautiful tomb of Shah-i-Mardan Hazrati Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law.
• Darshai:
  At seven km from Namadguti is the check post after whose 20 km is this hamlet from where you can trek to the Shokh Dara Valley.
• Yamchun Fort:
  Located at 57 km from Khakha, this is the most imposing 12th century fort (Zulkhomar Fort) with several walls and spherical watchtowers. Do climb the hill for the spectacular scenery. Further at 1 km uphill, the Bibi Fatima Springs named after the Prophet Mohammed’s sister are worth visiting. The timings are 8 am to 6 pm with fees of 1 TJS for locals and 5 TJS for foreigners. Carry a towel and take care of valuables due to no lockers. Here, male’s and female’s bath timings change after each 30 minutes.
• Yamg Village:
  This was our next halt where we explored the tomb and restored house museum of Mubarak Kadam Wakhani (1843–1903), a Sufi saint, astronomer, and musician. Do not miss to look at the mysterious stone that the saint utilized as a solar calendar.
• Vrang:
  This offers captivating 4th century Buddhist stupas, sulphurous remains, several hermit caves, water-driven mill (ask locals), small museum, and a shrine. Explore these by walking and crossing the water channel.
• Colorful Hot Spring Bath:
  This is at a distance of 16 km from Vrang.
• Abrashim Qala:
  Situated at a distance of 33 km from Vrang, this is the Vishim Qala in Wakhi also known as the ‘Silk Fortress’ of Zong whose sole purpose was to protect this area of the Silk Road from invaders. From here, you can have the most beautiful views of the entire valley. Climb for 45 minutes to reach here or take a 4WD via the Dirj village.
• Langar:
  Situated at 4 km from the Qala, this is where the Pamir and Wakhan Rivers meet to shape the Pyanj that forms the Afghanistan’s upper Wakhan or Sarkhad region. Opt for a half-day hike by hiring a local guide to view more than 6000 petroglyphs. Spot the village of jamoat khana by its colorful wall murals.

Best Time to Visit Tajikistan

March, April, September, and October

Tajikistan Accommodation

In Dushanbe:

• Grand Hyatt (Hotel) – High end
• Hotel Dushanbe – Standard
• Hotel Kayon II – High end
• Hotel Tajikistan – Standard