The ancient land of Tajikistan is famous for its architectural monuments, natural beauty and unique sights. There are many picturesque crystal clear mountain lakes in Tajikistan, towering snow-capped peaks, thousand year-old fortresses, mausoleums and mosques. Tajikistan combines the magic of ancient history with the intense beauty of some of the world’s tallest mountain ranges.

The main architectural sights of Tajikistan are concentrated in the west of the country: the monuments of Khujand, Istaravshan, Penjikent and Dushanbe. Most of them are connected to important trade routes that passed along the main rivers of Central Asia, the Syrdarya and Amudarya. Indeed, the Great Silk Road played an important role here.

In Khujand, you can see the ancient Khujand fortress that since been turned into a history museum; you can also visit the Panchshanbe Bazaar and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslikhiddin, located nearby. Istaravshan has one of the oldest sights of Tajikistan, the Khazrati Shoh Mausoleum. Excavations of the ancient settlement of Sarazm and other monuments can be found in Panjakent.

It is hard to picture Tajikistan without the Hissar Historical-Cultural Complex, located 20km away from Dushanbe. The famous Hissar fortress is there, alongside the Kuhna Madrasah and many other medieval monuments.

Most of the modern sights of Tajikistan are gathered in the capital city, Dushanbe. The main landmark is Dusti Square, with a monument to Ismail Somoni, the Stele of Independence, and several other monuments. It is also worth mentioning the Museum of Antiquities, with a collection of thousands of exibits that tell the history of Tajikistan; a sculpture of Buddha in Nirvana, a replica of an ancient statue found in southern Tajikistan, stretches across 13 meters (42 feet).

The mountains and lakes are the best natural sights of Tajikistan. 93% of the territory of the country is located in the mountains, meaning that there is no shortage of territory to explore. The highest peaks reach over 7000 meters (22,965 feet) and the total number of lakes exceeds 2000. There are also amazing valleys, waterfalls, mineral springs, glaciers and other sights hidden among the peaks.

Lake Iskanderkul is one of the most striking sites in Tajikistan. This gem is hidden in the depths of the Fann Mountains in western Tajikistan, though it is not difficult to get there – only 3-4 hours by car from Dushanbe. Iskanderkul is surrounded by cliffs and mountains, making it a unique place to visit.

The most famous and most stunning places in Tajikistan are in the Pamir Mountains. The Pamirs are one of the highest mountain ranges of the world. In the Pamirs, one can find rough landscapes, wild rivers, huge glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. In addition, there is a semi-extreme road, the Pamir Highway, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Tajikistan nature can also boast a number of mineral springs such as Garm-Chashma, the high-mountain Karakul Lake, and the Seven Lakes, that descend cascaded down a gorge not far from Panjakent.
Any traveler can find something for their ideal vacation in Tajikistan. From ancient cultural monuments in Khujand and Panjakent, to the towering peaks and clear lakes of the Pamirs, Tajikistan is sure to leave life-long memories with any visitor.

Excursion Around Dushanbe
Dushanbe is cozily placed between among the mountains. The first mountains are within a hundred-meter reach from the city boundary. The main street of Dushanbe is Prospekt Rudaki. Going along it you can view numerous places of interest.

 

Squares of Dushanbe
Sadriddin Aini Square. There stands the writer’s monument opened in 1978 when entire country was celebrating his100th jubilee. The statute of Sadriddin Aini is surrounded with all characters of his books.

Moscow’s 8th Centennial Square. One of the most beautiful places of the city, surrounded by Indian lilacs. In the center of the square there is a big fountain; it is favored by students, artists, musicians, and actors.

Dousti (Friendship) Square. The largest and the most elegant square in Dushanbe. In the center stands Ismail Samani monument; nearby is the museum constructed in the honor of the 1,100th anniversary of Samanid state. There is also the House Tajikistan Government.

Putovsky Square. It is decorated with beautiful fountains, colorful flowers and magnificent spruces. The Presidential Palace is located right there.

 

Cultural Institutions
Firdausi Republican Library. The library building was constructed in traditional Tajik style in a combination with the elements of modern architecture. It stores two million books in many languages of the world. The most treasured there are books written by the peoples of Ancient Orient, two thousand manuscripts of Rudaki, Firdausi, Ibn Sino, Saadi.

In the center of the capital on the right side of Prospekt Rudaki is located Russian State Drama Theatre named after V. Mayakovsky. This is the center of Russian culture in Tajikistan. There is also Tajik State Academic Drama Theatre named after A.Lakhuti.

Aini Square hosts Bekhzada Republican History, Local Lore and Fine Arts Museum.

The Botanical Garden of Tajikistan Academy of Sciences contains the collection of unique trees and plants from all over the world.

Museum of Ethnography contains the samples of Tajik arts with the display of pottery, carpets, jewelry and musical instruments from all historical epochs of Tajikistan.

Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Aini is located on Moscow’s 8th Centennial Square. very impressive is the facade of the building which is push forward towards the square is supported by classical columns. The ornaments of the building contain Tajik motives.

Hissar, Tajikistan
Located 30 km from Dushanbe (4-5 km from Hissar settlement) is one of the most important landmarks of Tajikistan – Hissar History and Culture Reserve. This name is related to archeological and architectural monuments of different ages found on its 86-hectar territory. The reserve location – Hissar Valley – is a vast intermountain hollow with the rivers Kafirnigan, Karatag and Shirkent. People inhabited this place in the Stone Age, in the 4th-3rd millennia B.C. Later the valley territory was a part of Bactria, and then of Greek-Bactrian and Kushan states. This fact is proved by the remains of ancient settlement found by the archeologists. However, today only orbicular mounds called “tepa” – “a hill” – has survived. In the Middle Ages Hissar was known for its crafts and markets. In the 18th – 19th centuries it was known as Hissar province – one of 28 domains of Bukhara Emirate. Hissar fortress which has survived since those times is considered the most famous landmark of the reserve.

The city is located in the central western part of the republic, in the center of Hissar Valley, the greenest and the most densely populated part of the country. The city is surrounded by mountains: from the north by

The Hissar Ridge, from the south – the Gazimalik Mountains, from the southwest – the Babatag Mountains. It has been proven that people inhabited Hissar Valley 40 thousand years ago.

The sacred book of Zoroastrians «Avesta» mentioned this area as «Shumon». For the first time the word «Hissar» («hissor») as a name of a settlement, city or an administrative unit was mentioned in the 11th century. Then this word designated a site of ancient settlement with state armies, crafts, and a market. Way back then the city was the center of the most independent part of Samanid state.

In the late 19th and the early 20th centuries the architectural complex of the city consisted of two madrasahs, over a dozen mosques, four city gates, and a central market. The construction the modern Hissar in the form of kishlak began in the beginning of the twentieth century.

 

Hissar Landmarks:
Hissar is known for its unique historical and cultural reserve organized in the late 1980s. It comprises:
1. Hissar Fortress with the arch (gate). It was erected manually. It is 2,500 years old. The main gate is the arch one. The gate was constructed in the 16th century and now they have been completely restored.
2. Registan (the square in front of the fortress).
3. Old madrasah. This medieval educational institution was built in the 16th century. The madrash’s area is 2,250 m..
4. New madrasah.
5. Caravanserai (hotel). The brick caravanserai was constructed in 1808 during the rule of Saidbi Atolik and was used as a hotel.
6. Chashmai Mokhiyon mosque (the Stone Mosque). It was built in the 8th century. The two verandahs and the tower – in the 15th century .Today it has been restored to its original appearance.
7. Sangin mosque.
8. The mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam is a historical monument of the 16th century; it was erected on the place of Khodzhi Muhammed Khaivoki’s tomb. The area of the mausoleum is 609 sq. m.
9. The History Museum. It is located in the building of old madrasah. The entire nomenclature of monuments and exhibits (more than 3,200 items), found during excavation works on the territory of the city of Hissar and beyond is kept there.

Sights of Khujand
Any traveler, who is touring by the track of the Great Silk Road, must visit Khujand and its suburbs. This city is as old as Bukhara and Samarkand, and it witnessed Alexander the Great, who fortified it and called Alexandria Eskhata. It preserved medieval monuments, mosques, mausoleums, and the remains of the fortress, which is as old as the city itself. The city’s history is excellently displayed in the Museum of local lore adjacent to one of the walls of the Khujand fortress.

Khujand is interesting for lovers of ethnic tourism, located on the road between Samarkand and Kokand it incorporated many of the features of the peoples inhabiting these areas. It is home to the Tajiks, Uzbeks and representatives of other nationalities. Furthermore, it is called the Northern capital of Tajikistan and is the second largest city in the country.

Many people will also be interested in Khujand nature: near it, there is the Kayrakkum reservoir and mountains, whose slopes are covered with huge orchards. The lovers of mountain climbing will be interested in Aksu district, located two hours to the south, where the sky is cut through by the rocky peaks, rising over 5,000 meters.

 

The main attractions of Khujand
Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin
This memorial complex consists of mosques, khanaka minaret and different depositions, including the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, the famous poet and ruler of Khujand of the XII century.

 

Khujand fortress
Practically from the very beginning, Khujand, it was protected by high walls. The city’s heart was the fortress. Over its 2500-year history, the Khujand fortress was destroyed by the invaders, built anew, expanded, but still continues to be a symbol of the courage of the people.

 

Kairakkum
A 20-minute drive from Khujand, after a small slope, greets the Kayrakkum reservoir. It is a popular place for recreation, also known as the Tajik Sea.

Iskanderkul
Iskanderkul Lake is an excellent place for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming. It is sandwiched between the beautiful Fann Mountains and is one of the largest glacial lakes in north-west Tajikistan.

The lake is beautiful, with a unique vibe that is sure to mesmerise you. The crystal-clear turquoise waters that contrast with the red rocks of the mountains create a special ambience. Spend a night at one of the nearby guesthouses after relaxing on the shores of the lake during the day. As the skies go dark after sunset, you will experience a surreal serenity around the lake. If you want to explore the lake on a boat, go to Turbaza. This is an old resort on the lake’s shores where you can rent a boat.

Khujand
The historic city of Khujand was founded in the VII-VI centuries BC. Later, Alexander the Great captured, remodelled and fortified the city. Today, Khujand is a centre of Tajikistan’s industrial, scientific, and cultural developments.

A visit to Khujand Fortress and the regional history museum are must-dos for visitors who want to know the history of the region. If you have a thing for musical performances, head over to Tajikistan Musical and Drama Theatre. You can’t get closer to the ultimate Tajik experience without a visit to historic Panjshanbe Bozor. Walk around the lively and vibrant market, meeting with local vendors, and buying gifts for your family and friends back home. Somoni park is yet another landmark in Khujand that you should not miss. Families and couples flock to the beautiful park after sunset. Enjoy the calm atmosphere or walk around to explore the statues and fountains.

Dushanbe
Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan. The tidy avenues lined with beautiful pastel frontages belie the violent civil war that ruined the city streets in the 90s. Stroll down the side streets, and you’ll know how Dushanbe is transforming.

Sample the fresh produce like vegetables, fresh fruits, and dried fruits at the lively markets such as the Mehrgon Bazar. Feast on some delectable local, home-cooked cuisines at the food stalls in the afternoon. Don’t miss the famous Qurutob, Tajikistan’s national dish.

If you are in the mood to escape from the buzzing city and for some calmer moments then head over to Hissar Fortress – a palace of the ancient Bukhara Emirate. It is situated on the outskirts of Dushanbe. Enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere while exploring the fortress. A visit to the Memorial to Tajik writers (Wall of Great Tajik Writers) will acquaint you with the history of Tajik literature. It features the statues of famous novelists, poets, playwrights, and other writers of Tajikistan.

Pamir Highway
Pamir Highway connects Tajikistan with neighbouring Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. There’s no better way to see an array of breathtaking valleys, spectacular mountain views, and rugged cliffs than to be behind the wheel on Pamir Highway.

This highway, also known as M41, is one of the highest in the world, with the peak point at Ak-Baital Pass, which is 4,655 meters above sea level. The quirky roadside attractions, wild landscape, and snow-covered ridges are sure to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Along the way, look out for flocks of yaks. If you are lucky, you may get a chance to spot the elusive Marco Polo sheep in the higher stretches of the surrounding mountains.

Karakul Lake
Vivid skies, sparkling water, cool breeze, and sounds of geese! Welcome to Karakul. Located in Tajik Pamir National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Karakul Lake is the main attraction of the Karakul village. Walk around, and you’ll appreciate the unique vibe and desolation of the lake and the village.

The sparkling blue water of the lake is mesmerizing, and so are the reflections of the lovely landscapes and snow-covered peaks in the waters. Be fascinated by looking at the Peaks of Lenin and Avicenna that stand tall with all their glory among the deep blue skies.

Spend a night in Karakul to get extraordinary views of Milky Way and watch unique bird species in and around the lake in the morning. Hiking around this area will treat you with amazing views of the lake, the village, and the mountains. On top of that, you will get to see some beautiful birds while hiking.

The Pamir Mountains
Treat yourself to a taste of extreme adventure in the Pamir Mountains, which is often referred to as the roof of the world. The glaciers, lakes, alpine deserts, rivers, valleys, and green and rugged mountains hold a treasure trove enough to fulfil your wanderlust.

This adventure is for the tough ones, as the environment is rough with little facilities, and the climate can get harsh. During your adventure spree, you will get to see many high mountains, including Ismoil Somoni Peak and Korzhenevskaya Peak. If you haven’t heard about the Fedchenko Glacier, it is the largest glacier of the Pamirs and the longest one outside the Arctic and Antarctica. It is located in the Pamir Mountains.

This trip will traverse you through steep river ravines, rugged terrains, and beautiful villages and towns. The local people are friendly and helpful, and at times you’ll have no other option than to stay at the local houses. You can find a couple of hotels and shops in Rushan, which is the main commercial centre in the mountains.

Jisev Valley
The lovely mountain village of Jisev is a perfect getaway in Tajikistan. Go around the village sightseeing or take short hikes along the brimming lakes. The rugged mountains and dotted forests cast a unique ambience.

There are a few houses in the village that are arranged together in a group of 2-3 houses each. Vehicles do not go to Jisev. After crossing the river, you’ll have to walk for two hours to reach the Jisev Valley. Do not expect to have telephone or internet connections once you cross the river. The good news is that you’ll get the opportunity to spend the night in a traditional Pamiri house and enjoy the local culture and traditions.

Wakhan Valley
A large swatch of Wakhan Valley sits in Afghanistan’s northern region, but some part of it stretches into Tajikistan. An arena of colonial competition between Tsarist Russian and Britain during the Great Game (1830-1895), Tajikistan’s Wakhan Valley is now a peaceful region.

See the ruins of the 12th-century Yamchun fortress that speaks volumes about Wakhan history. Many other fortresses at the top of the hills offer extraordinary views of the surrounding areas. The people here are hospitable, and the landscape is fantastic. Enjoy gazing at the lovely villages across the river on Afghanistan’s side and take pictures of the Hindu Kush Mountains. Other attractions in the valley include the old ruins, a hot spring, and the picturesque Dasht and Langar villages.

Murghab
Snuggled in the foothills of mountains, Murghab is an underdeveloped town that is known for its splendid mountain range. A glacier adjacent to the town gives it an imposing backdrop. If you have a love for mountains, then Murghab is a must-visit.

There is also a bazaar in Murghab where you can buy inexpensive Chinese goods, handicrafts, and food. If you have an interest in archaeology and history, head over to the ancient tomb at Kana-Kurgan. Get out of town and go hiking or drive off-road near the foothills of the mountains. Yak trekking and Marco Polo sheep viewing are other interesting activities here. The hotels here lack proper facilities, but you could have a great time staying in a traditional yurt or homestay with the locals.

Khorog
Khorog is a small town and has restaurants, markets, and hotels. Head over to the famous Botanical Garden or Central Park where you can make friends with the locals.

To explore the history of the area, go to the Regional Museum. If you are visiting the city in winter, do not miss soaking yourself in the warm pool at Garm Chashma. Other interesting places to see here include the Khorog City Park and Khorog Museum. The city park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the evening breeze. It has a restaurant and an open theatre.

Tajikistan is a small country which is slowly being discovered by tourist for its mountains, lakes, rivers and the flavour of its food. The tourism industry of Tajikistan is starting to climb the ladder of being a travel destination in Central Asia. The country lays 3000mts above sea level and offers various opportunities to see and explore the country. This is the advantage that Tajikistan has over its neighbouring countries for being named the high-altitude landscape in the world. Among the natural splendour are the small villages scatted around, and sometimes it’s not easy for the people to live in such regions. But they always welcome the guests to their country with great hospitality.

 

Dushanbe
is the capital city of Tajikistan which is cosily located among the mountains. The name means Monday in the Tajik language as it was on a popular Monday marketplace that the city grew on the village. The main street of the city is Prospekt Rudaki. Dushanbe is a city in a constant state of flux that’s still trying hard to grow alongside poverty. The history of civil war which destroyed the streets in the 90s has lined up the place with leafy good boulevard line and in ruins. However, the street and the city are now undergoing enormous change and there are a number of things to do and explore the city of Dushanbe.

 

Different types of Tourism in Tajikistan
1 – Historical Tourism in Tajikistan
Tajikistan was under the rule of Russia for a long time, and after its independence, it still underwent through a lot of government changes and civil war. Peace was finally agreed among rivals in the year 1997. There were many who fled the country during the wartime. And, history has left its remnants in the form of monuments which are of religious and historical importance such as Khujand, Istaravshan, Dushanbe, Iskanderkul, Penjikent, The Pamir Mountains, Murghab and many others.

 

2 – Cultural Tourism in Tajikistan
The culture of the country as we know today has completely transformed and their culture is similar to the countries of Iran and Afghanistan. There are two different cultures which prevail in the highlands and the metropolitan cities. You can learn more about their culture and traditions by visiting towns, cities, colourful oriental bazaars, visit majestic fortresses, and some cultural places such as Museum of National Antiquities, Hisor Fortress, National Museum of Tajikistan and many others.

 

3 – Nature Tourism in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is basically a mountainous region which makes the land of the country 90% covered by mountains. The highest point of the country is Ismoil Somoni Peak. It has rich flora and fauna because the whole place is mountainous. You will find many different kinds of species of animals and birds in the reserves of Ramit, Dashtijum etc. There are also many lakes and glaciers among the mountains of Tajikistan.

 

4 – Honeymoon Tourism in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is a country filled with so many natural wonders and architectural splendour which makes it a suitable destination for a honeymoon. It’s a romantic country filled with nice and pleasant people who will greet and welcome you to any place you travel. Some of the best honeymoon destinations in Tajikistan are Yamchun Fort, National Museum of Tajikistan, Delfin Aqua Park and many others.

 

5 – Health & Wellness Tourism in Tajikistan
Tajikistan is still on the trail to attract people to its health and wellness centre. It’s a country still struggling to develop and it’s keeping its head up to promote health tourism. There’s a Soviet-era sanatorium nestles in the mountain of Gissar range. It’s located on Khoja Obi Garm and known for its radon filled waters which have attracted visitor across Tajikistan.

 

6 – Culinary Tourism in Tajikistan
The food of the Tajiks is similar to that of the Russians and Afghans and Osh is their national dish. Most of their food is always served with flatbread and its necessary to have in for any kind of meal. Some of their popular food is Oshi Palov, Qurutob, Sambusa, ShirChoy and many others.

 

7 – Nightlife Tourism in Tajikistan
The nightlife in this country is quite in comparison to other countries of Central Asia. Khujand and Dushanbe are the two cities where you can find a happening nightlife otherwise you have to see around in the rural districts. In Dushanbe, there are plenty of clubs, bars, and restaurants as there are a number of working professionals with many tourists as well.

 

8 – Winter Tourism in Tajikistan
Winter is a good time to travel for those who love mountain views, snow peaks. But, it’s an adventure to go see the Pamirs in this season. One of the ways that connect the Pamir highway is the Khargush pass. You can also try skiing activity here in the winter time with facilities of modern resorts, ice skating, snowmobile rides and a couple of nice comfortable hotels and resorts to spend a nice winter.

East art always drew the person the subtlety and flexibility, leaving the roots in an extreme antiquity. The Tadjik people have managed to keep and inform to the descendants the original culture, the huge contribution of Tadjiks to a treasury of art of the world testifies to it.

The territory of Tajikistan stores ancient monuments of the fine arts. Dwellings concern them in district Kajrakkum in the north of Tajikistan, by scientists the rough modelled ceramics with a geometrical pattern, and also the elementary forms of jewelry here is found. In second half of 2 th millenia BC in the south of the country, in particular, in Vahshsky and Bishkentsky valleys, nomadic cattle breeding tribes have left after themselves modelled and potter’s angobirated ceramics. These are pots, bowls, cylindrical vessels, bronze knifes, daggers, mirrors, pins, and also a primitive clay sculpture of the person from burial of an epoch of bronze in a place Tandyr-ate (near to Regarom). From constructions of time of board Ahemenidov, ancient Bactrian residential building from raw brick with rectangular premises ruins are found in the plan (6-4 centuries BC, a site of ancient settlement the Kalai-world in settlement it. Nasira Hisrava). Data about the fine arts of that time presents gold and silver jewels of the Amudarinsky treasure.

The art culture of Tajikistan of this time is represented by art nomadic saks tribes. Here scientists find out bronze coppers with a sculptural decor, figured metal plates with images of animals, finds in barrow burials of Pamir, rock paintings in Northern and the Central Tajikistan and in the west of Pamir.

Ancient and medieval art of Tajikistan has had the development, thanks to the trading Great Silk way connecting the East with the West, cultural-economic relations with Iran, India, East Turkestan, China, the countries of the Mediterranean. The big contribution is brought by the ancient population of Tajikistan in art of Bactria, the Kushansky kingdom, Sogd, Toharistan and Fergana, and also in art culture of the neigbouring people.

The national love to musical, dancing and singing arts lives centuries.

It is known that in XIV-XV centuries on city holidays acted musicians, singers, rope-walkers. Get popularity mass representations where story-tellers, dancers, conjurers participate later. The Tadjik professional theatre opened in 1929, admits to best of folk theatres. In republic set of theatres. Here national plays, operas, ballets are presented attention of the spectator. The most popular performances “Dohunda”, “Saodat”, operas “Revolt of Vose”, “Pulat and Gilru”, “Bahtier and Nisso”, ballets “Two roses”, “Lejli and Medzhnun”, “Dilbar” and others.

The Tadjik motion picture arts have reached the big successes. Today act in film art and documentary-newsreels: “Dohund”, “I have met the girl”, “Destiny of the poet”, “Zumrat”.

Musical art. Our time was reached by the difficult vokalno-tool products named makoms. In national musical culture to a song the leading role is taken away. The national song is sole voiced also consists of two parts – a song and a song-dance. To singers and dancers play such tools: string – dutors and rubobs, wind instruments – nays and karnays, shock – tavlaks and doyras.

Crafts and crafts developed in ancient times. Witnesses to it are unsurpassed monuments of woodcarving X – XII centuries found in a valley of Zaravshan, the patten fabrics which have been found out in the lock on a grief Mug, ceramics with a various ornament, wall lists of ancient Pendzhikent.

In cities of Tajikistan the whole quarters of weavers, potters, coppersmiths, smiths, woodcarvers and ganch worked. In mountain villages the female part on simple machine tools weaved non fleecy woollen and paper oriental carpets, and men on foot machine tools cultivated a paper fabric and wool on dressing gowns and trousers. The cities of Hodzhent, Ur-Tjube, Karatag, Gissar were the large craft centres.

The big rates potter’s art developed. In cities produced potter’s ware by means of a potter’s wheel. Potter’s skill passed from generation to generation.

Embroidery. Nowadays widespread an embroidery on clothes, in particular on zone scarfs, skullcaps, female dresses, suzane, on decorative coverlets – ruydyo and cloths – dastarkhan. The national pattern is based on two artistic touches. The first alternates the big bright stains, it is used in ornaments of fabrics, ceramics and an architectural list. The second reception puts on the first place the material invoice, forming a flexible line of a geometrical or vegetative ornament.

Masters decorate a carving on ganch, a moulding, a list various buildings.

Except applied art, easel painting, a drawing and a sculpture and painting develop also.

 

The fine arts
Today in Tajikistan conditions for revival of art creativity are created. The Tadjik artists and fashion designers manage have something in common with fashion of two cultures: east and European. In these dresses the spirit of tiny painting of the East is transmitted. In this collection the past and present fashion skilfully intertwines, colour shades are transferred, traditions and customs of Tadjiks are reflected. The national dress is decorated by interesting way of bandaging «gulbast». Colorful pattern details gather in a lump and are wound with a thread. Further a fabric lower in a red or claret paint, the diamond-shaped original pattern turns out.

Fashionable it is considered list art on the fabrics, a named batic, it is one of the most expensive kinds of works. The products ornated by an embroidery from gold threads, are popular at girls who marry. This technics is called «zarduzi».

Tajik Cuisine
Traditional cuisine in Tajikistan
Tajiks are by right proud of their national cuisine and consider it among the most attractive factors for the development of tourism. Culinary art of Tajik people was formed for many centuries under the influence of rich history. Semi-nomadic way of life was impossible without abundant meat and farinaceous dishes. Of course, the national cuisine of Tajiks is similar to the cookery of other Central Asian countries; however, it has its peculiar features expressed in the techniques of food preparation, products processing and, certainly, taste. We are going to make a little excursion around national Tajik cuisine and we introduce you to the basic dishes so that that your culinary choices would be deliberate.
Dinner Ceremony

It is a ceremony indeed because Tajiks treat food with respect. They have a very special attitude to bread: bread cannot be thrown or dropped on the floor, it cannot be put on dastarkhan with bottom part upwards, and bread is not cut but broken very carefully.

Tajiks eat sitting on a sufa around a low table – dastarkhan. The dinner begins with tea. Tea is drunk only from pialahs which are brought in on trays. A tray with sweets, fruit, and flat cakes is brought separately. After that they serve big pialahs with soup, and on bigger round dishes with main courses. Vegetable salads are served on plates. A dinner there is to be started by a senior family member then the others may join the meal.

Picturesque Nature of Tajikistan – Country of Mountains and Rivers
Tajikistan is the land of mountains. 93% of the territory of the republic is over 1000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level, namely in the mountains of the highest mountain ranges, the Pamirs and Tian-Shan. The names of these ranges says a lot: Pamir translates as the “roof of the world”, and Tian-Shan as “sky mountains”. The highest point of Tajikistan is Ismoil Somoni Peak (earlier called Communism Peak), at a height of 7495 meters (24,590 feet).

The lowest point of Tajikistan is in the north of the country, at a height of 300 meters above sea level. 7% of the territory of the republic consists of plains in the north-west and south-western parts of Tajikistan, which are mainly used for agriculture. The largest two rivers of Central Asia also cross these plains: Syrdarya in the north of Tajikistan and Amudarya in the south.

The flora and fauna of Tajikistan are very rich, but because the mountains are so large, there are mainly mountainous species in Tajikistan. Rare species of animals and birds, including those in the Red Book, live there: goats, snow leopards, storks, hawks and others. The largest reserves of the country are the Tigrovaya Balka, Ramit, Dashtijum and Sarikhosor Reserves. Goitered gazelles, Bukhara deer, tigers, pheasants, Alectoris, jungle cats, wild boars and snow leopards live in tugay wetlands, woods and thickets. Flora is represented by fruit trees as well as plants typical for mountainous area.

Thanks to its complex mountain relief, there are still many areas of Tajikistan that are untouched by civilization. Thus, mountain tours in Tajikistan will allow you to enjoy real, wild natural habitats.

Tajikistan Mountains
Practically the entire territory of Tajikistan, 93% of it to be exact, is located in the mountains. Moreover, half of the land lies at a height of over 3000 meters above sea level. There are the Turkestan, Zeravshan, Gissar and Alay Ranges in Tajikistan, and the entire eastern part of the country is covered by the Pamir Range. The highest point of Tajikistan is Ismoil Somoni Peak, which is 7495 meters high (25,590 feet). 24 more peaks over 6000 meters (19,685 feet) are also located in the country.

Tajikistan’s mountains are quite diverse. They vary according to geological classification, relief, glaciation and other characteristics. The most picturesque mountains are in the west of the country – there are ridged peaks, wide gorges, juniper woods, alpine meadows in the Fann Mountains. The Pamirs are also very beautiful and varied, but they differ because of their severe climate, higher ridges and desert plateaus.

Where there are high mountains, there are glaciers, lakes and rivers. 6% of the territory of the country is covered with glaciers, of which Fedchenko is the most popular. Tajikistan has more than 2000 lakes, most of which are in the mountains, such as Iskanderkul, Bulunkul, Karakul, Yashilkul, Sarez, and Seven Lakes. Many wild rivers start in the mountains, flowing from glaciers.

 

Fann Mountains, Tajikistan
The Fann Mountains are probably the most beautiful mountain system not only of Tajikistan, but of Central Asia as a whole. It is there where most of our tours are arranged. A variety of routes will allow you to choose from tours for beginners or professionals, and to trek through the blossoming gorges or conquer the rough, snowy peaks.

The popularity of the Fann Mountains is not only about the beauty of its local landscapes, but also about its wonderful climate. The annual precipitation there is 250mm (9.84 in), and the temperature in summer does not rise above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The best time for hikes and climbs is between July and September.

The Fann Mountains are located in the western part of Tajikistan, and include parts of the Gissar and Zeravshan Ridges. There are nine peaks with a height over 5000 meters (16,404 feet); Chimtarga is the highest at 5489m (18,008 feet). The Fann Mountains are home to the pearl of Tajikistan – Lake Iskanderkul. The famous Seven Lakes are also located there, falling in a cascade down along a large gorge.

The Russian singer Yuriy Vizbor once visited there and later wrote a song, of which a few lines are excerpted here: “I left my heart in the Fann Mountains. Now I walk heartless in the plains.” It’s hard not to agree with him if you’ve ever been to the Fann Mountains.

 

Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan
The roof of the world – this is how the Pamir Mountains are often translated. The Pamirs are located across Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and are connected with some of the other highest mountain ranges in the world, such as the Tian-Shan, Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Himalayas. The Pamir Mountains differ because of their severity and high elevations. There are many glaciers, lakes and rivers to be found among the mountains. The environment is tough, though there are places for alpine deserts with a polar climate.

There are few mountains over 7000 meters (22,966 feet) in the Pamirs. The highest point of Pamir is Kongur Tagh (7649m or 25,095 ft), located in the territory of China. Tajikistan has such peaks as Ismoil Somoni Peak (7495m or 24,590 ft), Lenin Peak (7134m or 23,406 ft) and Korzhenevskaya Peak (7105m or 23,310 ft). Apart from these peaks, you can see many other mountains that are over 6000 meters high as well.

There are many lakes in the Pamirs. The largest one is Karakul, located at the height of 3914 meters (12,841 ft) above sea level. Another famous lake of the Pamirs is Sarez: it appeared after an earthquake in 1911, when huge landslide blocked a gorge forming a dam, and the space began to fill with water from the Bartang River. It took 37 years for the lake to form; after that, its area reached 17 square km (6.56 square miles), and the length reached 70 km (43.5 miles). In addition, the Pamirs are home to numerous lakes like Yashilkul, Rangkul and Zorkul, in addition to many smaller lakes.

The Pamirs also have a great number of glaciers, with the Fedchenko Glacier standing out. It is the largest glacier of Pamirs, as well as the longest glacier in the world outside the Arctic and Antarctic.

Lakes in Tajikistan
Lakes in Tajikistan are an integral part of the nature of the country, as are the mountains. They take up only 1% of the territory of the country, but they number over 2000. The largest number of these “pearls” are scattered around the mountains of Tajikistan and located in picturesque gorges. Mainly they were formed when rocks collapsed from the mountains creating natural dams.

The most popular and beautiful lake of Tajikistan is Iskanderkul. It is located in the western part of the country, only a 3 hour drive from the capitol, Dushanbe. It is rather small compared to other lakes in Tajikistan, but thanks to the surrounding Fann Mountains, the landscape there is very picturesque. Moreover, according to a legend, Alexander the Great stopped by this lake, and so the lake was named in his honor.

The largest lake of Tajikistan is Karakul. It is located in the northern-eastern part of the country, at a height of 3914 meters (12,841 ft) above sea level, and has an area of 380 square km (146 sq miles), and stretches 33km (20.5 miles) from north to south and 24km (15 miles) from east to west. Its name translates as “black lake”, though the water there has a bright blue color. The only way to enjoy Lake Karakul is to take a trip along the Pamir Highway.

The youngest and at the same time the most dangerous lake in Tajikistan is Sarez. In 1911, a huge landslide took place in the gorge of the Bartang River after a strong earthquake, thus forming a dam. Each year more and more water fell into the gorge, and its level increased by few meters. 37 years later, in 1948, a snake-shaped lake (70 km long and 2,5-3,5km wide, or 44 miles long and 1.55 to 2.17 miles wide) was formed in the central part of the Pamirs. Today, Sarez’s depth near the dam reaches 480 meters (1,575 ft), and the general volume of water is 17 cubic km. Due to instability of the dam, there is a risk of the natural dam collapsing because of the immense pressure, which would cause huge floods to flow down the Bartang River. Experts say that cities and towns (around 6 million people) on the banks of Bartang, Panj and Amudarya Rivers may fall victim to this catastrophe.

Along with these famous lakes, there are also such lakes as Yashilkul, Zorkul, Nurek and the Kayrakum Reserves, Seven Lakes, and many other lakes in Tajikistan. Each of them is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Tajikistan’s mountains.

Glaciers in Tajikistan
About 50% of the glaciation area in Central Asia relates to Tajikistan. There are more than 8,000 glaciers in Tajikistan with the area of 8.5 thousand sq. km. which is more than the area under crops in the Republic. Comparatively large amount of precipitation and low average annual temperatures create in the mountainous regions of Tajikistan such conditions, under which the accumulated winter hard precipitations cannot melt during summer and are collected as snow fields and glaciers; significant differences in physico-geographic conditions stipulate varieties of glaciation types.

Along with compact snow sheets and neve (snow fields) on the slopes of some ranges, as well as large glaciated areas, various types of small glaciers are widely spread. The main part of glaciation is concentrated on the territory adjoining the highest Central Asian peaks: the peak of Communism and the Lenin peak, comprising more than two-thirds of all the glaciation area. In the western regions of the Republic the ranges are not high enough, therefore, though being well moistured, they do not expose developed glaciation. Few glaciers are registered in the Eastern Pamirs due to small amounts of precipitation. A vast area of glaciation is noted in the place of the highest ranges joining: the Range of the Academy of Sciences, the Darvaz, Peter the Great, the Vanch and the Yazgulem ranges. This area is notable for the highest peaks, too, among them are: the peak of Communism, the peak of Eugenia Korzhenevskaya, the Revolution peak. From the Revolution peak to the north, the Fedchenko glacier slides down, it is the largest glacier in Central Asia. (its length is 77 km, the area with the tributaries is 651.7 sq. km. The upper reaches of the glacier with about tributaries are at the 7,480 m height, while its tongue lowers down to 2,910 m. The glacier ice thickness in some places is over 800 m, the ice volume is about 130 sq. km. To the north-east, the Grum-Grzhimailo glacier (142.9 sq. km.) flows down.

In the region of the Communism peak, at the junction of Peter the Great and the Academy of Sciences ranges, a complicated system of large radiating plain glaciers and a vase neve massif, known as “The Pamirs neve plateau” is situated. From the peak of Communism to the south-west, the Garmo glacier which is 114.6 sq. km. slides down; to the north-east, the Bivachni glacier which is 37.1 sq. km. is located, a tributary of the Fedchenko glacier; and at the foothills of the peak, in a narrow deep valley the Fortambek glacier is bedding.

The second significant glaciated area is at the junction of the Zaalai and Zulumart ranges where the Lenin peak is situated. On the slopes of the Lenin peak, a number of glaciers take their origin, the largest of them are: the October (88.2 sq. km.), the Great Sauqdara (53.0 sq. km.) and the Uisu (49.9 sq. km.).

However, the glaciated areas do not involve all the variety of glacial formations. Some ranges are not involved in the glaciated areas which contain a great number of glaciers, such as the glacial formations in Rushan, Muzkol, Shahdara, Hissar and Zerafshan. They are feeding a lot of water springs and comprise the basic stock of mountain glaciers in Tajikistan.

The altitudinal location of the glaciers is not similar and depends both on the climatic conditions and the glacier dimensions. As a rule, the larger glaciers slide down lower than the smaller ones. The averaged altitudes of the glacier lower boundaries are increased from west to east which is connected with the decrease of moisture content in the same direction. The glaciers in the Kafirnihan basin slide the lowest of all (3,650 m), in the Karakul lake basin (4,860 m) their border is the highest.

The glaciers in Tajikistan influence greatly the formation of flow and regime of rivers, as they are, first of all, the moisture accumulators for numerous rivers feeding; and secondly, they are natural flow regulators, giving up, in the process of melting, their water stock to the rivers in hot season when the need for water for agricultural purposes is especially high.