Nature is at its best in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a picturesque 143,100 square kilometers of a country in Central Asia.

It is endowed with the highest mountain ranges in the region, numerous mountain lakes, the 300-metre high Nurek Dam which is ranked among the highest in the world, crystal waterfalls and carpets of colorful flowers.

It has many historical architectural monuments which add to the splendor of an enjoyable destination.

Tajikistan is bordered by Uzbekistan in the west, China to east, Kyrgyzstan in the north and Afghanistan to the south.

Until recently, Tajikistan rarely got media coverage, thus many people had never heard of it. Some Britons asked me “Tajikistan? Where is it? Who knew that country even existed?”

With a population of eight million, Tajikistan is building its international tourism image even though Russians have been its main visitors. In spite of its poor tourism infrastructure, its tourism ratings are on the rise and Globe Spots placed it second best among the top ten destinations.

Its natural beauty is unsurpassed and it is no wonder that this once unknown holiday destination is popular among mountaineers, trekking lovers, adrenaline junkies who visit it to enjoy the spectacularly beautiful mountains such as Fann Mountain, Tien Shan, Pamirs and the 7,500-metre high Ismoil Somoni Park.

Pamir Mountains, which means “roof of the world,” touch the sky. The world’s famous road Pamir Highway, known as the second highest highway in the world, runs through Tajikistan which once formed an important part of the fabled Silk Road, a part of the economic and cultural artery of the East.

Though independent only since 1991, Tajikistan’s history dates back to 3,000 years. It was part of the Soviet Socialist Republics from 1929.

Tajikistan does not have noisy towns and cities, or glaring neon signs along every street. Some parts are hot and dusty while it snows in others during winter.

Ideally, there is a lot to see in Tajikistan. The name of the capital, Dushanbe may not be popular with many visitors, but this is a beautiful city with high rise buildings from where you start your holiday.

Situated at the confluence of Varzob and Kofarinihon rivers, Dushanbe means Monday in Tajik language. Locals say that Dushanbe got its name from popular village market held on Mondays in the area. 

Among the things to see in the capital are Ayni Academic Opera and Ballet Centre, the leading musical theatre and the heart of the city’s cultural life.

You have an opportunity to relieve your stress by swimming with the dolphins at the Delfin Aquapark. Locals encourage visitors to see the statue of the 10th Century King Ismoil Somoni which stands with all its grandeur in the heart of Dushanbe.

The area is illuminated in the evenings with coloured fountains and wonderful lights. The statue is well-guarded but sometimes police officers block tourists from photographing it to extract bribes.

The Ismaili Centre is also a popular place. It has a beautiful and overpowering architectural structure with five minarets. The centre is a quiet place for meditation, but is busy with activities for Tajiks who form three percent of the country’s Ismaili Khoja population.

Tajiks love to visit Rudaki Park — the city’s central park named after the national poet — which offers families and children places to relax and play. It has fountains and paddle boats and is an ideal place to relax and watch Dushanbe’s high rise buildings.

Some 125 kilometres away from Dushanbe, in the north-west of the country are the Fann Mountains.

Trekkers will love the arduous trek to points such as 3,680-metre Alauddin Pass. The highest point on the Fann Mountains is Chimtarga Peak at 5,489 metres.

The area around Marguzor is also known as the Land of the Lakes because of its seven lakes which offer beautiful scenery and easy treks.

While the breath-taking mountains and nature are no doubt spectacular, Tajiks are also known for their friendly nature and hospitality. Locals often affectionately refer to Tajikistan as Mountainistan and Friendistan.

British tourist Don Roberts, who travelled to Kulob 200 kilometres from Dushanbe city, recounted his surprise when he heard a knock on the door of his guest room just as he was about to sleep on a nearly hungry stomach.

He had eaten a cheap meal of one small kulcha (bread) downed with tap water at an eatery near his guest house. He told the friendly café owner that he had run out of money on the last stage of his holiday.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see the café owner standing there with a bottle of vodka, a pan of Palav (pilau) and onions which he had come to share with him.

He invited the Briton to his café for a complimentary breakfast the following morning.

Tajikistan is no doubt an inviting destination. You can fly to Tajikistan from Moscow, Tehran and New Delhi by Air Tajik or from Dubai by flydubai  and from London by Turkish Airlines.