Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Tajikistan. #Top Attractions

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Making travel arrangements to visit Tajikistan? Check out the list of the best things to do in Tajikistan and places to go in Tajikistan below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.

Ancient Panjakent

Ancient Panjakent Tajikistan
Ancient Panjakent Tajikistan / U.S. Embassy Dushanbe / Flickr

Admire the ruins of a once-great city-state that beautifies the Silk Road.

The Sogdiana Empire governed central Asia. Over a thousand years ago, Panjakent was among the easternmost cities in the eastern part of the empire.

Imperial religious texts praised Zoroastrianism, which saw Sogdiana as the second-best place on earth after Eden.

Using the coordinates mentioned above, you may get to the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Penjikent.

No fences separate the archaeological site of ancient Panjakent from the city of Panjakent today. Therefore, visitors have multiple entry points.

Despite this, there is an official entrance to the building, and guests are typically dropped off there by taxi drivers.

The museum and the historic city across the street are open to visitors for a modest cost.

Findings in Ancient Panjakent, such as the well-preserved frescoes that reflect aspects of daily life and religious beliefs, are among the most noteworthy.

Wall murals and carved wooden ornaments from the Sogdian period have been unearthed thanks to the cooperative efforts of archaeologists from Russia and Tajikistan.

You won’t miss seeing some of Tajikistan’s most impressive historical sites, so be sure to put them on your schedule.

Address: Nohijai Pançakent, Tajikistan

Fann Mountains

Fann Mountains Tajikistan
Fann Mountains Tajikistan / Oleg Brovko / Flickr

Get your journey started and make your way up to the peak of this mountain!

Various fascinating hiking opportunities are available in the Fann Mountains, which are home to some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the country.

The Fann Mountains may be reached quickly and easily from Dushanbe. They are located in the northwest corner of Tajikistan.

Although it is not as well known as the Pamir, the mountains are almost as spectacular, with some reaching heights of 5,489 meters or higher, such as Chimtarga.

From May through October, visitors to the Fann Mountains can go hiking in the surrounding meadows, which are especially lovely during the spring and summer seasons when they are awash with alpine flowers.

Iskanderkul is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning locations in all of the Fann. If time is of the essence, you might always contemplate making the journey there in a single day.

A waterfall close to the turquoise lake bears Alexander the Great’s name and is a must-see for its breathtaking vistas!

Address: Sughd Province, Tajikistan

Ferghana Valley

Ferghana Valley, Tajikistan
Ferghana Valley is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Central Asia is home to a fertile agricultural heartland.

The Fergana Valley is a significant producer of raw silk, cotton, and fruit, and it is one of the most densely populated regions in all of Central Asia.

In the past, the Fergana Valley was a significant stopping point along the Silk Road for products and people making their way from China to destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

Traders from Kashgar in Xinjiang might have found the rich abundance of Fergana to be a pleasant relief after traveling the passes. In addition, they would have had the opportunity to purchase more high-quality silk created in Margilan.

Mineral reserves such as oil, coal, ozocerite, mercury, and antimony are among those that are extracted from the earth.

Today, it can be found in three countries formerly part of the Soviet Union: Tajikistan, eastern Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The cultural and ethnic diversity and the historical and ecological significance of this region cannot be overstated.

Fergana Valley is a treasure trove for the adventurous traveler, offering breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous cities, and exquisite, handcrafted silks and pottery.

Address: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Garm Chashma

Garm Chashma, Tajikistan
Garm Chashma is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Soak yourself in the natural hot springs and have a relaxing day!

The name Garm Chashma translates to “hot springs” in Tajik.

Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, and dragon-slayer is said to have slashed the surface using his sword and caused a fountain of boiling water to appear.

A pool in the middle of the rock looks like meringue due to the mineral deposits that have built it up over thousands of years. To get there, use the Pamir Highway south of Khorog, and you’ll find it.

The waterfalls curve like a bank; the colors are golden, reddish-brown, and dazzling white.

Small and big fountains line the hill’s peak, which is fed by mineral water from deep beneath the surface.

The water is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit when it emerges from the earth.

Mineral water is supposed to heal over 70 health ailments, so locals come here just to bathe and seek treatment. 

Sessions are typically separated according to gender, so if you are one of the people who go bathing and like to swim without clothes on, this is the place for you!

Address: Ishkoshim Range, Tajikistan

Iskanderkul

Iskanderkul Tajikistan
Iskanderkul Tajikistan / Oleg Brovko / Flickr

Hike here for a day to witness this lake’s breathtaking scenery!

Former Soviet Union residents considered Iskanderkul Lake among their favorite alpine aquaria.

It’s still a favorite weekend escape for Dushanbe residents. Still, it’s now attracting a growing number of tourists worldwide who want to see the Fann mountains.

Iskanderkul Lake’s name translates to “Lake of Alexander the Great,” with “Iskander” referring to the Turkic moniker for Alexander the Great.

Tajikistan is home to an astonishing number of crystal clear lakes, particularly in the mountain range known as the Fann. The Iskanderkul lake is one of the lakes that are easiest to reach.

The Iskanderkul lake can be reached from Dushanbe in less than five hours, making it a convenient tourist destination.

This is a terrific spot to go if you’re looking for some easy day treks in Tajikistan.

A journey to Tajikistan wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Iskanderkul Lake.

Address: Sughd Province, Tajikistan

Jizeu

Jizeu, Tajikistan
Jizeu is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Indulge yourself in the beautiful scenery of the lakes created by glacial water.

After traveling through the desolate and dry Bartang Valley, arriving at the Jizeu Valley is like being transported to a verdant paradise.

Suppose you’re heading up to higher altitudes. In that case, Jizeu is a great warm-up climb to get used to the altitude or a relaxing cool-down hike after more challenging stuff is done.

A popular side excursion from Dushanbe is the Bartang Valley, which may be accessed by driving along the Pamir Highway.

To get to the settlement of Jizeu, you’ll have to walk a little distance. From the Bartang highway, it only takes two hours to get there.

You can spend the night in one of several warm and inviting homestays. Gudara and Siponj are two other villages that can be found along the roadway that runs through the Bartang valley.

Since the Bartang valley roadway is less crowded than the Pamir highway during peak tourist season, it is a good alternative.

Hike in Bartang Valley’s “the Jizeu Valley,” one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, and look at how people live in this area without much infrastructure.

Address: Bartang Valley, Western Pamir, Tajikistan

Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake Tajikistan
Karakul Lake Tajikistan / Ninara / Flickr

See the snow-capped summits of the Pamir Mountains reflected in the river.

Karakul, whose name literally translates to “Black Lake,” would appear to sit atop the world.

It is above Titicaca, at 3,960 meters above sea level, making it a world-class lake.

Karakul may be found in the Tajik National Park, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a natural site.

Its diverse habitats make it a valuable home for birds, including several uncommon species such as Tibetan sand grouse, the bar-headed goose, Caucasian great rose finch, and yellow-billed chough. These birds are found nowhere else in the world.

In addition, the sky appears closer and has a richer coloration because of its great height. The Milky Way’s brilliant brilliance can be appreciated at night.

The village of Karakul does not have any hotels. Still, it has several homestays where visitors can stay with the locals and get a taste of their culture.

Address: Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

Lake Sarez

Lake Sarez, Tajikistan
Lake Sarez is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

A hike unlike any other in Tajikistan!

One of Central Tajikistan’s most remote lakes, Sarez Lake, is located deep in the Pamir Mountains.

Usoi Dam, a natural barrier, formed in 1911 after an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter Scale and an accompanying landslide of approximately 2.2 million cubic meters. It is the world’s tallest natural or man-made Dam at 567 meters.

Local officials were unaware of this enormous Dam’s existence for more than a month because of its distant position.

An enormous lake of over 16 km3 was formed in less than a day when the entire valley was submerged by water.

Make it a point to get up early and witness Lake Sarez’s perfect mirroring clouds and craggy peaks on the distant banks in its amazingly blue waters.

It is incredibly serene to begin a day of hiking in such a disaster-formed and disaster-foreboding location.

Address: Rushon District, Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan.

Lost City of Castle Karon

Lost City of Castle Karon, Tajikistan
Lost City of Castle Karon is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Check out Machu Picchu’s rival in Central Asia.

Not only do entire towns disappear in Indiana Jones, but such things also happen in real life. 

After being abandoned for decades, Karon is now again a bustling town located just outside of Tajikistan’s GBAO area.

Machu Picchu-like scenery can be seen in crowds of high-rise structures with their stairs intact and broad streets.

It is projected to take decades to fully excavate the ruins of this extraordinary Tajik city.

An impressive citadel, gold mines, several fire and water temples, and even a polo arena with room for 10,000 spectators were all part of the complex. Karon vanished after that.

After being identified in 2012, archaeologists have been excavating a large complex that has been termed “the Machu Picchu of Tajikistan” by the media.

Only a few excursions stop here, but those who do get an interesting history lesson and stunning views of the castle and the surrounding peaks.

There is nothing worth your while like a view from the peak of the city’s historic quarters.

Address: Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

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Pamir Highway

Pamir Highway Tajikistan
Pamir Highway Tajikistan / Kalpak Travel / Flickr

Roadtrip? Don’t worry! Pamir Highway got you.

The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan is not only the most well-known tourist destination in the country, but it is also considered among the most incredible journeys possible by car anywhere in the world.

The Pamir Mountains are home to a high desert that begs for hyperbole and praise.

Unlike the Altiplano or Tibet, this is a rough and solitary location, but it is populated by hospitable residents.

The roughness of the terrain exudes a sense of peace and spirituality.

The Pamir Highway is primarily accessible by car. Still, a select few daring and physically fit tourists prefer to take on the task on a bicycle.

Routes from Dushanbe to Khorog, the entrance to the Pamir Mountains, traverse the Panj River and the Afghan-Tajik border.

The terrain shifts constantly during the day, from rolling hills covered in verdant vegetation to rocky mountains and other lunar-like high-altitude scenes.

To get there, you must pass through the Pamir Mountains’ Murghab Plateau, which rises to a height of 4,655 meters.

You can’t help but be drawn to it if you’ve ever had a taste for the wild. It’s enough to make you gasp for air!

Address: M41 Highway, Tajikistan

Qurutob

Qurutob, Tajikistan
Qurutob is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Get a taste of authentic Tajik cuisine while you’re in the country!

Shaslyck, plov, and Laghman are common central Asian meals served in most restaurants. Tajikistan does, however, have a national dish all its own.

Flatbread, known as fatir (patyr), and qurut, which are dry cheese balls, are brought together in this well-known Tajik meal.

Pieces of fatir are arranged on top of a cheese base that has been steeped in salty water for several hours.

Servings are frequently piled high on big qurutob platters with a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, including tomatoes and cucumbers.

The meal may also include meat or be topped with entire chili peppers as an optional ingredient.

But don’t worry! Making the whole dish from scratch isn’t nearly as challenging as one may think.

A little more work is required, but the end result could be even greater than Tajikistan’s version.

According to local practice, qurutob is designed to be shared and eaten with your hands.

Multiple qurutobkhona restaurants in Dushanbe solely serve this one dish, and it’s the ideal spot to sample it.

Rokhat Teahouse, Dushanbe

Rokhat Teahouse, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Rokhat Teahouse is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

If you’re a tea fanatic like Tajiks, this is the place for you!

The Rokhat Teahouse is an architectural marvel that was created during Soviet times.

The white neoclassical front of the building opens up to reveal an elegantly adorned inside with a traditional Persian design. 

Some of the most accomplished artisans in Tajikistan created this interior design.

It is a wonderful spot to relax with a cup of tea, a bowl of noodles, or a glass of Simsim beer while mingling with the locals and watching the city go by.

Tea should be consumed in every human encounter, as well as is the ideal beverage to have first thing in the morning and after each meal. 

It is highly recommended that you visit the Rokhat Teahouse while you are in Dushanbe, the capital city of the Tajik Republic.

Even throughout Ramadan, workers remain busy in the kitchen. 

Come here for lunch and have some shashlik (type of kebab) with a mug of green tea while looking out at the stunning scenery.

Address: Rudaki Avenue 84, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The Roof of the World Festival

The Roof of the World Festival, Tajikistan
The Roof of the World Festival is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Participate in the festival hosted by Pamir!

Every year, Khorog, the capital of the Great Gorkha Autonomous Oblast, hosts the Roof of the World Festival.

Cultural exchange and preservation among peoples from Central and South Asia have been made possible by the Roof of the World Festival’s role in fostering peace and developing a harmonious cultural environment.

The festival honors the dance traditions and rich musicals of the Pamir region, and it also features performances by musicians and dancers from other countries.

The majority of the activities take place in Khorog’s Central Park, which is a verdant area next to the river, but the entire town comes alive with kiosks selling native handicrafts and cuisine, as well as performers and spectators dressed in national garb.

The Pamir Mountains, once home to ancient Sogdiana and Bactria, are reached via this journey through historic Sogdiana and Bactria territories.

Adventurers will follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps as they journey over the ancient Silk Road, savoring stunning scenery, alpine lakes, and hospitable locals while uncovering the mysteries of the ancient Silk Road.

Address: Gorno Badakhshan, Khorog, Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s Bazaars

Tajikistan's Bazaars, Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s Bazaars is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

If you are searching for souvenirs, you don’t need to look any further than these bazaars because they have a lot to offer!

Tajikistan’s bazaars, like those across the rest of Central Asia, are a visual feast.

There are tons of dried fruits, as well as tandoor spices, dairy goods, bread, and meat, all of which may be found here.

Many visitors to Tajikistan prefer the Panchshanbe market in Khujand due to the country’s remote location, where few travelers and few gifts are available.

There is an expectation of negotiation at the bazaars, but not in areas like department shops, in which the prices are plainly displayed.

Uniquely traditional Tajik padded coats, which are best worn with the appropriate headgear and belt, make for comfortable and useful keepsakes.

The bazaar marketplaces in Tajikistan are the ideal places to buy souvenirs or sample the local cuisine.

Another local delicacy is Ruski Standard vodka, which is widely regarded as the finest.

Check out these bazaars, and you’ll be able to bring back a lot of fantastic souvenirs!

Address: Sharq St 3а, Khujand, Tajikistan

Takht-i Sangin

Takht-i Sangin Tajikistan
Takht-i Sangin Tajikistan / ALFGRN / Flickr

Discover the British Museum’s crown jewels!

It is thought that this gold horde originated from the Temple of the Oxus at Takht-i Sangin, an archaeological site in southwest Tajikistan.

One of the most important structures associated with Zoroastrianism is the Takhti-Sangin, which, when translated from the Tajik language, means “stone throne.”

It is known as the Temple of the Oxus and is considered to be one of the most important and ancient archaeological sites in all of Tajikistan.

Founded in the sixth century BC, this ancient city was built around a fortified citadel at the conclusion of the Achaemenid era.

The Temple of Oxus was a massive structure with a columned hall, two rows of hallways, and a Classical portico on the inside.

Coins, precious metals, artworks, and ritual weapons were placed on a magnificently carved altar at the heart of the temple.

If you want to see some of the best ivories, ceramics, and sculptures from this site, you’ll have to get a permit from the National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.

Amu Darya Treasure is a remarkable collection in this museum if you get an opportunity to see it!

Address: Southern Tajikistan

The Seven Lakes

The Seven Lakes, Tajikistan
The Seven Lakes is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Be mesmerized by the stunning array of mountain lakes and their ever-changing hues.

The “Seven Lakes,” “Haftkul,” or “Marguzor Lakes” are all Tajik names for what is actually known as the “Seven Lakes.” 

Nezhigon is the name given to the lowest lake, which is where most visitors arrive first.

After this comes Gushor, then Soya, Khurdak, Nofin, Marguzor, which has the biggest size, and finally Hazorchashma, the highest.

These lakes can be found deep within the Fann Mountains in the Shing River gorge.

As evidenced by ancient petroglyphs found on lakeshores, these bodies of water are at least a few thousand years old.

Every lake in the area, with the exception of Hazorchashma, was created when rock slides in the tight gorge blocked the river.

Gravel, serpentine road passes past all seven lakes, and it takes roughly an hour to drive from the first to the last one (not considering stops).

As Tajikistan’s best-kept secret, Seven Lakes is a must-see if you seek a tranquil spot to unwind.

Address: Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Wakhan Valley

Wakhan Valley Tajikistan
Wakhan Valley Tajikistan / Hans Birger Nilsen / Flickr

Spend some time exploring the historic forts and the natural hot springs.

Numerous routes cross the Wakhan Valley in the Pamir Mountains, including those used by pilgrims, traders, and nomads.

This region of Central Asia is home to diverse wildlife and isolated communities that are reliant on the region’s mountainous landscape for their survival.

A picturesque detour through the Wakhan valley can be taken instead of traveling directly from Khorog to Murgab.

While the Wakhan Valley is known for its breathtaking scenery, it is also home to a distinct cultural heritage worth exploring.

The Wakhan people, in contrast to the majority of Tajikistan’s Muslim population, are Ismaili Muslims. Shiite Islam’s more moderate school.

The local shrines in the Wakhan Valley are distinguished by their goat-horned spires and their architectural designs, which symbolize Islam’s four pillars.

However, the Wakhan people have a long and rich history that precedes the rise of Islam. 

Rock art, temples, forts, and petroglyphs from both Zoroastrianism and Buddhism may be found across the valley.

In addition, you shouldn’t miss out on the hot springs, as many people believe they have therapeutic benefits.

Address: Southern Tajikistan

Wall of Great Tajik Writers

Wall of Great Tajik Writers, Tajikistan
Wall of Great Tajik Writers is one of the best places to go in Tajikistan

Get to know Tajikistan’s rich history through the eyes of its many authors! 

It is called “The Wall” because it is in front of the Dushanbe Writers’ Union building, home to a group of playwrights, novelists, and poets.

For Tajikistan’s rich Persian and Soviet heritage, the wall is sculpted with nine niches holding eleven life-size figures of notable authors.

Rudaki, the “Adam of Poets” from the 8th century, deserves his place at the forefront of this discussion. Although just a small fraction of his writing has survived, he is regarded as a founding father of traditional Persian literature.

Rudaki Park, the Dushanbe Flag Pole, and the National Museum of Tajikistan are all close by, as is the Writers’ Union Building, which is a fitting memorial to the country’s most celebrated poet.

The aim is to guarantee that both present and ancient works of literature do not conflict with Communist objectives.

In today’s world, the ideals of this organization are similar to those of writers’ unions everywhere.

If you believe that the well-known Persian poet Rudaki was the only significant figure in Tajik literary history, you should definitely check out the Wall of Great Writers from Tajikistan.

Address: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Yaghnob Valley

Yagnob Valley Tajikistan
Yagnob Valley Tajikistan / The Caravanserai / Flickr

Experience the fascinating culture of the Yagnob People!

In the Yagnob Valley, you’ll not only see stunning mountain scenery, but you’ll also get a chance to learn about the Yagnobi culture.

As a result, trekkers can explore the unique Yagnob Valley and connect it to treks in Ziddi, Zeravshan Valley, and Romit Nature Preserve through a wide range of possibilities.

There aren’t many trekkers in this part of Tajikistan, but the lack of other tourists only enhances one’s sense of wonder as one explores.

People who live in the Yagnob Valley are descended from ancient Sogdiana and initially came from the Panjakent region, which is located a little bit to the northwest of the Yagnob Valley.

During the time of the Arab invasions and the spread of Islam across Central Asia, a great number of Sogdians abandoned their native countries with the worry that they would be killed.

Community-based tourism projects have resulted in a few homestays. Several traditional settlements in the valley are just now welcoming visitors, so plan your visit now!

Address: Northwest Tajikistan

Yamchun Fortress

 Yamchun Fortress Tajikistan
Yamchun Fortress Tajikistan / Hans Birger Nilsen / Flickr

Get a sense of history from the impressive, strong stone walls and circular watchtowers surrounding you!

The Yamchun stronghold may be seen in all its glory from the Wakhan corridor in the midst of the Pamir Highway after turning off the main road and ascending a lengthy serpentine up into the hills.

Different rocks were used to build the Yamchun fortress’s walls, and some of them were brought in from far away.

Masonry research also revealed that earthquake-resistant layers of wood were placed during construction to increase the building’s adaptability and stability.

The Yamchun Fortress, perched atop a cliff above the valley, is Wakhan’s most spectacular and oldest landmark.

So the theory goes, the ancient Wakhan’s most formidable defense fortification.

Local mythology has it that the stronghold was built by the Qakhkaha and Zangibor brothers, two monarchs.

On the famous Silk Road, the fort had a pivotal role in controlling freight, commerce, and security in the region from the Pamirs through India, Bactria, and Iran, and back.

Make the most of your time in Tajikistan by visiting sites like this one!

Address: X796+VCW, Eshkashem, Tajikistan

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