The Best of Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a country with thousands of years of rich history that is rarely visited even though it has preserved many of its remote places in their natural and primitive forms. Historically Tajikistan formed part of many ancient states and empires. Its modern territory was established during the Soviet Union (1922–1991), but after the collapse of Soviet Union (1991), this small country willingly opened its gates to the world.

Arriving in Dushanbe, you will be offered a warm welcome wherever you turn: be it around its verdant streets, green parks, bazaars with their buzz of traders, boutique shops with local crafts, unique museums and local people. You will find yourself admiring the mixture of architectural structures from Soviet and post-Soviet times.

Dushanbe has great transport connections with its outskirts, nearby towns, districts and villages. Only half an hour drive away you can find yourself in the rural area of Hissar, once the residence of Amir of Bukhara. Be ready to drive through the high passes further north en route to the ancient town of Panjakent with its unique views and rich historical archaeological sites. A hike in the Fann Mountains is an extraordinary experience that most people can only ever dream about. You will see the beauty of nature in all its colours and sounds in this place, while visiting each of the seven lakes situated at different altitudes.

Returning to Dushanbe, rest well and energise your body and spirit for a breath-taking trip towards the Pamirs mythical highways. After a six-hour drive you will enter Qalʿai Khumb the gateway to the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region. During your journey you will be become observer of two countries simultaneously - Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Across the Panj River that serves as the border between these two countries, you will be able to witness the various ways of life of the Tajiks on one side and the Afghans on the other.

Enjoy your stay in Khorog in a traditional house (chid), a unique homestay that takes you back to a centuries-old style of living. Hike to the second highest botanical garden in the world, breathe in the freshest of fresh air, go for a walk to the Chor-bogh park and follow the lines of high poplar trees that lead inside the Ismaili Centre, the design of which derives its inspiration from vernacular architecture of the area. Talk to the locals and let them reveal to you other hidden gems of the city.

Get connected to Wi-Fi in Khorog and say goodbye to it for the rest of your journey on your way to the roof of the world towards the Wakhan district to enter one of the most famous land corridors, which served to connect East and West from times of antiquity up to today. Here, you will see the remnants of numerous ancient and early medieval defensive fortresses and cultic sites that connect you with the past.

Intriguingly you will find yourself travelling from the past right to the future when you reach Alichur. It is a place which will make you think of life on the moon. Not much can live in this high plateau whose inhospitable landscape and harsh climate mean that its grey surface has been left untouched by anyone but Mother Nature. A lot has been written about this remote area but few have witnessed it so far and you are most welcome here to be the next explorer of this vision of outer space on earth.

Visit Bulunkul the coldest village in Tajikistan and feel the warmth and calmness of its inhabitants. Observe how the turquoise lake changes its colour like a chameleon in daytime and see how under brightest starry sky its ripping waters turn into twinkling fireflies. Driving back from this trip you will feel as if you are being catapulted back to the present time again and are being reconnected with the world but with a whole new outlook on the world.