Blog articles

Beshai Palangon Nature Reserve (also known as the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve) is located in the southwest of Tajikistan near the Afghan border where the Vakhsh and Panj rivers meet to form the Amu Darya. ‘Beshai Palangon’ literally means ‘Tiger Valley’ in Tajik, a reminder of the region historically being the habitat of the now-extinct Turanian tiger. The site is the only nature reserve in Tajikistan that is not dominated by mountains, covering nearly 50.000 hectares of desert,...

Hulbuk Fortress is an historical fortified complex in southern Tajikistan that once served as the center of the medieval Khuttal region. Within the fortress, the Palace of the Governor served as the residence and administrative center for the region’s rulers. Remnants of walls and intricate architectural details reveal the impressive scale and sophistication of this ancient settlement. Hulbuk offers a nice glimpse into a past era that once shaped the wider region and is a convenient stop...

Engels Meadows is a scenic area that can be visited on a full-day hike from the Wakhan Valley. Starting from the Panj River and climbing gradually into the southern Pamirs, the route leads to high mountain pastures below the steep rock walls of Engels Peak. Without technical difficulties but with wide views over the Wakhan Valley and dramatic mountain backdrops, this hike offers a good impression of the landscapes that make the Wakhan Valley such a special place to visit.

The Bel Ayrik hike in the high-altitudes of the eastern Pamir Mountains offers stunning views over the remote landscapes of the Zorkul area. At 4.800 meters, the pass provides a vantage point of Zorkul Lake without requiring a special permit, making it an accessible way to experience this beautiful region. Reaching the trailhead itself is already an adventure, with a long drive through the vast desert plains of the Gurumdy Valley. The hike itself follows a gentle valley ascent, with a steep...

Murghob District is the largest and most remote district in Tajikistan, occupying much of the eastern Pamirs. Characterized by vast high-altitude plateaus and a harsh continental climate, the region sits at elevations almost entirely above 3.500 meters. Unlike the greener western Pamirs, Murghob is defined by vast desert landscapes, sparse vegetation and long distances between settlements. Its isolation, combined with unique natural conditions and a distinct cultural landscape, makes...

The Wakhan Valley, located in southeastern Tajikistan within the Ishkoshim District, follows the upper course of the Panj River along the border with Afghanistan. Forming part of the historic Wakhan Corridor, the valley is characterized by high mountain landscapes, remote settlements, and a concentration of cultural and historical sites. The combination of its stunning views, very hospitable inhabitants, natural hot springs and hiking opportunities makes it one of the most special regions...

The Nurek Reservoir, located on the Vakhsh River east of Dushanbe, is one of the largest reservoirs in Tajikistan. The immense lake is a striking landmark surrounded by rugged hills and mountain valleys. This article describes a hike to a crest on the south shore of the reservoir, with panoramic views over the lake, the Dashtimaidonsky Nature Refuge and the landscapes further south. Spring is a good time for this hike in particular, as the valley is dotted with bright purple Afghan redbud...

Southern Tajikistan remains largely overlooked by hikers, with most attention drawn to the country’s higher and more famous mountain ranges. Nevertheless, also the Khatlon Province offers a diverse landscape of ridges, valleys and isolated mountain groups that are well suited to rewarding day hikes. One nice option is a hike into the Takakamar mountain ridge in the deep southwest of Tajikistan. Takakamar has a special landscape on its top with rolling grassy hills and views reaching far...

Khatlon Province is one of the least visited regions of Tajikistan, often overshadowed by the country’s higher mountain ranges. The region does not offer extreme elevations, yet it contains a surprising variety of scenic and rewarding day hikes. This series showcases some of the most interesting hikes in southern Tajikistan. The first hike leads to Khoja Maston, a prominent local peak that offers wide views over the Khatlon plains and surrounding hills.

Basically any multi-day trekking route in Tajikistan requires wild camping, as accommodation options in the Tajik mountains are limited and often far apart. On many places, spending the night in a hostel or permanent shelter is simply not possible. For this reason, wild camping becomes an essential part of the trekking experience. The level of services and facilities at camp depends on the itinerary and region, but we always aim to provide reliable equipment, proper meals and a functional...

Childukhtaron (literally “Forty Girls” in Tajik) is a special rock formation near the Muminobod District in southern Khatlon province, about 250 kilometers south of Dushanbe. The site is one of the geological highlights in the Khatlon province. Childukhtaron has good access roads, so there no reason to skip it if you are around!

Whereas the Pamir and Fann Mountains attract most trekking adepts, Tajikistan hides countless other remote and beautiful corners that are also suited for hiking trips. One such area is the Sari Khosor National Park, nestled in the heart of the country. We set off on a three-day trek through this wild region in April. Our quest is to get from the village of Dara-Khurdak to the main Sari Khosor Valley. As can happen while trekking in spring, we are faced with a whole lot of rain and tough...

Sari Khosor is a remote village that feels like a forgotten Eden, lying tucked deep within one of Tajikistan’s most breathtaking natural parks. Surrounding by impressive mountain ranges, this isolated corner of the world is an ideal place for those looking for untouched natural beauty and a glimpse into traditional rural life. Reaching the village is difficult due to (very) rough roads, but the reward is worth it. In Sari Khosor, time slows down and serenity is part of daily life. If you...

Tajikistan has several unique dishes that anyone has to try when visiting. The Tajik cuisine particularly uses lots of rice, bread, meat and dairy products. With food being very affordable, there are no excuses to taste everything Tajikistan has to offer. Read on to find out about the food not be missed in Tajikistan.

Throughout the Pamir Mountains, there is lively cross-border trade between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The Panj River in the Pamirs forms a sharp border between the Tajik and Afghan side. Bridges connect both countries all along the Panj. On these border crossings, you can often find markets, where trade and cultural sharing create a special meeting point between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Hiking trails in the Tajik mountains remain very uncharted. Trekking routes typically consist of small shepherd trails leading through remote landscapes. In the most desolate regions, however, even such simple trails may be absent requiring you to navigate scree slopes and cross rivers. A lack of technical skills for hiking on rugged terrains can lead to a sub-optimal trekking experience, so selecting an appropriate route is essential. Given the challenging nature of the Tajik hiking trails...

First-time visitors to Tajikistan often find themselves uncertain about the accommodations during their mountain trek. Given the absence of mass tourism, homestays are the most common form of lodging. Homestays offer more than just a place to rest your head, providing unique insight into Tajik hospitality, traditions and everyday life. But what is an homestay precisely from a practical point of view and what facilities do they provide? Across Tajikistan, there are quite some regional...

Most of the amazing places to visit in Tajikistan are quite unknown to those interested in visiting the country. That makes it difficult to oversee where the different highlights are located and how far they are apart. We have prepared a 3D viewer that can help out to get the clear overview of everything that Tajikistan has to offer!

Dushanbe transformed from a small market village into the buzzing capital city of Tajikistan in only about 100 years. With a population just below a million, Dushanbe is a Soviet-style city with a modern feel to it. The city is in continuous construction with new buildings and monuments arising at a fast pace. Dushanbe is the main gateway to Tajikistan when traveling by airplane, so most people who visit Tajikistan at some point end up in Dushanbe. Find out here 9 must-sees of the capital...

New profiles for our trekking routes are now on the website. The heights of the trekking routes in Tajikistan are one of the most frequently asked questions. Altitudes and elevation differences are the most important factor determining the difficulty of a trek. For that reason it is important to give clear insight into the altitudes that can be expected. Here an example of how to achieve this with Google elevation data, ChartJS and some basic Python scripting.

You can reach the Yaghnob Valley directly from the M34 highway. But why always take the easy road? The challenging alternative is to enter the Yaghnob Valley from the Ziddi Valley in the south. From the Ziddi Valley, there are several passes crossing the mountain ridge to the north. Most frequently used are the one at Leilakul and the somewhat easier Anzob Pass. May 2022 – we packed our bags to visit Yaghnob Valley starting from Ziddi. The traverse did not turn out to be as...

Trekking through the high mountains of Tajikistan is a unique and unforgettable adventure. Traversing the breathtaking landscapes is something any trekking adept needs to experience. At the same time, trekking in extreme conditions through touristically under-developed regions comes with particular challenges. Trails are not indicated, public transport to the mountains is lacking and accommodation options are limited. Traveling to the end of the world under such circumstances requires a...

When traveling in a foreign country, it is convenient to be able to move around without too much hassle. As for Tajikistan, this does not really apply. The country lacks a regional public transport system. There are no easy bus or train connections for an easy transfer to the beautiful nature outside the city limits. If you want to travel large distances, you rather need to find a shared car or use your own transport. With sometimes sketchy road conditions, traveling around in Tajikistan is...

Tajikistan lies right in the collision zone of two continents. Over millions of years, extreme tectonic forces have shaped the country into a rugged landscape of mountain ridges, valleys and peaks. And the mountain building is still ongoing! Over 90% of Tajikistan is mountainous with most of the country higher than 3.000 meters. The geology is complex, but knowing the basics will give an extra dimension to your trip when traveling through the mountains of Tajikistan.

Norak is a small yet versatile city along the Vakhsh River in Central Tajikistan. Most importantly it is the largest powerhouse of Tajikistan owing to the huge Norak Dam right next to it – the second tallest dam in the world. Apart from this huge megastructure, Norak hosts a space monitoring center on a nearby hilltop and a military base. The city is also a popular place for locals to hang out and relax at one of the many lakes along the river. If you are in Dushanbe and have some time...

The Hisor Fortress is one of the best preserved historical sites in Tajikistan. Strategically located on a hilltop, the fortress was built around 2500 years ago. Throughout the turbulent history of the region since then, this ancient stronghold has witnessed many changes in power, being demolished and rebuilt numerous times. Less than a one hour drive from Dushanbe, the Hisor historical site is ideally suited for a day-trip from the capital for those interested in the Tajik history.

Are you in Dushanbe and want to get active? With this leisurely day hike, you can explore the Tajik mountains at a stone's throw of the busy capital. Starting from the village of Varzob, the trail runs along a river for a few kilometers and ends at a picturesque waterfall. An easygoing hike that is ideal if you have a day to spare in Dushanbe.

Corona brought a big blow to the tourist industry around the world. The tourism sector of Tajikistan is not left unaffected either. Every single homestay we have visited lately shares one and the same story – the tourists have largely disappeared. Rooms remain empty. The income has dried up. The hiking trails remain nearly completely free of tourists. The abrupt corona pandemic strongly impacted those relying on tourism, as we find out each time we move around in the mountains these...

The Pamirs are among the most impressive destinations for ultra-high trekking expeditions. Most hiking trails in the Pamir Mountains are unfortunately covered by snow most of the year. When summer approaches and temperatures rise, we are – like many – eager to hit the trails as quickly as possible. The early season may still be very snowy and comes with extra challenges on top of the already tough trekking conditions under normal circumstances. We hit the trail in spring to visit the...