Khatlon Region

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...

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.

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...