Tourism

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...