Formerly known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan is in central Asia and shares its borders with Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Meaning ‘Land of the Tajiks’, Tajikistan is still a relatively new country and its tourist activities are limited to adventure sports such as hiking, mountaineering and trekking. If you prefer a more subdued vacation, you can visit the country’s museums, markets and historical places.
Things to do in Tajikistan:
One of the best things to do in Tajikistan is go hiking or trekking through the rugged mountain landscapes of the country. Tajikistan has some of the best trekking, mountaineering and hiking in the world as the trails are extremely beautiful and totally untouched by modernity. The only catch is that to explore these places you need an excellent translator and a good guide to get around without getting lost. You should leave your travel itinerary with your hotel front desk and with your embassy in case you get lost. Many governments still have travel restrictions to Tajikistan as the security situation in the country is unstable.
For the avid mountaineer, the three giant peaks of the Pamirs, Somoni Peak, Lenin Peak and Korzhenevskaya Peak are fabulous climbs.
For hikers and trekkers, there are a number of high altitude climbs around the Pamir region and near the Fann Mountains. Trekking season is between June and September and it is best to trek with a group. Do not forget to bring along your own equipment as there are no quality equipment rental shops in the area. Mountaineering, trekking and hiking in the Pamir region provide a fantastic opportunity to get some spectacular views of the Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindu Kush and Tian Shan mountain ranges. Locally known as ‘Bam-i-Dunya’ or ‘Roof of the World’, the Pamir region is indeed a sight to behold.
Some other popular hiking and trekking trips generally start in Moscow and go around the ancient Sogdian lakes such as the Iskander-kul and the Muragazor. The Iskander-kul is a few miles north of Dushanbe, the capitol of Tajikistan. Additionally, you can ski or hunt in the hills in the area.For a small fee, some tour operators can organize individual itineraries for travelers who wish to go their own separate way. Besides alpine mountaineering, rock climbing or hiking, you can also go for a horse or camel ride, as well as explore the natural surroundings and simply relax in the midst of dramatic mountain landscape.
Watch some local sports
If you prefer a more cultural experience in Tajikistan, go and watch the national sport of wrestling called Gushtin Geri or watch a game of Bushkashi, where 2 teams mounted on horses attempt to carry the carcass of a goat over the opposition's goal post.
Shopping
Shopping in Tajikistan is not the best, but you do find some hidden treasures in the country’s many street markets and stalls. The bazaar and market behind the Hotel Tajikistan is one of the best places in Dushanbe to get good handicrafts. Shokhmansur Bazaar also known as Zilyoni Bazaar near Ploshchad Ayni sells food and there is a souvenir shop on the corner of Prospekt Rudaki and Ulitsa Ismail Somoni. There is also a local art gallery.
Explore Hissor & Dushanbe
Visit the Tajikistan Unified Museum in Dushanbe which has on display many of the country’s historic art and artifacts or visit the Museum of Ethnography in Hissor (about 30 km -19 mi- west of Dushanbe on the M41). This museum has Tajik art work on display as well as the local ways of life. Another place that is definitely worth seeing is the capitol is the Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre, which has some stunning architecture and interior design. When in Hissor, visit the "Masjidi Sangin" or ‘Stone Mosque’ which is made entirely from stone. This mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world dating back to the 8th century. Also when exploring Hissor, visit the historic Hissor Fort which was nearly destroyed by the Red Army but is now being rebuilt.
