Tajikistan, where eastern Asia and the Middle East meet sits a tiny nation that acts as a melting pot for both sides. The cultural influence of nearby countries, China and Russia, for instance, meld with that of the thick Persian ancestry of Tajiks and captures prospective travelers’ imaginations. Tajikistan’s number one attraction is the Pamir Mountains – but they don’t overshadow the genuine hospitality of the locals.
The Pamirs rival such mountainous regions as the Himalayas. In fact, the majority of Tajikistan’s topography is nearly continuous, jagged mountain ranges. If you wanted to travel from one end to the other, you might not think it would take too long, because it’s so beautiful – but that idea is a bit deceptive. It’s backcountry at best, impassable at worst. That said, if you’re seeking luxurious accommodations, you’re pretty much relegated to the capital of Dushanbe. It has the country’s only international airport, too. If you want to head out into the off-path destinations, you’ll get a bit further from luxury as you’ll find mostly basic guest homes, hotels, and home-stays.
Dushanbe is located on the Varzob River’s western banks, and the capital city’s greatest attractions include the largest mosque in Central Asia, Dushanbe Central, and Tajikistan’s National Museum of Antiquities. The collection at this museum includes a statue of Buddha that stands at 40-feet-tall. You’ll also enjoy plenty of shade as you stroll the city exploring – all the streets have pedestrian lanes lined with trees. Each avenue seems to lead to another public park, such as Rudaki Park or Park Sharshara. As the sun begins to set, the locals head to these parks to wind down and discuss their day. And if you have time to depart the city for awhile, catch a taxi out to Hisor Fortress. It’s over 3000 years old and is only 20 miles outside Dushanbe.
Another highlight of a trip to Tajikistan, is the UNESCO-recognized Sarazm. While what remains of this city is just that – remains – it’s undeniable that a city once flourished here. It’s one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements at more than 5,500 years. Dushanbe’s antiquities museum holds many of the artifacts discovered here, among which was found an entirely intact skeleton of a female completely covered in jewels which has since been nicknamed the Princess of Sarazm.
Think Tajikistan is for you? What do you want to explore first?
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