Tired of the summer heat and relentless city noise, residents of Dushanbe often seek solace in the nearby mountain gorges. These pristine natural escapes are also becoming popular among international visitors. The most frequented destinations are Varzob and Romit due to their close proximity to the Tajik capital. However, more adventurous travelers have recently begun exploring the less-visited Karatag, Shirkent, and Almosy gorges.
Where to go is up to you, but we’ve detailed what makes each of these gorges special.
Varzob is the most developed and, unsurprisingly, the most popular gorge for a quick retreat. Located just a short drive from Dushanbe, it is often bustling with residents and visitors, especially on weekends.
Varzob offers a variety of amenities for tourists, including holiday homes, tourist lodges, roadside cafes, private villas, and summer cottages. The gorge branches into multiple smaller valleys such as Ovchug, Takob, Khoja Obi Garm, and Siyoma, each offering its own distinct charm.
Accessible year-round, the main feature of Varzob is the Varzob River, whose numerous tributaries flow through smaller gorges, creating countless springs and clear brooks surrounded by fresh mountain air. For adventure enthusiasts, a scenic 8-kilometer hike leads to the Gusgarf Waterfall, where the powerful river cascades down a 30-meter drop. The trail is well-trodden and perfect for nature lovers seeking an invigorating walk.
Romit Gorge is renowned for its immense tourism potential. Located about 70 kilometers from Dushanbe, Romit village sits at the confluence of the Sarda-Miyona and Sorbo rivers. Across the river begins the Romit Nature Reserve, established in 1959, covering more than 16,000 hectares.
The reserve is now a designated tourist area, home to hotels, cafes, health clinics, and summer camps for children. Resorts and sanatoriums like “Yos” and “Yavroz” provide accommodation, making Romit an ideal location for families and groups. The gorge is also a favorite for mountain hikes, with trails catering to varying levels of fitness and experience.
Karatag Gorge, located further up the Karatag River, is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty. Among its highlights is Temurdara, a stunning mountain lake of dammed origin, followed by the equally picturesque Pairon Lake.
The gorge features holiday homes, summer camps, and an incredibly diverse landscape. Its lower areas are filled with wild fruit trees, while the upper zones are dominated by juniper forests. Near the village of Labijay, about 30 kilometers upstream from Karatag, lies a notable grove that is well worth a visit.
For trekkers, climbing upstream along the Diakhondarya River can lead to the iconic Iskanderkul Lake, while hiking up the Pairon River valley will take you to the headwaters of the Siyoma River. These routes offer unforgettable landscapes, with lush forests, alpine meadows, and serene lakes.
The road to the gorge ends at the village of Hakimi, approximately 50 kilometers from Karatag. Beyond this point, only high-clearance vehicles are suitable. From there, exploration continues on foot or with pack animals, perfect for those seeking an immersive wilderness experience.
Not far from the city of Tursunzoda lies the Shirkent River Valley, home to the Shirkent Historical-Natural Park, established in 1991. Though less developed compared to Varzob, Romit, or even Karatag, Shirkent attracts adventurers seeking a rugged, unspoiled experience. Its main claim to fame is the preserved dinosaur footprints — a unique feature that fascinates both scientists and tourists alike.
The first set of dinosaur tracks can be found in one of Shirkent’s right-bank tributaries, just above the village of Shirkent. Further upstream, approximately five kilometers from the river’s mouth, the second group of three-toed tracks appears. Most footprints measure around 50 centimeters in length, with some reaching up to 65 centimeters and widths of 45 centimeters.
The third group of tracks, near the abandoned village of Pashmi-Kukhna, features prints from a true prehistoric giant. These footprints exceed 70 centimeters in length and 60 centimeters in width, with the ground depressions reaching depths of up to 10 centimeters.
In addition to these natural wonders, visitors can explore the ruins of Pashmi-Kukhna village, where archaeological excavations have unearthed ancient metallurgical kilns. The surrounding alpine meadows, pristine glaciers, and evergreen plateaus between mountain ranges make this gorge a hidden treasure for adventurous travelers.
The narrow valley of the Hanaka River in Almosy remains largely untouched by tourism, making it an ideal destination for explorers in search of unspoiled nature. Located approximately 20 kilometers west of Dushanbe, the Almosy Gorge lies between the Karatag and Hanaka rivers, on the southern slopes of the Gissar Range.
The gorge is part of a 6,000-hectare wildlife reserve, situated at elevations of up to 2,100 meters above sea level. Access to the area is relatively straightforward. The road initially passes through the sizable village of Almosy, which is divided into smaller settlements. From there, a dirt road winds into the mountainous Hanaka Valley, eventually reaching the wild and remote ridges of the Gissar Range.
The landscape here is strikingly pristine, dominated by juniper forests, glaciers, and rolling mountain pastures. Unlike more popular gorges, Almosy lacks significant private development, offering travelers the freedom to pitch tents and relax on the riverbanks. The untouched beauty of the area, coupled with its peaceful isolation, makes Almosy a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and a closer connection with nature.
