Top 25 Things to Do and See in Tajikistan

Tajikistan, a country of majestic mountains, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offers an array of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. From exploring ancient cities to trekking in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, here are the top 24 things to do and see in Tajikistan.

The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, is one of the world’s most iconic road trips. Stretching from Dushanbe to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, this route traverses some of the highest and most remote regions of the Pamir Mountains. The journey offers breathtaking landscapes, from deep valleys and towering peaks to crystal-clear rivers. Along the way, you’ll encounter small villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Pamiri people and visit historic sites such as ancient fortresses and petroglyphs.

Named after Alexander the Great (Iskander in Persian), Iskanderkul Lake is one of Tajikistan’s most beautiful natural attractions. Nestled in the Fann Mountains, this glacial lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged peaks. The area is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the serene environment. Nearby, the 38-meter-high Iskanderkul Waterfall, also known as the «Fan Niagara,» is a must-see.

Many treks into the Fann Mountains can be begun or finished at Iskanderkul or the nearby village of Sarytag. What once was a popular Soviet holiday destination sits quiet majority of the time- except on summer weekends when Dushanbe and Khujandi youngsters come out to have fun on the beautiful mountain lake.

Once a humble village known for its bustling Monday Bazaar, Dushanbe transformed dramatically after 1924 when it was designated the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. By 1929, the city had been renamed Stalinabad, marking the beginning of its rapid expansion. Today, Dushanbe retains a distinctive blend of Soviet-era architecture and uniquely Tajik elements, characterized by its tree-lined parks and vibrant markets.

Key attractions include the National Museum of Tajikistan, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the country’s rich history, and Rudaki Park, a beautiful green space named after the famous Persian poet. Don’t miss the Palace of Nations and the world’s second-tallest flagpole. Dushanbe is also known for its vibrant bazaars, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

One of the things one can appreciate most about Dushanbe is its balance—there’s enough to see and do, but it never feels overwhelming. It’s an ideal place to unwind between high-altitude excursions and take care of practicalities like securing visas for onward travel.

The Fann Mountains are a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers. Located between the Zerafshan and Gissar ranges, this region boasts some of Central Asia’s most breathtaking scenery, with numerous peaks over 5,000 meters, glacial lakes, and picturesque valleys. Popular trekking routes include the Seven Lakes, each with its own distinct color, and the challenging ascent to Chimtarga, the highest peak in the Fanns. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote villages and have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the local people.

Penjikent, often referred to as the «Pompeii of Central Asia,» is an ancient city with a history dating back to the 5th century. The archaeological site of Ancient Penjikent offers a fascinating glimpse into the Sogdian civilization, with ruins of homes, temples, and fortifications. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed site of Sarazm, one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements, provides further insights into the region’s prehistoric culture. Modern Penjikent is also the birthplace of the famous Persian poet Rudaki, and his museum in the city is worth a visit.

The Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land separating Tajikistan from Afghanistan, is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. This remote region was a key route of the ancient Silk Road and played a pivotal role in the Great Game between the British and Russian Empires. The area is dotted with ancient fortresses, such as Yamchun Fortress, and Buddhist stupas. The stunning landscapes, with views of the towering Hindu Kush mountains, make this a must-visit for adventure travelers.

This popular detour off of the Pamir Highway winds along the River Panj that forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. With every twist and turn, there are jaw-dropping views of the dusty Pamirs, the ice-capped Hindu Kush, and Wakhi villages in Afghanistan.

The Wakhan Valley is more than just your average road trip. There are chances to hear the Wakhi language and learn about their unique culture as well as great trekking options to high pastures and beautiful meadows.
Driving the Wakhan Valley have Afghanistan on your mind? It’s easy to grab an Afghan visa in nearby Khorog before setting out. Ishkashim will be your jumping-off point and border crossing into the Afghan Wakhan Corridor.

Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, is located in the fertile Fergana Valley. The city has a rich history, having been founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Today, Khujand is known for its vibrant culture and historical landmarks, including the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum, the 10th-century Jami Mosque, and the Timur Malik Fortress. The Khujand Museum of History and Culture offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s past, while the bustling Panjshanbe Bazaar is a great place to experience local life.

The Seven Lakes of Marguzor, or Haft Kul, are a series of stunning, interconnected lakes in the Fann Mountains, each with its own unique color ranging from turquoise to deep blue. The lakes are located in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering peaks, making them a popular destination for trekking and nature lovers. The journey to the lakes also offers an opportunity to visit remote villages and experience the traditional lifestyle of the local people.

Local lore is the tale of an elderly man from the village of Shing who went missing. After several days passed without a sign of him he was assumed dead. His seven daughters began crying until they each drown in a flood of their own tears. Each lake represents one of the man’s daughters. Truth be told a shaker in earthquake-prone Tajikistan caused landslides damming the Shing River and creating the 7 lakes that dot the narrow valley.

This is probably the best place to get in a little outdoor action for those on a short visit to Tajikistan.

Located about an hour’s drive out of Panjakent near to the freshly re-opened border crossing with Uzbekistan you can drive to 6 of the 7 lakes in the valley. Others will opt to get dropped off at the first lake and trek the road along the lakes and back with a night in a local homestay.

Located just outside Dushanbe, Hissar Fortress is one of Tajikistan’s most important historical sites. The fortress dates back over 2,500 years and was once a stronghold of the Emirate of Bukhara. Today, the site includes the remains of the fortress walls, a large gatehouse, and several nearby buildings, including a mosque and a madrasa. The Hissar Historical and Cultural Reserve, which surrounds the fortress, offers insights into the region’s rich history.

Karakul Lake, located in the Pamir Mountains at an altitude of 3,914 meters, is one of the highest lakes in Central Asia. The lake’s stark beauty, with its deep blue waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is a highlight of any trip to the Pamirs. The area around Karakul is sparsely populated, with a few small Kyrgyz villages where visitors can experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle. The lake is also a popular stop for those traveling along the Pamir Highway.

Most travelers along the Pamir Highway pop into the village of Karakul for a quick lunch and continue along. It’s definitely worth it to spend a day here walking along the lake’s edge in this desolate stretch of Tajikistan. The lake was formed by a meteor impact during the Pliocene Epoch and over the years has filled with water. Karakul is a saline lake, though it usually freezes over until May each year. The lakeside village of Karakul offers a handful of homestays ran by friendly Kyrgyz families for those wanting to get a night in at the lake’s edge.

Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, is a small but vibrant town nestled in the Pamir Mountains. Khorog serves as a gateway to the Pamirs and is a key stop along the Pamir Highway. The town is known for its beautiful botanical garden, one of the highest in the world, which showcases a wide variety of local and exotic plants. The nearby Gunt River and surrounding mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring. Khorog is also home to a lively bazaar where you can buy local handicrafts and sample Pamiri cuisine.

Istaravshan is one of Tajikistan’s oldest cities, with a history that dates back over 2,500 years. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Key attractions include the Mug Tepa fortress, believed to have been founded by King Cyrus the Great, and the Khazrati-Shah Mosque and Mausoleum, an important religious site in the region. Istaravshan is also famous for its traditional crafts, including knife-making and wood carving, and visitors can watch local artisans at work.

Bulunkul, often referred to as the coldest inhabited place in Central Asia, is a remote village in the Pamir Mountains. Despite its harsh climate, Bulunkul is known for its stunning natural beauty, with nearby Bulunkul and Yashilkul lakes offering a serene landscape of turquoise waters and rugged mountains. The area is a haven for wildlife, including ibex, Marco Polo sheep, and a variety of bird species. Visitors to Bulunkul can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Pamiri people and stay in local homestays.

The Varzob Valley, located just north of Dushanbe, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, with the Varzob River flowing through a series of gorges and waterfalls. The area is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and relaxing in nature. The Varzob Valley is also home to several mountain resorts and sanatoriums, where visitors can enjoy mineral baths and other wellness treatments.

Garm Chashma is a natural hot spring located in the Pamir Mountains, known for its healing properties. The mineral-rich waters of Garm Chashma are believed to have therapeutic effects, and the site has been a popular destination for wellness seekers for centuries. The hot spring is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long journey through the Pamirs.

Garm Chashma is a natural hot spring located in the Pamir Mountains, known for its healing properties. The mineral-rich waters of Garm Chashma are believed to have therapeutic effects, and the site has been a popular destination for wellness seekers for centuries. The hot spring is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long journey through the Pamirs.

Murghab is the highest town in Tajikistan, located in the remote eastern Pamirs at an altitude of 3,650 meters. The town serves as a gateway to some of the most isolated and stunning parts of the Pamir Mountains. Murghab is a place where you can experience the traditional Kyrgyz culture, as the majority of the population is of Kyrgyz descent. The town’s bazaar, set in shipping containers, is a fascinating place to visit, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. From Murghab, travelers can explore nearby attractions such as Karakul Lake, the Rangkul lakes, and the numerous high-altitude passes that lead deeper into the Pamirs.

While it may not boast the grandeur of Samarkand, the Tajik Ferghana Valley offers a more serene and less crowded experience. Nestled in the far northwestern province of Sughd, where Tajikistan converges with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, this majestic valley is a hidden gem. For those seeking Silk Road architecture, this is the premier spot in Tajikistan. The cities of Khujand and Istaravshan are adorned with stunning turquoise domes and intricate blue tiles, echoing the ancient grandeur of the region. Beyond these cities, the valley teems with rich culture and the warmth of its welcoming locals.

Venturing outside Khujand and Istaravshan, you’ll find a plethora of fascinating day trips. Visit the former uranium mines in Taboshar, just a short 35-minute drive from Khujand, or explore the surreal Akhkon Salt Flat, located an hour away. These sites, steeped in history and natural beauty, provide a unique glimpse into the less-trodden paths of Tajikistan.

Don’t be deceived by the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Sarez. Beneath its calm surface lies the potential for one of the most catastrophic floods the world has ever seen. The lake was formed in 1911 when an earthquake triggered a massive landslide, blocking the Murghab River and creating the Usoi Dam. This natural dam, holding back the lake, remains a source of concern as it could burst at any time, sending a devastating wave down the Bartang Valley.

The lake and dam are continuously monitored for seismic activity and any signs of potential breakage. For the residents living downstream in the Bartang Valley, the only survival plan is to seek higher ground if alarms sound. For those daring enough to visit, permits and a local guide are essential to navigate this hazardous yet awe-inspiring site.

Nestled between the Zarafshan and Gissar Ranges in northwestern Tajikistan, the Yagnob Valley is a land frozen in time. The valley is so remote that the Yagnobi people, who inhabit this area, are direct descendants of the ancient Sogdian Empire. They speak the Yagnobi language, a close relative of the ancient Sogdian language, and maintain a lifestyle and culture that have remained virtually untouched for centuries.

Scattered across the valley are about ten villages where pre-Islamic beliefs and customs are still practiced. Visiting the Yagnob Valley is like stepping back in time, offering a rare glimpse into a world that has largely resisted the march of modernity.

Off the Pamir Highway, near Rushan, lies one of Tajikistan’s most beloved hiking trails, leading to the picturesque village of Jizeu. After a short drive from the highway, you’ll cross a cable bridge over the Bartang River, marking the start of a two-hour trek to this serene village. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality from the Bartangis, who, like their Pamiri counterparts, are renowned for their generosity.

Jizeu offers more than just a beautiful hike. You can extend your stay by trekking further, camping, or enjoying a homestay. Listening to the local Bartang dialect spoken in the village adds to the immersive experience of this unique destination.

Travelers who have navigated the rugged and winding Pamir Highway often speak of its challenges, but the Bartang Highway takes it to another level. This treacherous route winds through the Bartang Valley, connecting the village of Rushan with its neighbors all the way to Gudara, where the valley opens up to the dirt track leading to Kok Jar and eventually reconnects with the Pamir Highway at Karakul.

The Bartang Highway is notorious for its rough conditions, often closed due to flooding, heavy snowfall, or damaged roads. However, between July and September, it becomes a popular route for adventurous cyclists, who sometimes have to float their bikes and supplies on makeshift log rafts across flooded sections. Despite the hardships, the Bartang Highway is a favorite among those who seek the road less traveled.

A hidden gem along the Bartang Valley is the trek to Khafrazdara Valley, which leads to the magnificent Grum Grijmailo Glacier, making the journey well worth the effort.

Shaimak, a remote village with strategic views into China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, was a significant outpost during the Great Game, the 19th-century rivalry between the British and Russian Empires for control over Central Asia. Today, it remains a small, isolated settlement, but its historical significance and stunning surroundings make it a fascinating destination.

On the way to Shaimak, don’t miss the ancient remains of a caravanserai near Tokhtymush, the beehive-shaped tombs at Konye Kurgan, and the seasonal mountain lakes that dot the jailoos. In this end-of-the-world village, you’ll find a rare glimpse into the geopolitical struggles of the past, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

Qolma Pass, the only border crossing between Tajikistan and China, has recently opened to foreign travelers. This stunning route offers one of the most picturesque and adventurous border crossings in the world. The journey across Qolma Pass is an exhilarating experience, typically done by hitchhiking with trucks bound for Dushanbe or Kashgar in China.

The border patrol staff are accustomed to this unique mode of travel and will often assist travelers in finding a ride. Crossing Qolma Pass is not just a logistical challenge; it’s an unforgettable adventure through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes on the planet.

It’s not just in adventure films like Indiana Jones where entire cities mysteriously vanish—this can happen in real life, too! The lost city of Karon, once a bustling settlement perched above the Panj River on the outskirts of Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), is a prime example. Karon was home to an impressive citadel, sacred water and fire temples, gold mines, workshops, and even a grand polo stadium that could accommodate 10,000 spectators.

However, Karon eventually faded into obscurity and was forgotten—until its ruins were rediscovered by archaeologists in 2012. Since then, a vast site has been gradually unearthed, earning the nickname “the Machu Picchu of Tajikistan.” While few tours currently include Karon in their itineraries, those who make the journey are rewarded with a captivating exploration of ancient history, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the citadel and the surrounding mountain landscape.