TAJIKISTAN REPUBLIC

Capital: Dushanbe
The big cities: Khudjand, Kulob
Official languages: The state language: Tajik, the language of interethnic communication: Russian
Form of government: Presidential republic, President Emomali Rahmon
Date of Independence: 9 September 1991
Area: Total 141,800 sq. km (94th place in the World)
Water table %: 0,3
Population: 7,565 thousand (May 2011)
Currency: Somoni (TJS)
Internet: .tj
Country code: +992
Time zone: GMT +5

TAJIKISTAN

One of the positive characteristics of tourism in Tajikistan is the growth of eco-tourism based on communities and related village or district associations. The number of
guest houses in the mountain regions of the Pamirs and Zerafshan Valley is surprisingly large, especially considering that tourist travel to these destinations started only
relatively recently. On the other hand, it is not surprising because the local population is naturally hospitable.
Tajikistans history and ethnography is so ancient, rich, and varied that it attracts not only visitors interested in the regions culture in general, but also experts and
specialists studying specific periods of its history or individual ethnicities. Here are thousand year old cities, ruins of ancient citadels, mazars and temples. Traces of
Alexander the Greats campaigns, traditions of the great Silk Road several parts of which traverse the territory of Tajikistan, myths and legends surrounding the 19th
centurys Great Game all float over the Pamir mountains There are many interesting topics around which to focus your visit.
Tajikistans flora and fauna are surprisingly diverse. So, those who like nature in the wild will feel very comfortable here. For instance, with 353 bird species, there are
interesting opportunities for ornithologists and bird-watchers. The most popular place for bird-watching is the Tigrovaya Balka (Tiger Valley) nature reserve in the
south of the country. For those who like flowers, the best time to visit is in May, when poppies and tulips are blossoming in the lowlands and plains and motley desertcandles reach out to the skypleasing everyones eyes in the Pamirs. With 93 per cent of Tajikistans land area consisting of mountains, there are abundant
opportunities for all kinds of mountain tourism, such as climbing, trekking, rafting, etc. The beauty and scale is comparable to that of the Himalayas or Karakorum. The
most popular destinations are the Fann Mountains in the north and the Pamir uplands in the east of the country.
*Photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

DUSHANBE THE CAPITAL CITY

What if you have just one day to get to know a big city such as Dushanbe? In this case, you need to plan the time available to the fullest extent so as not to feel badly
later about 24 hours wasted.
So, you wake up early in the morning Dont be surprised if its not what youre used to: here, everybody wakes up bright and early and, in a strange way, your
organism automatically tunes up to lifes daily rhythms. It is too early yet for organized sight-seeing of the city; but, its the right time for morning tea. And where
else in Dushanbe if not in Rohat, the oldest city choikhona, or tearoom, and the most popular and almost legendary of its kind.
However, do not call for a taxi and rush to the choikhona at a full speed, since morning is a great time for a short walk and some photography. By the way, the huge
memorial to Ismail Somoni with an arch glittering with gold located on Dusti Square looks better in the morning. Also walk alongside or even through Rudaki Park for
fifteen minutes, sit down on one of its benches, and enjoy the aroma of the greenery and the freshness of the fountains along with the view of the presidential
residence the Palace of Nations a pleasant, recently completed building designed to accommodate government delegations and to hold various high level events.
there is the recently built Ismaili Cultural Center which combines an educational institution, a cultural center, and a holy place. The Dushanbe Center is the sixth in the
world after London, Lisbon, Vancouver, Toronto and Dubai. For its construction, designed according to Central Asias best architectural traditions, three million bricks
of the same shape were used.
And now hurry to yet another place which you have to visit a famous Museum of national antiquities, whose ancient objects both the Louvre and the British Museum
envy. The fountain at the square in front of the Aini Opera and Ballet Theatre (close to the Museum of Antiquities) has open-air cafes nearby, with smoke drifting from
numerous chargrills, friendly waitresses, beer and shashlik.
*Photo by Anastacia Lee, Vitaliy Shuptar

HISTORY OF TAJIKISTAN

ANCIENT KINGDOMS. Two kingdoms Kamboja and Parama Kamboja located on what is now contemporary Tajikistan are mentioned in the Indian epic
Mahabharata. While scientists still debate the ethnic origin of those kingdoms, many believe that the people who inhabited them were Indo-Iranians.
WARS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST. Two slave-owning states, Bactria and Sogdiana which still exist as regions of Tajikistan appeared on the world map in the first
half of the first millennium B.C. Forces of the Achaemenid Empire invaded in the second half of the 6th century B.C. and conquered the country.
SILK ROAD. The Silk Road is the great trade artery, emerging in the 2nd century B.C., that played a key role in the civilization, development, and diversity of present-day
Central Asia. It led to the foundation of numerous cities, the development of craft and trade towns and villages, caravanserais, and the construction of many religious
monuments and memorials.
THE SAMANIDS. The Arabian conquest, which started soon after the death of the prophet Muhammad, brought Islam and the Arabic culture and language to Central
Asia. During this period, Tajikistan was part of the Arab Caliphate, although the local Persian-speaking population regularly attempted to regain its former influence.
During the reign of the Samanids, the process of ethnic assimilation was completed, since when the Tajik nationality and the Persian or Tajik language has become
dominant.
THE MONGOLS led by Genghis Khan arrived on the borders of Tajikistan in 1220. There are numerous tales about the heroic fight against these foreign invaders, the
most famous of which concerns the defense of Khudjand, led by Temurmalik.
GREAT GAME. For many years, the area that is now Tajikistan was part of the Emirate of Bukhara and Khanate of Kokand, ruled by regents of Uzbek dynasties. In 1866,
however, Russian military forces occupied Khudjand and subsequently signed an agreement with the Emir of Bukhara, which made the Emirate a Russian Protectorate.
Later, the Khanate of Kokand was liquidated and its territory (northern Tajikistan and most of the Pamirs) became part of Russian Turkestan. In other words, Russia
became deeply rooted in the region.
SOVIET ERA. After the October Revolution of 1917, the Soviets extended their control over most of Central Asia, including both parts of Tajikistan which were then still
part of the Emirate of Bukhara and the Governorate-General of Turkestan. The process was difficult because local resistance volunteers called basmachi revolted
fiercely against the Red Army.
INDEPENDENCE. Tajikistan declared its independence from the USSR on September 9, 1991.
* Photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

SOGDIANA THE HEART OF THE SILK ROAD

The name of the region Sogdiana (also called Soghd or Sughd) now the northern oblast of Tajikistan, is so old that its real origins have become lost between the
ages. Long, long ago, the lands of Sogdiana were the center of world trade where most caravans traveling along the Silk Road stopped.
In fact, there was life here long before the caravan trade, which has been proven archeologically. For instance, the site of the ancient settlement called Sarazm, situated
not far from modern Penjikent. The word Sarazm literally means where the land begins and was one of the early agricultural centers of the Bronze and early Iron
Ages (i.e. between 2,000-4,000 years BC). By the way, Sarazm was recently included in UNESCOs list of World Heritage sites (the only such site in Tajikistan).
*Lake Iskanderkul, photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

CENTRAL ASIAN WINE

In Dushanbes National Museum of Antiquities, visitors are often surprised to see exhibits that are clearly not very common in Central Asia. These works of art carry us
many thousands of kilometers to the west to the Balkan Peninsula where the Iliad and the Odyssey were born. Ionic columns, elegant amphorae, household items
inscribed in Greek, coins with Alexander the Greats profile and, finally, small pictures with images of the great in the guise of Hercules
Most of these exhibits were brought to Dushanbe from Takhti Sangin, a place over 200 kilometers south of Dushanbe on the right bank of the Amu Darya and the
border with Afghanistan. Scientists believe this is the place where the Greek fortress Oxiana (after Oxus, the Greek name for the Amu Darya) was built during the
Macedonians conquest of Central Asia at the confluence of the Amu Darya and Vakhsh rivers. Macedonians conquest of Central Asia at the confluence of the Amu
Darya and Vakhsh rivers.
Whether you believe this or not, there is one indisputable fact: Tajikistans wines and cognacs are not inferior to those of Greece. And it seems to me this would simply
be impossible unless Alexanders soldiers had chosen to make wine from the grapes, and in the vineyards of this, for them, strange and distant land.

*Photos by Vitaliy Shuptar, Roger Chao

PAMIR LEGENDS AND TREASURES OF THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

All kinds of alpine tourism are developed in the Pamirs as nowhere else. Climbing to 7,000 meter summits, trekking over glaciers, along valleys and over mountain
ridges there are plenty of opportunities for all these things here. In addition, mineral springs are everywhere, whose waters recreate and rejuvenate. Moreover, high
up in the mountains countless treasures are safely stored, many very attractive for a casual stranger. Judge for yourself: spinel, ruby and lapis lazuli are the least of what
the Pamirs have hidden under their peaks.
There are many historical attractions here as well: ruins of thousand year-old fortresses, temples and sepulchers from different periods, cultures, religions and the
unique, romantic fantasy of the famous Great Game, whose main events took place mainly in the Pamir region.
Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) shares almost the same contours on the map as those of the Pamir upland region. The oblasts administrative center
is the rapidly developing city of Khorog, which is usually the base or starting point for other journeys within the region. The largest city in the eastern part of the region
is Murghab, which is populated mostly by Kyrgyz.

*Photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

KHOROG: IF YOU VISITED IT YOUVE SEEN IT

In the Pamirs, they say that you can claim to have been to the roof of the world only if you have been to the Bartang gorge. This place really amazes by its sheer size
and the breadth of its landscape not to mention where the gorge becomes deeper and cliffs, overhanging from both sides, higher...
And now about the way I got here. Upon arrival in Khorog, it was discovered that due to problems with documents, we had a free day in our otherwise tight schedule,
so, almost welcoming this, we decided to go to Geisev valley, adjoining Bartang, for a one-day trek in those mountains. In fact, Geisev is an ideal option for those
having little free time, but still wanting to walk to the roof of the world in his or her own mountain boots. One can enjoy several turquoise lakes, green glades, and
even a glacier. Moreover, those who want to get to know the valley better can use the system of guest houses there, where anyone can find shelter and food.
The water in Lake Sarez now covering 17 km3 is a real threat to the inhabitants of both the Bartang valley and other villages lying further downstream along the Amu
Darya (Panj) River. It is estimated that if this natural dam ever broke, owing to another earthquake, mudslide, rockslide or even human action (e.g. a terrorist attack),
then a large part of the Amu Darya river valley as far away as the Aral Sea in which over six million people live would be flooded catastrophically and ruined.
*Yamchun fortress, photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

THE HIGHEST PLACE ON EARTH

The Trans-Alay mountain ridge, the Kyzyl-Art border point in particular, is the gateway to the Eastern Pamirs, the highest upland region in the world after Tibet. Here,
the average elevation is 3,500-4,000 meters, the lakes are salty, the air is clear and dry, and vegetation is rare
Death Valley stretches almost from Kyzyl-Art to the Karakul Lake. This Death Valley called Markansu is just dusty grey pebbles without any vegetation. It is said that
until the 1930s, the local landscape was even more oppressive. Indeed, before the road was built, there would be numerous corpses of dead animals that had been
unable to withstand the difficulties of the caravan life mummified due to the aridity and cold of the area. To the south, travelers going to Gorno- Badakhshan from
the Karakul Lake have to traverse the famous Ak-baital pass which, at 4,655 meters, is the highest road in the entire former Soviet Union.
The best place to see Marco Polo wild sheep (Ovis Ammon Polii) is between Kyzyl-Art and Ak-Baital perhaps due to its location in the border zone with Kyrgyzstan
to the north and China to the east. In spite of the difficulties of life during trekking and harsh natural conditions travellers just as centuries ago eager to get to Pamir
understanding that the unique landscape of the Karakul Lake or the opportunity to see famous wild ship of Marco Polo worth overcoming all heights and distances
along with the lack of confidence in oneself and ones power.
*Photo by Vitaliy Shuptar

USEFUL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET TO TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan can be reached by plane, train or car. The country has direct flights
from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Almaty, Bishkek, Riga, Istanbul, Dubai, Urumqi,
Tehran, Mashhad, Frankfurt am Main, etc. Air services on the market of the
republic with more than 10 national and foreign carriers companies. As the
national airline "Tajik Air" and "Somon Air" has more than 10 flights a week in
different regions of Khujand, Kulyab, Khorog. There are several local airports
and international destination in Tajikistan. Major international terminals are
located in Dushanbe, Khujand and Kulyab.
Inter-city taxis are cheaper than hiring a car for yourself, and are good for
getting from one city to another if you don't want to stop on the way or leave
the main road. Often they are crowded so it may be a tight squeeze. It's always
more comfortable if you can get the front seat. Dushanbe's intercity taxi
terminuses are located as follows:
Vodanasos cement factory, for taxis to the north: Varzob, Aini, Penjikent,
Khujand
Sakovat bazaar, for taxis to the south: Qurghonteppa, Kulob
Dushanbe I Train Station, for taxis to the east: Kofarnihon, Faizabad
Avtobaza 2929 (Ahmed Donish Street, close to Dushanbe Airport), for taxis to
Gorno-Badakhshan: Khorog
Polytechnic Institute (Djami Avenue), for taxis to the west: Hissor
Bus services connect the major cities in Tajikistan, and connect cities with
outlying areas. Timetables and fares can be found at the avtovokzal (bus
station). Bus services are cheap but slow and infrequent.
Train. Because Tajikistan is mountainous, the rail network is very limited. There
are no rail lines directly connecting the north of Tajikistan with the south - it is
necessary to go via Termez (Uzbekistan), a torturous journey which takes more
than twice the time of travelling by road. For this reason rail travel is generally
not recommended as a way of getting around Tajikistan.

WHEN TO GO
Northern, central and southern Tajikistan sizzle in summer (June to September),
with temperatures over 40C (105F). Unfortunately this is the best time to visit
the mountains. Spring (March to May) brings mild temperatures but frequent
heavy showers. April is the best time to visit southern Tajikistan in bloom.
In winter (November to February) temperatures in Dushanbe hover near
freezing, while temperatures in the Pamirs plummet to between -20C and 45C. March, April, September and October are probably the best times to visit.
The best time of year for trekking is September. The Pamir region is best visited
in July to late September, though the Pamir Hwy technically remains open yearround. During early summer (June and July), melt water can make river
crossings dangerous in mountainous areas.
CURRENCY
Official currency is the Somoni, which is divided into 100 Diram. Notes are
issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Somoni. Coins (in Diram) of
various denominations are also used.
Money can be safely changed at official change kiosks in city centres. The
exchange rate is usually on display outside, but ask before changing anyway, as
you will often be offered a slightly better rate if you do so. Near the entrances
to bazaars you will also meet touts and moneychangers. It is illegal to change
money with them and also risky - some are swift-handed con artists who can
cheat the unsuspecting traveller.
Tips are not usually expected in Tajikistan. Some restaurants make a 10%
service charge, which is added to your final bill.

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