Most of our tourists know catastrophically little about the sights of Tajikistan, so they often choose other countries for their holidays. But in the world this small state is known as a tourist center, so it’s worth taking your chance to see the local beauty with your own eyes. In fact, there are extremely many options for what to see in Tajikistan – and our review will give you the opportunity to make the most complete impression about them.
The main thing that attracts here is the stunning nature and variety of landscapes. In mountainous areas, you can admire the peaks, gorges and huge plateaus rising into the sky, and on a more flat territory you can make exciting trips to national parks. Excursions in Tajikistan, as a rule, involve traveling outside the city limits. Although there are things to do in the cities: museum expositions and fortifications preserved from the past are interesting for tourists. Where to go in Tajikistan, each vacationer will have to decide on their own, and we will try to facilitate your choice by providing information about the most popular sites.
What to see in Tajikistan first of all
In order for the trip to bring only good emotions and memories, it is necessary not only to have an idea of the sights of Tajikistan, but also to decide which is more important for you – household comfort or the romance of the mountains. The fact is that there are really good hotels only in Dushanbe, but staying in settlements in the foothills of the Pamirs, you can fully experience how the locals live. Having decided on this moment and in which composition you are going on vacation (with or without children, alone or with friends, with a loved one, etc.), proceed to familiarize yourself with the list of what to see in Tajikistan.
1. Karakul Lake
Snow-capped peaks of the Tajik Pamir around Lake Karakul
Lake Karakul – located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region at more than three kilometers altitude, this lake enchants with the beauty of the views and surpasses in size (the area is 380 square kilometers) all other reservoirs of the eastern part of the mountain range. Only the sounds of nature reign here, so residents of megacities come here to take a break from the noise. When deciding whether to swim in the Karakul or not, keep in mind that even in summer the water is very cold (slightly more than ten degrees Celsius). The lake has great transparency – you can see the bottom at a depth of up to 9 meters.
Tajikistan | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Fan Mountains
The Fan Mountains are a land of high-altitude lakes and inaccessible cliffs
The Fan Mountains are part of the Pamir-Alai system, located in the west and characterized by numerous turbulent rivers that are ideal for rafting, as well as glaciers and pristine lakes. It will appeal to both fans of risky entertainment and tourists who prefer trekking. The developed transport and tourist infrastructure makes this attraction of Tajikistan popular among travelers. The easiest way to get there is through Samarkand, and on the territory of the mountain node itself there are equipment rental points, hotels and establishments where national food is offered for a reasonable fee.
3. Pamir
Beautiful mountain landscape of the Pamirs
Pamir is a mountain system bordering the Himalayas with three seven–kilometer peaks. Numerous glaciers have formed on the territory of the massif, and snow does not come off the peaks even in the warm season. Experienced climbers come here to make dangerous ascents in harsh climates. Special camps are equipped for them at different heights. Until now, the Pamir territory is a source of contradictions between the states of the region, but this does not affect the safety of tourists in any way. When traveling to the mountains, it is necessary to inform the local authorities about this, so that in case of an avalanche or other unforeseen situation, rescuers can find you.
4. Dushanbe Flagpole
Flagpole with the flag of Tajikistan on the “Flag Square” in Dushanbe
Dushanbe flagpole – few people come to the country for a couple of days, but if you still need to find out what to see in Tajikistan in 1 day, then the record-breaking flagpole in the capital will definitely be included in the list. Its height is about 165 meters, which makes it rightfully called the tallest in the world. The national flag is mounted on a special structure near the Palais des Nations, and the cost of its construction exceeded three and a half million dollars. Dubai specialists were engaged in the design and manufacture of the elements, local workers only had to carry out installation work, which was completed 7 years ago.
5. The National Museum of Tajikistan
The new building of the National Museum of Tajikistan
The National Museum of Tajikistan is a place often visited by guests of the capital, where there is an opportunity to learn a lot about the history of the state in different eras. There are also collections dedicated to geological and other expeditions (the Pamir territory has not yet been fully explored), and the number of exhibits is constantly increasing. The building itself, which uses Baroque elements, can also be called a landmark of Tajikistan. The museum is surrounded by a park area where you can walk and relax on the benches.
Official website: https://www.newnmt.tj
Check out the wonderful views of Tajikistan in this fascinating video!
6. Monument to Ismail Samani in Dushanbe
Memorial Complex of the National Unity of Tajikistan in Dushanbe
The monument to Ismail Samani in Dushanbe – to see this landmark of Tajikistan with a height of about 25 meters, it is enough to go to Friendship Square in the capital. The monument was erected back in 1999 as a tribute to one of the greatest emirs in the country’s history. It is considered the most “elegant” monument due to its luxurious appearance, in particular, the presence of gilded elements.
7. Khujand fortress
The Historical Museum of Sughd Region in the restored Khujand fortress
Khujand fortress – built in the 6th-5th century BC, the fortress during the raids of Genghis Khan served to protect the city of the same name from invaders. To break the defense, the khan had to use about 75 thousand soldiers, after which the fortification complex was destroyed, but after several centuries it was restored as a government residence.
8. Hissar fortress
The main gate of the Hissar fortress
Hissar Fortress – this fort is often mentioned in recommendations on what to see in Tajikistan, since its ruins are more than 2.5 thousand years old, but they are in excellent condition. The structure successfully performed a defensive function (which is quite understandable, given the thickness of the walls over one meter) and was used as a place of residence for representatives of the ruling dynasty.
9. Ajina-Tepa
13-meter clay statue “Buddha in Nirvana” from Ajin Tepe by Dan Lundberg
Ajina Tepa is the territory of the monastery of followers of Buddhism, which was excavated in the early sixties of the last century. In addition to the preserved walls of the building and the monks’ belongings, archaeologists managed to find a statue of Buddha made of clay, which has no analogues in the entire Central Asian region.
10. Sarazm is an ancient settlement
The site of the excavations of the ancient settlement of Sarazm
Sarazm is an ancient settlement that was discovered by archaeologists during excavations about half a century ago. Part of the buildings, many tools and household items dating from the IV-II century BC have been preserved here. The site is protected by UNESCO, being one of the most interesting places in the country for those who are interested in educational recreation.
11. Tajik National Park
One of the landscapes of the Tajik National Park
Tajik National Park – covers an area of more than two and a half million hectares, is characterized by clean air and untouched nature, which attracts eco-tourists.
Sights of Tajikistan: what else to visit in Tajikistan
Although the state is small in area (it occupies the last place in size among the countries of the Central Asian region), the sights of Tajikistan, especially natural ones, are pleasing in their diversity. The attractions listed below are not included in the rating of the main attractions, but this does not mean that they will not be of interest to travelers. See what else to see in Tajikistan, and you can organize an amazing vacation for yourself.
12. Kayrakkum reservoir
The Tajik Sea is a popular Dogross holiday destination
The Kayrakkum reservoir, next to which hospitals, camps for children and other mandatory attributes of traditional recreation on the shore of the reservoir have been built. The locals call it the sea, but in reality it was artificially created about a hundred years ago. Here you can not only swim, sunbathe and improve your health, but also fish or take walks, watching birds.
13. Iskanderkul Mountain Lake
Bluish-green water of Iskanderkul mountain lake in the Fan Mountains
Iskanderkul Mountain Lake is a reservoir whose history is connected with various legends, including that during the time of Ancient Macedonia, the horse of King Iskander (Alexander the Great) died here. The lake is located in the center of the Fan Mountains, so if you are going to relax there, be sure to take a look at this picturesque place at a two-kilometer altitude above sea level.
14. Garmchashma Hot Spring
One of the hot mineral springs of Garmchashma is Yurochkin Roman
Garmchashma hot spring – here you can not only enjoy bathing in hot water, but also improve your health. The water of the spring has long been considered curative, so in the past altars were installed here, and later a balneological sanatorium was opened.
15. Sarez Lake
Top view of the dark blue surface of Lake Sarez (right) Hausibek
Sarez Lake is one of the unique sights of Tajikistan, which almost all travelers dream of seeing. This is the only existing freshwater reservoir, which is just over a hundred years old. Its formation is associated with tremors that triggered an earthquake in the early twentieth century. After the destruction of a part of the Mukzol ridge, a gorge appeared with an average depth of about 202 meters, into which the waters of the Mughrab fell. The lake covers almost eighty square kilometers, being at an altitude of about 3.2 thousand meters.
16. Pamir tract
Panorama of the Pamir highway
The Pamir highway, known among tourists as the best road in terms of views, runs at high altitude between the settlements of Khorog and Osh (located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan). You can try to drive along the highway in a rented car, but it is much more convenient if you go by bus – so you will be able, without distraction and without risking your health, to consider the gorges, plains with a Martian landscape and desert areas along the way.
The listed options for what to see in Tajikistan are all interesting, but each tourist has his own tastes, for example, someone is more interested in making a trip to a national park, while others prefer a close acquaintance with archaeological sites. Our review, which contains descriptions and photos of the best attractions, can be the basis for planning a trip. Remember that some of the sights of Tajikistan are located in the highlands, so even in summer you will need warm clothes. If you have doubts about which interesting places to choose, take a couple of minutes to study the reviews of other travelers.
A couple more useful recommendations for those who are figuring out what to visit in Tajikistan, intending to spend a weekend or an entire vacation in this country with an ancient history:
- be ready to pay in cash – bank cards are accepted only in large cities, and then not everywhere; if visiting museums is a priority for you, choose hotels in Tajikistan in the capital – it is in Dushanbe that the main museum exhibitions are concentrated; fans of mountaineering should consider including in the tour climbing to the top of Ismoili Somoni, whose height exceeds seven thousands of meters; in whatever city you live, there will definitely be a restaurant where you can taste national dishes (pilaf, puff pastry, etc.). But you need to be careful with water – not all water is drinkable (it’s better to ask the locals or the guide if you can drink it or not no); many residents speak Russian, so there will be no problems finding a guide in Tajikistan, only the cost of services needs to be negotiated in advance.
Read also about the best sights of Bahrain and get inspired for your further journey through Asia!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish