Chil Dukhtaron in the Khatlon province is both a town and a dramatic mountain range in the south of Tajikistan. Translated to mean Forty Girls in the Tajik language, the mountains, and valleys of Childukhtaron, Tajikistan is a sight to behold. The main attraction is the Forty Girls of Childukhtaron that features a series of red and yellow triangular stone peaks and pillars, some stretching as tall as 60 meters. Apart from the mountain peaks, the region also encompasses the Childukhtaron nature reserve that is ideal for trekking, mountain biking, and mountaineering.
While the Childukhtaron mountains of Tajikistan were actually formed by conglomerate erosion, the mountains are steeped in local Tajik legend. The main story behind the 40 peaks of the Chil Dukhtaron is that they were formed when 40 women who lived in the valley fought off the Mongol army led by Genghis Khan, thereby saving the entire valley from invasion. Realizing their defeat, the army prayed that these women would remain virgins forever and, god willing, turned them to stone.
Whether you believe in the 40 Girls of Tajikistan’s local legend or not, there are still tens of mysterious rock spires and boulders arranged in rows above the Childukhtaron valley. And today, the Forty Girls of Tajikistan is a local pilgrimage site. Local Tajiks come from far and wide to decorate the rocks with flowers and ribbons every spring.
Formed in 1959, the Chil Dukhtaron wildlife sanctuary in the Muminobod District is well worth exploring. Encompassing 14,600 hectares of hilly roads and valleys, you will need at least two or three full days to do it justice. Be aware that the Childukhtaron nature reserve is not a day trip from Dushanbe. That being said, if you do a 4×4 trip with Paramount Journey, you will be able to explore much more easily and comfortably. Dirt biking and four-wheel driving in the area or trekking the nearby Hazrati Shoh range and Yakhsu Valley is truly exhilarating for those in search of a Tajikistan adventure.
The best time to visit the Childukhtaron wildlife sanctuary is in the spring when the hills are at their greenest or alternatively in the fall. The cool weather of the off-season months provides a good climate for hiking and trekking Childukhtaron, Tajikistan. The summer months, while much cooler than Dushanbe, are still too hot for rigorous hiking.
A trip to Tajikistan’s Chil Dukhtaron nature reserve and mountains is often combined with a trekking trip to the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan and the Chiluchor Chashma. Chat to Paramount Journey about planning your personalized trip today!
