Tajikistan is the smallest of all the Central Asian ‘Stans, but it was a trading hub for millennia, and the ethnic, cultural and linguistic makeup of the country is quite distinct from those around it: Tajikistan owes much of its identify to ties with Persia rather than to Turkic tribes. At Paramount Journey, we like to think that it has everything you could want in a country, from epic landscapes and ancient traditions, to colourful festivals and extraordinary wildlife. Visitors coming here frequently fall unexpectedly in love with the places that they visit and the experiences that they share, and occasionally with a special someone, too.
Dushanbe is arguably the prettiest of all the capital cities in Central Asia, with wide, tree lined streets, wonderful parks, and a gorgeous classical opera and ballet theatre. It is the mountains which really draw people to Tajikistan, however, and whether you choose to hike and mountain bike in the Fann and Zarafshan Ranges, or to drive the Pamir Highway, climb, and stay with Kyrgyz nomads in the Pamirs, the peaks will take your breath away. Watching a fiercely contested game of buz kashi is a highlight of any visit.
As Tajikistan specialists, Paramount Journey’s team members are uniquely well qualified to share with you the country’s natural wonders and cultural riches. Did you know, for example, that there are extraordinary Buddhist ruins in the southwestern part of Tajikistan, impressive fortresses, and abandoned Silk Road cities? These sites are off the usual tourist trail, but our itineraries dedicate to them the attention they deserve.
With much improved diplomatic relations and an effective e-visa scheme, it is easier than ever before to take a cross-border tour of Tajikistan and Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and/or Uzbekistan. We have therefore included Tajikistan in many of our multi country itineraries.
On our Ancient Central Asia tour you will learn about Tajikistan’s pre Islamic history, when this area was part of the Graeco-Bactrian Empire. The monastery at Ajina Teppe reveals the importance of Buddhism here, and the archaeological sites of Sarazm and Ancient Penjikent are fascinating to explore.
The Wild Wakhan takes you deep into Gorno-Badakhshan, an autonomous, mountainous region of Tajikistan populated by the Pamiri and Kyrgyz peoples. On the Tajik side of the Wakhan Corridor you will travel by jeep and on foot to ruined fortresses and to see ancient petroglyphs. The views across the valley are breathtakingly beautiful, so you will want to keep your camera handy at all times.
Tajikistan is a key component of several of Paramount Journeys’ other tours. On the Central Asian Circuit, you will have the chance to drive the entire length of the Pamir Highway, including over the remote Murghab Plateau. Mountains and Nomads is our favourite option for adventure travellers who want to hike, mountain bike, ride, and stay with nomads in their yurts; whilst the Fergana: A Central Asian Patchwork itinerary has been designed for those with an interest in arts and crafts.
