Tourist Attractions in Tajikistan

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Tajikistan

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a small Central Asian country located in the foothills of the Pamir Mountains. The real treasure of this country is its natural sights: the sultry Vakhsh valley, the highest snow-capped peaks of Evgeniya Korzhenevskaya and Ismail Samani, the picturesque mountain road Pamir trakt leading through bottomless gorges and high plateaus, inimitable in beauty mountain lakes and numerous national parks.

People go to Tajikistan not only for conquering the grandiose peaks of the Pamirs. Interesting eco-routes through the most beautiful places of the country and acquaintance with rich Tajik culture are waiting for tourists here. Many traditions are still carefully preserved in families. Whole dynasties of craftsmen, embroiderers and jewellers live in the ancient cities of Istaravshan, Kulyab and Khujand.

In the capital city of Dushanbe and the main tourist destinations, comfortable hotels are ready to welcome guests, while in more remote provinces modest family guesthouses are at the service of travellers. The locals are hospitable and welcome foreigners wishing to get to know their homeland better.

Top-16 Tourist Attractions in Tajikistan

Fann Mountains

 5/5

6 reviews

A mountain junction in the western part of the Pamir-Alai mountain system. Here the tourist can see turquoise and emerald lakes, glaciers and turbulent rivers. Thanks to good transport accessibility (you can get there from Samarkand), the Fan Mountains are a popular destination for hiking, eco-rest and extreme sports.

Karakul Lake

 4.6/5

67 reviews

The largest natural body of water in Tajikistan and the largest lake in the Eastern Pamirs. It is located at an altitude of more than 3 kilometres above sea level. In winter, ice crust more than one metre thick is formed here, and in summer the water temperature does not exceed 12 °C. The lake is located in the incredibly beautiful but rather remote Gorno-Badakhshan AO.

Pamir Mountains

 4.3/5

483 reviews

A large mountain system in Central Asia, part of which is located in Tajikistan. The name translates as “roof of the world”, “foot of the bird”, “foot of death”. Three mountain peaks over 7 kilometres high on Tajik territory: Ismail Samani Peak, Ibn Sina Peak, Korzhenevskaya Peak. The Pamir mountain system has many glaciers and eternally snow-covered ridges.

National Museum of Tajikistan

 4.5/5

461 reviews

Located in Dushanbe, it has several thematic departments: Ancient and Medieval History, New History, Art, and Nature. Expeditions are constantly organised under the direction of the museum, as a result of which the collections of exhibits are enriched. The museum building, built in the Baroque style, is of architectural value.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Flagpole

 4.7/5

486 reviews

A structure next to the Palace of Nations in Dushanbe, on which the national flag develops. Attracts attention by the fact that it is the highest flagpole in the world. The height is approximately 165 metres. The main elements of the structure were created in Dubai and finally assembled in the capital of Tajikistan in 2010-2011.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monument of Ismail Samani

 4.8/5

668 reviews

Monument erected in honour of Emir Abu Ibrahim Ismail ibn Ahmed of the Samanid dynasty. This ruler founded a large and strong state in Central Asia with Dushanbe as its capital. The monument was erected in 1999 in honour of the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid state. The construction looks representative and is decorated with rich trimmings.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Hisor Fortress

 4.6/5

790 reviews

The remains of a structure that is more than 2500 years old. The well-preserved gate was built in the 16th century by one of the Bukhara emirs. Earlier the fortress was the residence of rulers. The thickness of the fortress walls was more than 1 metre, in the courtyard there was a swimming pool and a garden. Apart from the gates, fragments of walls and some buildings have survived to our days.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Krepost'

 5/5

1 reviews

It is located in the city of Khujand. Its history is connected with the struggle of local peoples against the hordes of Genghis Khan. The great Khan sent 75,000 men to besiege the fortress. After the defence fell, the construction was destroyed by the Mongol army, and for several centuries no one remembered the ruins. In the 16th century, the fortress was rebuilt and became the residence of the local ruler.

Open time

Buddhistic cloister of Ajina-Tepa

 4.4/5

15 reviews

The area where a Buddhist monastery of the 7th to 8th centuries was found as a result of excavations in 1961. A few years after the work began, a huge clay statue of Buddha, which is recognised as the largest in Central Asia, was discovered in one of the corridors. The name “Ajina-Tepe” translates as “hill of unclean power” or “devil’s hill”.

Open time

Sarasm

An ancient settlement dating back to the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. An important historical monument of the World Heritage Listed by UNESCO. Sarazm was discovered in the 70s of the twentieth century. As a result of excavations, many well-preserved buildings, household items and tools were found.

Tajik National Park

 4.3/5

256 reviews

The park was established to preserve the unique nature of Tajikistan. The area of the park is about 2.6 million hectares and includes the central part of Pamir-Alai, Gorno-Badakhshan AO, Tavildara and Jirgatal districts. This place is popular among tourists who prefer eco-rest and admiring nature.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Iskanderkul

 4.7/5

274 reviews

It is located in the Fann Mountains at an altitude of more than 2 kilometres above sea level. This reservoir is called the heart of the Fann Mountains. One of the legends says that Alexander the Great passed here with his army, and here he lost his favourite horse. The lake is named in honour of the great military leader (in Asia Alexander is known as Iskander).

Kairakum Reservoir

 4.8/5

180 reviews

An artificial reservoir created in the middle of the 20th century for economic purposes, which was nicknamed “Tajik Sea”. The reservoir is home to a variety of commercial fish and nests several species of migratory birds. Excellent infrastructure has been created here – sanatoriums, recreation areas, children’s camps have been built.

Sarez Lake

 4.6/5

95 reviews

It appeared as a result of an earthquake in 1911. A large section of the Muzkol ridge collapsed, forming a deep gorge beneath it. This gorge was instantly filled with the waters of the Murghab River. This is how the youngest lake on the planet appeared. Unfortunately, more than 100 people died as a result of these natural changes.

Chashmai Garmchashma

 4.3/5

15 reviews

Healing mineral spring on the slope of Shakhdarya ridge. In the middle of the 20th century, a water cure centre was built at the place where the waters come out, which is still functioning today. Up to the end of the 19th century, local residents worshipped the spring and set up small altars in the places where the waters came to the surface.

M41

The high-mountain road linking the Tajik city of Khorog and the Kyrgyz city of Osh is approximately 700 kilometres long. It is one of the most picturesque highways in the world, winding through plateaus, bottomless gorges, “Martian plains” and inhospitable mountain deserts. Many car travellers dream of driving along this highway.