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| Tajikistan History |
| Tajikistan Culture |
| Tajikistan Weather |
| Tajikistan When to go |
| Tajikistan Food |
| Tajikistan Nightlife |
| Tajikistan Visa and Passport |
| Tajikistan Good to know |
| Tajikistan Information |
Population: 7,349,145 Dialing Code: +992 Languages: Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business Religions: Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.) Internet TLD: .tj Located: Central Asia, west of China Area: 143,100 sq km Residents with HIV: 10,000 Literacy: 99.5% Comparative Size: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Nationality Noun: Tajikistani(s) Nationality Adjective: Tajikistani |
A landlocked landscape, a war-torn past, and a neighbor linked to terrorism (Afghanistan) may make tourists think more than twice before delving into Tajikistan. But visitors need not worry, as Tajikistan assures a safe and stunning travel. This country is unique among its neighbors on the Silk Road as it has been under Persian empires for much of its history, leaving what today is a prevailing non-Turkic culture not found anywhere else in Central Asia.
Mountains galore
Dominating Tajikistan's landscape are high mountains such as Alay Mountain and The Pami which offer amazing views from ‘the Roof of the World,' with an added warm treatment from mountain locals. Road trip enthusiasts might create great memories from the Pamir Highway, with its breathtaking elevated lake views.
Hardcore hikers can challenge themselves in the Fan Mountains. For a more relaxing experience of Tajikistan's terrain, the Iskander-Kul Lake found on the eastern area of the Fan Mountains is a good place to visit. Amateur and professional photographers might have a feast capturing the Buddhist ruins and the whitewashed Hindu Kush at the Wakhan Valley.
Another visual feast is being presented by the diverse wildlife of Tajikistan. Dominating the animal population are Marco Polo sheep, ibex and snow leopards. The best time to see the ibex and the sheep is after December, when they travel to lower altitudes in the Jarty-Gumbaz area of eastern Pamir.
Artifacts and ancient cultures
Offering an equally adventurous trip into Tajikistan's yesteryears is the Museum of National Antiquities. The museum is home to artifacts like an ivory image of Alexander the Great and a 13-meter sleeping Buddha. A greater insight into Tajikistan culture is revealed in the Museum of Musical Instruments, where antique instruments such as the doira or tambourine and the gijak or fiddle are displayed. Most institutions focused on cultural and historical insights are found in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe.
Thursdays are for visits to the Panchsanbe Bazaar, situated in Northern Tajikistan's Kuchai Lenina. Just a few blocks away from this well-stocked bazaar is the Mausoleum of Sheikh Masaal ad-Din, a humble yet modern complex where youngsters and seniors chant verses from the Quran.