Tajikistan
Dushanbe: The Ultimate Guide
When people talk about Central Asia’s most extravagant and quirky capitals, the spotlight usually falls on Ashgabat or Astana. Dushanbe, however, deserves just as much attention – though it still feels like a secret. The city as it appears today is surprisingly young. Long before Soviet planners arrived, the region’s main settlement was Hisor, centered
Navruz Palace: Dushanbe’s Controversial Masterpiece
Navruz Palace stands as one of Central Asia’s most ambitious modern pieces of architecture. Though it was originally conceived of in 2002 as a large teahouse, it was completed in 2014 as something very different. Around 4,000 of Tajikistan’s finest craftsmen were employed for the project, with the structure’s total size reaching 40,000 square meters.
Hisor Fortress: The Forgotten Eastern Capital
With a history going back thousands of years, Hisor Fortress is often touted as one of the essential day trips from the Tajik capital of Dushanbe. And it is indeed both historically significant and visually appealing. But don’t set your expectations too high, as the entire area can be explored in under an hour. In
How to Visit Iskanderkul: The Lake of Alexander
I decided to make a stop at Iskanderkul for two reasons: one, of course, was the natural beauty of the lake. And the other was its association with Alexander the Great. But as for what I was going to do once there, I wasn’t entirely sure. Unlike Haft Kul, there aren’t any famous hikes in
Haft Kul: Hiking to All Seven Lakes
Nestled in the western Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, the seven alpine lakes of Haft Kul – also known as the Marguzor Lakes – are one of the country’s most accessible yet gorgeous natural wonders. Most people visit the Seven Lakes by car, briefly getting out at a few of them. But this guide details hiking
Exploring Ancient Panjakent & Sarazm
A lot of visitors to Samarkand hop over the border for a brief trip to Haft Kul, one of Tajikistan’s most impressive natural attractions. But for history and archaeology lovers, the city of Panjakent is home to two prominent archaeological sites: Ancient Panjakent and Sarazm. Both sites are extensive, but you won’t find much more