Tajikistan

Beautiful and remote, Tajikistan has much to offer to the mountaineer, the hiker, and the independent traveller in search of remote locations and unusual cultural experiences. There are opportunities for alpine mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, horse or camel riding, historical exploration, cultural experiences or simply relaxing among dramatic mountains and lakes.

Most enticing for the mountaineer are the three giants of the Pamirs: Peak Somoni, Peak Lenin and Peak Korzhenevskaya. For alpine climbing, high level walking tours and lakeland scenery the Fann mountains, just across the border from Samarkand, are especially popular.

The populated valleys have a rich history. In former times, Tajikistan was at the crossroads of Asia and four major Silk Road routes passed through the Pamir and Fann mountains.

Understanding the Geography

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia that borders Afghanistan to the south, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and northwest. The ancient Silk Road passed through it.

Regions of Tajikistan

• Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon* (Khorugh)
• Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa)
• Viloyati Sughd (Khujand)

Cities of Tajikistan

• Dushanbe - Tajikistan's capital
• Khorugh
• Qurghonteppa
• Khujand

Understanding the Climate

The climate in Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is moderate. In the cities, daytime temperatures average around 20-30C. Spring is the most beautiful time of year. The hillsides are alive with blossom, before the scorching heat of summer.

Summer can be extremely hot in the cities, often exceeding 40C. The southern cities of Qurghonteppa and Kulob are noticeably hotter than Dushanbe.

Winter is usually mild, but expect some snowfall in the valleys between December and February. In the mountains, however, conditions are harsh and the higher mountain passes are closed.

Understand the Culture

• Bread is considered to have a life of its own. It must be treated with respect.
• Don’t let bread or breadcrumbs fall to the ground, and don't throw it out with ordinary rubbish/trash. Leftover bread should be put on a shelf or windowsill or used to feed animals.
• Dress modestly. Shorts or short skirts are not recommended, especially in rural areas, which tend to be more conservative.
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people
• Men usually only shake hands with other men.
• Women are not obligated to answer a question from a male stranger.
• Physical contact with the opposite sex in public is not acceptable. Even between you and your spouse or a good friend, it can be misunderstood.
• If you step on someone's foot, an apology is required.
• When you are sitting, don't point the bottom of your foot towards another person. This is very offensive to Tajiks.
• Don't use your left hand for exchanges: money, gifts, shaking hands, passing food.
• Blowing your nose in public is not acceptable.