Tajikistan: Travelling To The Remote and Unknown World of Central Asia.

You would atleast hope that those checking you into your flight knew of the country you're flying to, but even they responded questionably about where I was going.

So here is a glimpse into the unknown world of Tajikistan, explore the rugged mountain ranges of Pamir and how it got the name "Roof of the world", see the blend of cultural influences from the Post Soviet era, Muslim and traditional Tajik. This country is something like no other I've been to before, genuinely does feel like a hidden gem right on top of the world.

Part 1. Towns and Outskirts - Focusing on human settlements within this rugged terrain.

Part 2. Khujand - Eplore the streets, markets and government buildings of the 2nd largest city in Tajikistan.

Part 3. Roof of the World - Focus more on the mountainous terrain that gives Tajikistan it's reputaiion.

The Pamir mountain range, "The Roof of the World"

Tajikistan is one of the seven stan countries that make up Central Asia positioned between Afghanistan to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east.

More than 90% of Tajikistan is covered by mountains, and half of the country sits 10,000 feet or more above sea level. The rugged Pamir mountains of Tajikistan are formed by the intersection of five mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, thus earning it the title the “Roof of the World.” The population of Tajikistan is estimated around 10.7 million people made up of a mix of many different cultural groups including Russian, Uzbeks, Tatars, Kyrgyz, Ukrainians, Germans, Jews, Armenians and Yaghnobi. Around 98% of the population identify as Muslim, primarily Sunni Islam, then a small amount identify as Shia Islam and Christian.

Part 1. Towns and Outskirts

See how humans reside in this unique landscape. What I want you to do is take a moment to identify what you share in common with those in these photos, like how we both have homes, some people walk to work, are waiting at a bus stop, wear clothes, but how different they may be to us.

In some of these photos below there are homes and settlements that you can find tucked away in the mountains, sometimes hours away from the closest town or shops. What's amazing is how many people we saw walking everywhere that makes me wonder how long it may take someone to do a simple task like getting groceries or supplies.

Local Tajikistan man waiting for his bus on the side of the road.

Part 2. Khujand

Khujand, sometimes spelled Khodjent and formerly known as Leninabad from 1936 to 1991 but reverting back to it's original name after the break up of the Soviet Union. It is the second-largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of Tajikistan's northernmost Sughd province. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years to the Persian Empire.

The city of Khujand is at the far North East of Tajikistan in a narrow strip that is just 232km from the border of Uzbekistan on one side and only 155km to Kyrgyzstan on the other side. In the photos below you will see the Panjshanbe bazar that is the largest covered market in Central Asia, Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleums, views from the Stella Khujand, Arbob Cultural Palace and the streets of Khujand.

Part 3. Roof of the World

After we arrived in Dushanbe we, without a moment notice, jumped into our vehicles and set out on our 6 hour cross country drive to Khujand. As we are making our way up the mountains our driver decided it was a good time to share a story about how only the week before an avalanche took a truck off the mountain, only to never to be seen again.

Right in that moment as he finished his story we noticed above us an avalanche coming right our way, our driver stopped for a moment as the snow covered most the road. It seemed to stop and then we simply drove around it and continued. It was in that moment our sleep deprivation kicked in and our only response was, "If anything happend atleast we can finally get some sleep."

Enjoy exploring the mountain ranges of Pamir, Iskanderkul Lake referred to as "Lake of Alexander the Great", and even the photo of a truck on it's side on the edge of one of the mountain roads.

A truck that had flipped along the steep, windy mountain path.

Truelly there is nothing else like this place and it's amazing how well hidden it is from the rest of the world. If you're interested in travelling here yourself reach out as I would love to help you on your travels.