April 13, 2021 · 1 min read
Located in between the mountains of Pamir mountain range and over 50% of the country being above an altitudinal level of 3,000 meters, Tajikistan promises a lot of adventure for thrill seekers and intrepid travellers. With a size of a mere 143,100 sq km, it is the smallest country in Central Asia but has a lot of natural sightseeing options, the lakes being the standouts.
Historically, the earliest records of the settlement and development of this region dates back to the Bronze Age. The territory that we now know as Tajikistan was home to several ancient cultures that emerged out of the region and later to kingdoms of different faiths and cultures. At one time during the Kushan Empire, various faiths including Buddhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Manichaeism were practised, making the region culturally diverse. Rulers like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan too made their mark on Tajikistan history and annexed part of the country into their own empire. Later it was the Russians who ruled the country along the whole of Central Asia for a considerable period of time.
Geographically, Tajikistan is a mountainous landlocked country bordered by land bodies from all sides with the exception of Caspian Sea which it borders from the south-western side. Nestled in between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Afghanistan, almost 93% of the country is covered by Pamir and other mountain ranges. The high altitude of the region and snow capped mountains are the valuable sources for many glacier fed rivers and streams that run through the valleys. The Tajikistan part of Fergana Valley is the most densely populated region of the country where the fertile lands are irrigated by Syr Darya River. Tajikistan enjoys a continental, subtropical climate which changes as per the elevation levels.
Beautiful high mountains are the highlights of this country. Take a tour through one of the most thrilling mountain roads.
It is a mountain lake fed by the glaciers located at an altitude of 2,195 meters in the Fann Mountains, on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range. It is referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the former Soviet Union. You can go for swimming in here, but the water most of the time is freezing cold.
This is a crater lake located at an elevation of 3,960 meters in the Pamir Mountains. It is part of the Pamir National Park. It is used by the locals as pasture and you meet with the locals up here.
However you should expect more than just basic swimming as the lake is polluted and there are no operators providing specialized activities like scuba diving or snorkelling. Walking along the beaches and relaxing in the sunbed are more than enough.
Lenin Peak is located in the border of both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and is the highest point of both the countries at 7,134 meters. Hiking to the top is an adventure in itself.
It is part of the Pamir Alay Mountain and majority of it lies in Sughd province of Tajikistan. Trekking , hiking, and skiing are popular at this altitude.
