Top Things to do in Tajikistan
10 Things to do in Tajikistan That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Tajikistan, Tajikistan including Pamir Highway, Rudaki Park, Lake Karakul, NOOR ART GALLERY, Statue of Ismoil Somoni, Kayrakkum Reservoir, Park Kamal Khudzhandi, National Museum of Tajikistan, Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification, Arbob Cultural Palace.
Restaurants in Tajikistan
1. Pamir Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
The Pamir Mountain range is part of the Western Himalaya and features several peaks over 7000m. The terrain is diverse from towering peaks to high altitude desert plains and climate conditions can vary from +35C to -40C depending upon the time of year. The Pamir Highway follows paths forged long ago by the ancient Silk routes, when that precious commodity travelled from China to European and Arabian markets and traded goods returned in its stead. Legacies of those forgotten times can still be seen with cliff top fortresses and ancient caravanserais. The highway winds over 2000km from Samarkand in Uzbekistan through Dushanbe (capital of Tajikistan) and the Pamir mountains to Osh in Kyrgyzstan and then on to Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) through the Tien Shan mountain range. The peoples of Central Asia hold hospitality as a value of great importance and travellers are warmly welcomed whether the visit is planned or otherwise!
Reviewed By KaisuR14 - Helsinki, Finland
Mountains, rivers, forests. I travelled on the border between Tadjikistan and Afghanistan and could see the Afghan countryside that you can't see otherwise. There is the river Panj (Amu Darya), a narrow, but turbulent river, between the countries. You can see from the road snowy peaks of Pamir and Hindu Kush too. Unfortunately, Isis killed four travellers in summer 2018 when I was there.
2. Rudaki Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
Rudaki Park, in the heart of Dushanbe is about 20 acres in size, formally laid out with paved paths, formal flower beds, fountains, statues and surrounded by government buildings. The park is a colorful expression of Tajikistan national pride. It is named after Muhammad al Rudaki (858-941), one of the first poets to write in modern Persian. He was born in what is now Panjakent, Tajikistan, and was the court poet to Samanid ruler Nasr II in the early 10th century. On the east side of the park, radial walkways converge on a massive statue of Rudaki, under a mosaic arch. The north center of the park has a tall flagstaff with an enormous Tajikistan flag. The flagpole fronts a small lake with paddle boats for rent. The park is meticulously laid out and cared for, with formal flower beds, tree-lined walkways, benches, and fountains. The Presidential Palace is on the west side, the National Museum of Tajikistan on the north, and the National Library to the South. Just south of the park is a statue to Ismoili Somoni under a modernistic gold arch. During the summer, the park can be hot, so a visit in early morning or late afternoon can be cooler. The fountains are lit at night, making it a visual delight. Its extensive size and paved paths make it a good place for walking, jogging, or bike riding. Kiosks sell ice cream and cold drinks, and there are occasional public toilets. Rudaki park is easy to get to (Trams run along Rudaki Avenue to the east), and is open 24 hours each day. There is no entrance charge.
3. Lake Karakul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By OneAddictedTraveler - Lake Elmo, United States
This lake resides in a high altitude basin with no drainage. It is surrounded by mountains which provide a beautiful backdrop as they are covered with snow. We walked near the lake. Beware: the silt of the lakeshore is very sticky and almost impossible to remove from shoes.
4. NOOR ART GALLERY
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Welcome to Noor Art Gallery located at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Hotel. Noor Art Gallery exhibits one of the most distinguished public art collections in Dushanbe. Its displays include the works of Tajikistan's prominent masters such as Farrukh Negmatzade, Eraj Olimov, Bahrom Ismatov, iliyos Mamadzhanov, Maksud Mirmukhamedov, Abdullo Ubaidullaev, Behruz Zabirov and others. Noor Art Gallery also features unique handmade jewelry embellished with semi precious gems, adras/atlas fabrics (ikat fabric), handmade rugs, a great range of national souvenirs and Tajik handicraft products, such as woodcarvings, jewelry boxes, pottery, clothings made from traditional handmade textiles, florentine mosaics and many more. According to a famous saying, art reflects life. So come and visit Noor Art Gallery to learn more about oriental culture and people.
Reviewed By 457dianai - Riga, Latvia
Great family store with unique souvenirs, unique atmosphere and unique taste. Combination of modern and traditional trends, handmade, family run. Great service + they ship to everywhere in the world! Definitely worth visiting, even if just like an art gallery!
5. Statue of Ismoil Somoni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By alikarim - Dallas, United States
Ismail Somoni was a ruler and hero of this region and there are many places named after him in the city. The statue is across from the Parliament buildings, and from teh Rudaki Park and National Library. The statue and park grounds, the map of this empire, gardens, water structures etc are well kept and in good order. Worth visiting for a photo opportunity and to enjoy the various monuments, parks and Museum/Library here.
6. Kayrakkum Reservoir
7. Park Kamal Khudzhandi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By yns_10 - Sydney, Australia
The fountains, statues and greenery of this well maintained, clean riverfront park make it lovely for a stroll. Don't miss the ceiling wood carvings on the pavilions, they are exquisite.
8. National Museum of Tajikistan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
STATE INSTITUTION OF THE «NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TAJIKISTAN» UNDER THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN. On July 27, 2011, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan № 675 was issued on the establishment of the State institution of the «National museum of Tajikistan». The museum has a total area of 24,000 sq.m and the exhibit space occupies 22 rooms with a total area of over 15,000 sq. m. The National Museum of Tajikistan is composed of four exhibition departments: Department of Natural History, Department of Ancient and Medieval History, Department of Modern and Contemporary History and Department of Fine and Applied Arts.
Reviewed By Abdul1moeed - Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Really beautiful and gorgeous place. Very informative and interesting place. Near the city centre. With love from Pakistan.
9. Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The museum is constructed in the south eastern corner of the ancient fort ruins. The entrance price is 15 somoni and an additional 10 somoni photography fee. This photo fee is a bargain, as the displays are excellent. The main exhibits are downstairs. The most interesting room is dedicated to the Macedonian Empire and it's leader Alexander the Great. The glass mosaic display depicts important events in the life of Alexander. They include his birth, as a youth receiving instruction from Aristotle, the taming of his mount "Bucephalus", famous persons of the Macedonian court, Alexander leading his forces in battle, capture of Khujand (Alexandria Eschate) in 329 BC, marriage to Roxanne and the death of Alexander. A tiled area on the floor shows the extent of the Macedonian Empire. Rusted weapons of this era are also on display. Another interesting room is the "Arian exhibition". Above the entrance is the "Faravahar" which is the symbol of Zoroastrian faith. There are interesting pictures of petroglyphs, the avesto and fire altar. In the 5th century BC, when this area was ruled by the Achaemenid Empire, Zoroastrianism was the main religion. The last hall has models of the stone age. On returning upstairs, there are beautiful carpet exhibits in a small room to the left. In various exhibits, the history of the city is traced through the rule of the Samanid Empire, it's destruction by the Mongols in 1220 , capture by Timur in 1370, destruction by the Russian Empire in 1866 and it's modern reconstruction. Our favourite exhibits were a statue of the local hero Timur Malik, who defended the city against the Mongols, the Soviet history section including a rare Stalin sculpture and the WW2 display. We thought that the exhibits were well presented and provided a comprehensive review of the history of the city. After visiting the museum, walk through Khujandi Park where there is a small archaeological museum built into the walls of the fort, and if you continue to the rear of the fort, it provides a great view of the ancient mud brick structure, which unfortunately is not accessible.
