Tajikistan is a Central Asian country mainly known for its remoteness and seclusion. It attracts brave travelers eager to explore the marvels of this unexplored territory. As such, it is one of the limited landlocked countries in this part of the world. Tajikistan is also the hub of cotton production and has the best mountain ranges you’ve ever heard of! Tajikistan is mainly known for its remoteness and seclusion..Here’s how Traveling to Tajikistan can change your life perception forever.
During Soviet times, Tajik land used to be a widespread trekking destination for Russians looking to get away from the country. Nowadays, Tajikistan is safe for foreign visitors, and its enigmatic nature makes it an even more attractive tourist destination.
Do I need a visa to visit Tajikistan?
Yes! Most countries need a visa obtained before their visit to Tajikistan. Luckily, the country’s government has implemented a new electronic visa system.
Tajikistan e-Visa is an electronic authorization issued to foreigners who want to enter this beautiful landlocked country. Everyone who is a passport holder of one of the eligible countries can now apply for their visa online! The price for an online visa can differ depending on the type you will choose and may be 69, 99, or 129 Euro.
Applicants can select from two standard Tajikistan e-Visa types. Namely, single-entry and multiple-entry e-visa.
Both of them are issued for tourism or business purposes. You can additionally upgrade these two online visas by adding a permit to enter the GBAO region. Traveling there without valid permission is impossible.
If you plan to visit Tajikistan, keep on reading and find out why traveling to this country can broaden your horizons.
1. Meeting the locals and learning about the culture
The most thrilling and fascinating part of your trip will be meeting the locals. Since the country became independent from the Soviet Union in the early 90s, not much in the country has changed. The Tajik population consists of extremely hospitable people willing to offer help or a cup of tea to everyone, making tourists feel at home.
When you visit this country, Tajik hospitality can shock you. One may wonder how those people living in relative poverty may be such a hospitable and friendly nation. They will undoubtedly do their best to treat you like their own family member. Pay them back and give a small gift to say thanks.
The main religion and a part of cultural identity in Tajikistan is Islam. However, officially Tajikistan is a secular country where citizens under 18 cannot attend religious practices.
Ethical life is a relatively complex concept to understand for the Tajikistanis. Units in college and good grades mean cotton farming 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 100 kilos of produce, correspondingly. But some programs are being launched to help the nation progress its quality of life.
2. Trying the incredibly delicious food
Visiting Tajikistan is always an incredible experience, not only because of the very welcoming locals.
You will also have the possibility to try some traditional Tajik cuisine which fully represents the shortage of available ingredients.
One thing is for sure, Tajik people are able to prepare delicious and nutritious meals from ‘nothing.’ The basis for their cuisine is rice and bread. Those two ingredients can be alternately met in various Tajik dishes.
Exploring Pamir, you can drink chai tea and try freshly caught fish from a local lake. In turn, when visiting the east and north of the country, don’t forget to try mutton shashlik and Fergana fruits!
3. Learning about the history
Although the independent Republic of Tajikistan is only 30 years old, the Tajik civilization dates back as far as 3,000 years. Like the Sassanid Empire, major cultures that existed in these territories, Chinese Civilization, Arabic culture, and religion, USSR have all influenced Tajikistan’s national uniqueness. There are many old-fashioned mosques and Soviet-style buildings, monuments, and the remains of olden cities throughout Tajikistan.
After gaining independence, the country had to face another troubled period in its history. The civil war that lasted until 1997 took the lives of around 60,000 Tajiks, while more than 0.5 million left the country and never came back.
The year 1994 was a critical event for the present country as president Rahmon took over the rule. His authoritarian government persists until today, and he even changed the country’s constitution not to end his presidency. His governing methods are controversial, and actually, there’s no light in the tunnel that anything can change in the near future.
4. Charming cities & Tajik capital
Dushanbe, Khujand, and Khorog might not resonate in tourists’ minds as much as London, Paris, or Madrid, but they are unique and charming spots of Tajik land. You can always find museums, opera shows, and theatres, but you may also explore customary chai-honas (teahouses), Qantas (castles), and beautifully designed mosques and holy sanctuaries.
Visiting the country’s capital can actually feel a bit like in one of the European capitals. Dushanbe does not vary a lot from them, but you can experience a cultural shock after exploring the rest of Tajikistan.
Entering the capital, you may see that you could accidentally cross the border and find yourself in a different country. At least, the city center of Dushanbe was built to reflect the richness and splendor. Nevertheless, these glamour sites are mixing with the contrasting places representing the more inferior side of the country.
5. The Pamir Range
The Pamir range is eye-catching and by itself will take your breath away, not by thinned out oxygen that comes with its towering altitudes, but with its extra remarkable views high above the skies that the Hindu Kush appears too close at times.
Wakhan Valley to the South is the road of the historical Silk Trade route. It is apparent with archaeological bits and pieces spread over the land, such as Buddhist wats, Islamic mausoleums, hermit caves, petroglyphs, and forts.
In Pamir, you can also find the Fedchenko Glacier, the longest mountain glacier globally. The majority of the Pamir area is located in Tajikistan GBAO Region, while the other part of it is located in the neighboring country, Kyrgyzstan. Some farthest bits of Pamir are situated in two different countries, namely in Afghanistan and China.
Final words
Those who visited Tajikistan may claim that this land is a place where the concept of ‘civilization’ doesn’t exist, while Tajiks are people living in their own way, isolated from the rest of the world.
Without question, such people as Tajiks are rare. Only a few nations in the world can live this way, appreciating the tiniest thing that was given to them and smiling all the time despite difficulties of life.
Apply for your Tajikistan e-Visa! Check it yourself how wonderful people Tajiks are and how a trip to their country can change your life perception forever.
