Hello, I would like to share some pictures of one of my favourite countries ever, Tajikistan!
I visited Tajikistan in the beginning of august, for a little over a week. It was one of the most beautiful and underrated countries I've ever been. The nature is absolutely unreal. Even from within the cities, you can see some beautiful mountains surrounding you. While driving from one city to the next, the views are absolutely next level. Even when you are cramped in the back of a 30 year old Mercedes for six hours, it is worth it ;)!
Everyone in the country is insanely friendly, and hospitable. In the smaller cities and villaages people were very surprised to see a tourist, and were very interested in what you were doing there. They are very proud of their country, and love to have you there!
The country is very safe. While walking in a small town at 1am, I never felt any danger, or unsafe whatsoever. Within the big cities, it is clean as well, but in the smaller towns, there is relatively much trash everywhere. Especially in the nature surrounding the town, which is very sad to see.
One thing I also really like, compared to other Central Asian Republics, is that they still show a lot of their Soviet past. Almost every village has a big Lenin statue, a street named after Marx, and many communist symbolism. It is very interesting for me to see that. Especially in combination with the local culture. It is a strange, but very cool experience.
One thing I would like to warn you about, is that you need to be very careful with what food you eat. I got pretty sick for 2 days after eating in a (what I thought was) decent looking local restaurant. Luckily I had medicine to get me back on my feet pretty quickly. Also, in the smaller villages, it is recommended you wear long pants. While people won't get angry with you, you will get some disapproving looks. I think it is important to show respect to the local people, by dressing appropiately. In Dushanbe and Khujand, however, this was not a problem at all!
Also, please spend as little time as possible in Dushanbe. The city itself is alright, and has some really cool stuff, but the rest of the country is infinitely more beautiful.
I would implore all of you to visit the beautiful country. It is safe, gorgeous, affordable and extremely hospitable.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
1,2 Nature near Panjakent
3 Bus stop, Panjakent
4 View from Panjakent
5 Fire truck in front of the Bazar, Panjakent
6 Panjakent Bazar
7 Enormous Lenin statue in Istaravshan
8 Historical Museum of Sughd Region, Khujand
9 Cute dog, Khujand
10 Another big Lenin statue, Khujand
11-13 The Seven Lakes
14,15 Photos from in Panjakent, building with huge poster of the president of Tajikistan
16 View from the airplane
17 Old bus, which someone made into a house, Khujand
18 View while driving from Khujand to Dushanbe
19 Tajik flags, Panjakent
20 Fountains in Dushanbe