The smallest of the five Central Asian countries, Tajikistan is a mountainous nation tucked between China to the east, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Afghanistan to the south.
With snow-peaked ranges punctuating the skies, slabs of enormous rock formations spanning shades of brick red to charcoal grey, and glacial run-off pouring into churning white rapids, Tajikistan is ideal for hiking, camping and taking advantage of the innumerous viewpoints overlooking the lakes and rivers.
If you’re interested in history in addition to natural beauty, look no further. This nation of 10 million people has witnessed the hustle and bustle of the Silk Road, the might of the Soviet Union at its peak, and visits from the likes of Alexander the Great and Chinggis Khan. This is everything you need to know about planning your first trip and what to expect when you arrive.
With 93% of Tajikistan covered in mountains, there’s a big difference in temperature between the lower and higher elevations. Most of the country's cities are located in the lowlands and the summers are dry with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F). In the winter months, it’s typically closer to −1°C to 3°C (30.2°F to 37.4°F). In the mountainous regions, it can reach -20°C (-4°F) and up to 150 cm of snowfall.
Considering the plethora of outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and camping around the countless trails and mountains to horseback riding and fishing, the most popular months to visit are May, June, September and October. For those who love winter landscapes and hiking in the snow, beware that avalanches and floods are common from December through March. The largest official holiday in the country is Navruz, the Persian New Year. To catch the colorful outfits, elaborate table settings, and floral launch of springtime, plan your trip around the big day on March 21.
To see the highlights of Dushanbe, two full days are sufficient. Hisor and Safed Dara are easy day trips while Iskander-Kul is an overnight trip. Take two or three days for trips to Khujand or Panjakent. For a visit to the Pamirs, most people take between seven to twelve days.
The largest airport, DYU, in the capital Dushanbe services flights from 11 countries. It’s the primary international hub for entering and exiting from other countries, and the two largest connecting cities are Dubai, via Fly Dubai, and Istanbul, via Turkish Airlines.
Citizens of several former Soviet nations can enter Tajikistan without a visa and stay indefinitely. For most other countries, the maximum stay is 30 days. You can travel visa-free if your country is on the exempt list; otherwise, you can apply for a tourist visa online. Check out the
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In Turkey, flavors, cultures, and architecture of the east and west find a beautiful confluence. The best time to visit Turkey is when the weather lets you enjoy all of it and more. Depending on the season you visit in, you might see Turkey as a region of natural wonders, rich cultural festivities or snowy adventures. Here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Turkey, suited for you no matter which of the above you prefer.
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With the 2024 Republican presidential ticket of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance solidified last week in Milwaukee, Democrats have a lot of work to do before their convention in less than a month – now without an official candidate or a vice presidential nominee.