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Dushanbe

Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is a fast-emerging Central Asian city surrounded by mountains, and presents a short-yet-fascinating history deeply rooted in Soviet-era Russia. Situated at the confluence of the Varzob and Kofar Nihon Rivers, Tajikistan's largest city sits in the very west of the country, close to the border of Uzbekistan. Up until the early 20th century, Dushanbe remained an isolated desert village before being discovered by the Soviets and transformed into a center of cotton and silk production.

Today, the city boasts enough sights to keep the modern tourist happy for a good few days, with impressive attractions such as Somoni Statue, numerous museums and galleries, as well as the ancient Gissar Fortress 20 miles outside the city center. Huge local bazaars offer a taste of local life, and although modern restaurants serving western cuisine are still in short supply, the thriving cafe culture here more than makes up for any lack of home comforts.

EXPERIENCES

Botanical Garden Dushanbe

For a green escape from the city, a visit to the capital’s much-loved Botanical Gardens is a highly-recommended activity. The park area contains an interesting array of trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Covering an area of around 40 hectares, the gardens can be found just a short drive away from the city center.

Gissar Fortress

Situated approximately 20 miles outside the city, Gissar Fortress makes an interesting little excursion outside the capital with its two giant turrets and rolling countryside in the background. Although lying in ruins today, the fortress was once an important administrative and political headquarters of ancient Tajikistan. Visitors can fully explore the site, getting up close to the three-foot thick stone walls, crumbling staircases, and lofty ledges.

Gurmej Museum of Musical Instruments

Located in central Dushanbe, Gurmej Museum of Musical Instruments offers a fascinating array of instruments - both old and new - from around Tajikistan and the Central Asian region. Boasting over 100 models in total, the instruments on display are mostly of the string variety, including the tar, rubab, tanbur,and dutor. The museum was founded in 1990 by the famous Tajik musician and actor Gurmej Zavkibekov.

Somoni Statue

One of the major attractions of Dushanbe, Somoni Statue rises high above the city streets, depicting the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. Located in the center of the city, a large arch towers above, topped off with a magnificent gold crown to create quite a spectacle. The statue is in the middle of one of the key intersections in the city, and guests can get up close by walking up the central steps leading up.

The National Museum of Antiques and Dushanbe Buddha

Etched firmly into the travel itineraries of most travelers to the Tajikistan capital is The National Museum of Antiques, situated in the heart of Dushanbe. The centerpiece of the museum is a 40-foot-long reclining Buddha statue, believed to be over 1,600 years old. Named ‘Dushanbe Buddha’, the statue is the largest of its type in the whole of Central Asia, and sits alongside a host of other interesting artifacts and exhibitions in the museum.

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TAJIKISTAN Regions

Dushanbe

DUSHANBE

Pamir Highway

BULUNKUL & YASHILKUL LAKES

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Dushanbe

Set in the heart of Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe, the Hyatt Regency boasts luxury five-star accommodation, reflecting the country’s unique culture throughout its generously-sized suites. Located on the grounds of the city park and near to the stunning lake Komsomol, this hotel boasts not only stunning urban surrounds, but is also conveniently located to reach many local attractions by foot and the international airport is just four miles away. It is one of the most beautifully-appointed hotels in Dushanbe and one of the finest luxury properties throughout the whole of Tajikistan. Boasting over 200 luxury rooms and suites over three accommodation options, the hotel is proud to maintain a distinctive theme that runs throughout to encompass the local Tajik culture so prevalent in this region. One of the best restaurants in the city is also featured here, where creative cuisine combined with sophisticated surroundings provide an elegant retreat. There is enough to keep guests occupied at the hotel during their stay relaxing in the heated, indoor pool to the unwinding in the tranquil surroundings of the spa.

Hotel Tajikistan

Nestled in the center of Dushanbe, Hotel Tajikistan is the largest in the city and offers an immaculate and comfortable stay to all its guests. Built in the 1970s, the hotel has been recently refurbished to provide contemporary accommodation while still encompassing local Tajik traditions. All rooms are well-appointed and provide modern amenities. Thanks to its convenient location, just a short walk away from the hotel will take its guests into the city and to many local tourist attractions and the airport is a short drive away. In addition to its on-site dining options, guest can also make use of the fitness facilities and sauna.

Serena Hotel

This luxury hotel in the center of Dushanbe really is head and shoulders above most of the city's other accommodation options. As soon as you step inside the grand lobby with its traditional Tajik features, it's clear that plenty of time and effort have gone into the hotel's design. There's a choice of serviced apartments or deluxe double rooms, all with 24-hour room service, large comfortable beds, TV and internet. The great location of the Serena, situated on the main boulevard at the center of Dushanbe, offers a stunning backdrop, surrounded by a lush garden and mountains in the distance. It also provides ease of access to the city's attractions, such as the National Art Museum, cinemas and the opera theater, and is just a 10-minute drive from the international airport.

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