Tajikistan

Tajikistan, in the southeast of Central Asia, is 93% mountainous and holds the “highest” position in the region, not in economic terms or infrastructure but because of its geography. More than half of the country lies above 3,000 metres, and the highest point in the region, Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495 metres), is in Tajikistan.

The country covers 143,100 square kilometres and has a population of nearly 8 million, with a density of 50 people per square kilometre, spread fairly evenly across the country.

One of the oldest countries in the world, colourful, warm and mysterious Tajikistan is a fast-growing travel destination. The reasons are obvious: ancient sites of the Great Silk Road, incredible mountaineering and a varied, delicious cuisine. A landlocked country almost entirely covered by mountains, it is famous for its stunning natural beauty, such as the Pamir mountains and Iskanderkul Lake. Its capital, Dushanbe, is a lively city with a rich cultural heritage.

Like every mountainous country at southern latitudes, Tajikistan has a very varied climate: subtropical in the low valleys, moderately warm in the middle ranges and cold on the high peaks.

Most precipitation falls in winter and spring, while summer and autumn are mostly dry. Severe storms hit the mountains from October to May (temperatures can drop to -45 °C, making climbing almost impossible), and dust storms on the plains usually occur between June and October. These winds can last a week or more, something to keep in mind when planning a trip.