TAJIKISTAN

Wild Mountains & Turquoise Lakes

Hello, I’m Aliya! Based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, I started my professional path in 2001 and worked as a librarian till 2013. While exploring Uzbekistan during that time, I saw many tourists and felt a bit jealous of people arranging their travels. I wanted to become a part of the travel industry, and finally decided to follow my dream.

Working in tourism for 11 years, I am happy to have a career related to exploring the world. I’m in love with Central Asia, my home region, and try to escape to any corner of it whenever I can, even for a weekend.

This summer, I snuck away to Fann Mountains in Tajikistan. There, hidden among wild ancient rocks, Lake Iskanderkul is located. The lake is famous for its unique turquoise blue, icy waters. The name of the lake Iskanderkul comes from “Islander”, which is how Alexander the Great was called in the East; and “kul” which means “lake” in Turkic languages. Therefore, this is the lake of Alexander the Great.

I stayed in a small village near the lake, in a tiny guesthouse run by a local family. I was exploring the surroundings, admiring breathtaking landscapes, chatting with locals and seeing their everyday life.

Tajikistan is a unique country full of authenticity, with untouched places where time seems to slow down. It is still free from crowds of tourists and thus preserving the original local culture. In Tajikistan, you can encounter communities living in remote, isolated areas where some residents still speak a dialect rooted in the ancient, now-extinct Sogdian language.

93% of the territory of Tajikistan is covered by mountains, and the Pamirs is considered as one of the highest and most grandiose mountain systems in the world. The serene surface of lakes nestled between towering ridges, cascading waterfalls, vibrant stone-and-clay villages, lush valleys and winding mountain passes invite you to escape the hustle of city life. Embrace a slower pace and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

For me, 2024 was a year of discoveries. Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with memorable trips!