Description
Book SynopsisThis new, thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Tajikistan is the most practical guide dedicated exclusively to this breathtaking country, central Asia's smallest, but home to the biggest tea house in the world! Bradt's Tajikistan caters for all interests, whether you're a nature lover, explorer, just want to soak up the stunning surroundings, or a wildlife enthusiast in search of eagles, elusive snow leopard or extraordinary Marco Polo sheep. Locals call Tajikistan 'Bam-i-Dunya', the Roof of the World, and travelling the Pamir Highway you can understand why. With first-hand descriptions of everything from Sogdian ruins to playing the traditional sport of buz kashi, trekking on the Murgohab Plateau and eating shashlik in garden tea houses, the authors bring the country alive. This latest edition covers all the most recent developments, notably the significant increase in hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and homestays, along with improvements to travel and transport, all following the government's investment in tourism. New attractions are also featured, including the new cable car in Khujand over the Syr Darya Sirdarya river and new trekking destinations, festivals and exhibitions. There are also details of which sites require additional permits and permissions and how much they cost, and where border crossings have been closed or have become more accessible. Mountains, crystal clear lakes (including Lake Sarez), wildlife and epic trekking routes are all here, as well as ancient Buddhist sites, Silk Road trading posts, medieval shrines, and planned Soviet cities. The modern population continues to draw upon its diverse heritage from Persia, China, Afghanistan, and Russia, creating a complex and intriguing culture. Bradt's Tajikistan covers every corner of the country, from the Wakhan Corridor to the Fann Mountains and Garm Chashma springs, Dushanbe to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sarazm and Tajik National Park, making this comprehensive guide an ideal companion for a perfect trip whether travelling independently or on an organised tour.
Trade Review'The most up-to-date and comprehensive guidebook to Tajikistan.' Adventure Travel Magazine
Table of ContentsContents Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, LGBTQ travellers, Travellers of colour, Travelling with a disability, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Trekking, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Photography, Media and communications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Dushanbe and Environs History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Local tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Sports/fitness, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Dushanbe Chapter 4 Fann and Zarafshon Mountains Yagnob Valley, Iskandarkul, Ayni, Zarafshon Valley, Panjakent Chapter 5 Khujand and Northern Sughd Istaravshan, Khujand, Isfara Chapter 6 Khatlon Bokhtar, Shahrtuz, Towards Kulob, Kulob, Khovaling and around Chapter 7 Karotegin (Rasht) Valley Faizobod, Obigarm, Roghun, Gharm, Tojikobod, Laksh Chapter 8 West-Central Gorno-Badakhshan Qalai Khumb, Vanj, Rushon and the Bartang Valley, Khorog, Ishkashim, Wakhan Corridor Chapter 9 Murgob Plateau The Pamir Highway: Khorog to Murgob, Murgob, The Pamir Highway: Murgob to the Tajik-Kyrgyz border Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossary Appendix 3 Further Information Index
