Full Description
This new, thoroughly updated second edition of the most practical guide to Central Asia's smallest and least understood country brings to life the 'Roof of the World': Tajikistan. Enhanced trekking details and maps are included, along with more detailed practical information than any other guidebook. Travelling to and entering Tajikistan is easier than ever before with improved transport infrastructure and a new airport terminal in the capital, Dushanbe. Accommodation options in the capital have also improved with new high-end hotels now open for business. This new edition includes details of all such changes and improvements.With this guide you can explore the Tajik side of the Wakhan Corridor, complete with fortresses, petroglyphs, and stunning views of the Pamirs and Hindu Kush. Also covered are the Fann Mountains, easily the most accessible - and one of the most beautiful - mountain ranges in Tajikistan, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sarazm and the Tajik National Park, the hot springs of Garm Chashma, and the Tajikistan section (which forms the majority) of the Pamir Highway, arguably the most spectacular drive in the world.Epic mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, and the mighty Amu Darya - the Oxus River of antiquity - encircle ancient Buddhist sites, Silk Road trading posts, medieval shrines, and planned Soviet cities alike. The modern population continues to draw upon its diverse heritage from Persia, China, Afghanistan and Russia, creating a complex and intriguing culture waiting to be discovered. With first-hand descriptions of everything from Sogdian ruins to playing the traditional sport of buz kashi, trekking on the Murghab Plateau and eating shashlik in garden tea houses, Tajikistan's expert authors bring the country alive in Bradt's new and fully updated edition.
Contents
IntroductionPART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background InformationGeography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, CultureChapter 2 Practical InformationWhen to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, 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, Buying property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positivelyPART TWO THE GUIDEChapter 3 Dushanbe and EnvironsHistory, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Local tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Sports/fitness, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around DushanbeChapter 4 Fann and Zarafshan MountainsYagnob Valley, Iskanderkul, Ayni, Zarafshan Valley (East), Zarafshan Valley (West), PanjakentChapter 5 Khujand and Northern SughdIstaravshan, Khujand, IsfaraChapter 6 Khatlon Qurgonteppa, Shahrtuz, Kurbon Shahid, KulobChapter 7 KaroteginFaizobod, Obigarm, Roghun, Gharm, Tojikobod, Jirgatal, TavildaraChapter 8 West-Central Gorno-BadakhshanKalaikhum, Rushon and the Bartang Valley, Khorog, Ishkashim, Wakhan CorridorChapter 9 Murghab Plateau Th e Pamir Highway: Khorog to Murghab, Murghab, The Pamir Highway: Murghab to the Tajik-Kyrgyz borderAppendix 1 LanguageAppendix 2 GlossaryAppendix 3 Further Information
