Hiking to Timur-dara Lake, Karatag Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

Timur-dara Lake is a very beautiful mountain lake of the avalanche type, located at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. In the area of Timur-dara Lake, as well as another lake called Payron which is located slightly further away, people were searching for the Yeti, observing UFOs, and other anomalies in the 80s and 90s. This is the so-called "Gissar anomalous zone". However, as the craze for all this mysticism faded away, it turned out that most of the stories and supposed evidence in the form of footprints, etc. were invented and made up by local shepherds.

Rudaki Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning, I decided to take a walk in Rudaki Park, located on Rudaki Avenue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The park was renovated in 2007-08, previously known as Lenin Park. I cannot judge whether the park has become better or worse, as I am biased - I grew up here, near this park, and all my memories are associated with childhood, so it is difficult to be objective. However, this will not prevent me from enjoying a walk and contemplating this wonderful place...

National Flag Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning I decided to take a walk to the National Flag Park, which is located in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for those who don't know). To breathe in the fresh air, take some photos - it was cloudy, but still great, refreshing...

Hike to the Fanfarok waterfall at the 21st kilometer of the Varzob gorge, mountains of Tajikistan

Our previous hike in the 21-kilometer section of the Varzob Gorge was in winter, and we made it up to the poplar grove where we set up camp and ended our journey. With the arrival of spring, we can now hike further in a day, for example, to the waterfall. That's what we'll do on this hike, we'll reach the waterfall in the 21st kilometer of the Varzob Gorge.

Hiking to Upper Chayka, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

Upper Chayka gorge is located 23 km along the Varzob highway and gets its name from the former pioneer camp Chayka. The designation of upper or lower simply depends on how you plan to move along the gorge, i.e. downwards or upwards, and we chose Upper Chayka.

Photos of Dushanbe in the 1960s and the same places in 2015

By chance, I came across some photographs of Dushanbe from the 1960s. I decided to walk around the same places and take photos from the same angles, if possible. I thought that many people, especially those who have left Tajikistan for various reasons, would find this interesting. I remember myself searching for photos of Dushanbe online when I was in Russia - everything was interesting to see what it looks like now.

Hiking in Odzhuk Gorge for Epiphany, Varzob, mountains of Tajikistan

The tradition of Epiphany bathing dates back to ancient times. Of course, if you have the opportunity to bathe in the holy Jordan River (in Israel) on Epiphany, do not miss it. However, you can bathe on Epiphany in any lake, river, or body of water. It is preferable for the ice hole to be in the form of a cross. But there are no strict rules for how to bathe on Epiphany. In other words, a mountain river, in our case, is perfect.

Hiking to the 21st kilometer of the Varzob Gorge, mountains of Tajikistan

The 21st kilometer gorge is probably one of the most visited gorges in the Varzob area, at least it used to be. It starts, as the name suggests, at the 21st kilometer of the Varzob highway and stretches for about half a day's journey until it reaches a waterfall. It's very convenient for a day hike. But that's in the summer, and today I don't think we'll make it to the waterfall, but nevertheless, we'll wander around...

Winter hike in the Odjuk gorge, Varzob, mountains of Tajikistan

The Odjuk gorge, also known as the Canyon of 7 Bridges, is quite extensive, and lovers of long hikes can walk through it all the way to the alpine meadows. Anywhere in the canyon, you will find a cozy spot for resting and camping. I found this description online. It is quite easy to get there from Dushanbe; there are minibusses going to the village of Varzob from the Vodonasosnaya station, and the cost is around 50 cents. You need to get off at the supermarket. I left Dushanbe at around 8 in the morning and arrived at the supermarket at 8:30. The temperature in the city was -1°C, while in the canyon, it was around -4°C to -5°C. The sky was clear, and there was almost no wind, which means the weather was perfect for hiking.