Started our day at the Dushanbe bazaar where we witnessed ladies chopping carrots for Plov, barely even watching what they were doing. One was even chatting on her mobile as she deftly chopped away. Not sure how they have not chopped their fingers!! Dushanbe bazaar was a kaleidoscope of colour, especially the spice section and then it was time to get on the bus for our trip to Penjikent. Traveling from Dushanbe to Panjakent involved backtracking through 24 tunn...

Today we explored the capital city of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. The city has a population of approximately 880,000 people and is becoming quite a cosmopolitan city. Areas around Dushanbe were known as a centre of cotton and silk production during the Soviet period. Although the name of the city is rather new its historical past dates back as far as three thousand years. Quick Dushanbe Facts Dushanbe is the capital and largest city in Tajikistan. Dushanbe means ...

After our epic border crossing day yesterday, it was nice to start seeing some of this country. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on both sides of the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is about 150,000 and is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Being home to famous scientists, writers, and musicians, Khujand preserv...

Today was a day of travel from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan via TWO border crossings. With the border between these 2 countries currently closed due to political tensions we had to do a detour via Uzbekistan. An early start saw us reach the first border at Dustlick before 8 am but it was still busy. We were greeted with gravel and dust but our trusty guides assisted us through the first checkpoint. Has to say farewell to our gorgeous student guide. This has been her...

Today started with us saying farewell to our guide Oksana as we boarded a flight to Osh. After a nail-biting one-hour flight we arrived to be met by our new guide and his 2 student guides. Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan (estimated to be over 3000 years old) and the second largest in the country. The town is situated at the crossroads of the ancient trading routes that became known as the Silk Road - halfway between China and Europe. Our first stop was at...