How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 19 Dushanbe)

Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Visited 30 July – 4 August 2024

After a night at Iskandarkul Lake, I made my way to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, less than a 3-hour bus ride away.

I ended up staying for a week, to lick my wounds and plot my next moves.

Most come here to plan their assault on the Pamir Highway, which takes several days to traverse. At 4,655 meters, it is the second-highest international highway in the world. Therein lies my problem – its high altitude.

I heard some went to Afghanistan from here. I was itching to meet real-life Taliban. So I paid USD 150 for the visa. I was asked to sign a letter I wrote saying that I had been briefed on all the situations in Afghanistan and would take full responsibility for my actions. Was I signing my death warrant? Some sources reminded me the visa might not be recognized at the crossing, because the guys approving my entry may not be the same guys running the country. I know, it is so messed up; that’s why I am so curious that I want to go and take a look. Someone I met had just entered Afghanistan and messaged me, “Everything is fine, come bro”. A few hours later, he wrote that he was scared after 20 Taliban interrogated him. The border was just 3 hours away. I thought, now or never. But, I chickened out.

Then I thought of going to Pakistan. I went to the Googled address but it was under reconstruction. I then to another address and was told the next day to apply online. I threw in the towel.

I did enjoy Dushanbe meantime.

It was hot here. I went around looking at different landmarks and buildings in temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius. My phone in my pocket kept screaming, “Your phone needs cooling down”.

The city boasts numerous Tajik and Soviet-styled buildings and monuments. Their lines are perpendicular, and their style rectangular. Their grandeur is accentuated with columns, looking stately and commanding. They are often painted in vibrant colors, many also fronted by water fountains. Wide spaces separate these buildings, and tree-lined streets and broad walkways are laid to let the people stroll at leisure. When night falls, the lights are turned on, they put on evening gowns that glitter. Everyone feels good.

Dushanbe means Monday. Thanks, Monday, I am not going back to work.

To go to the next Stop, click the link below:

How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 20 Dunhuang)

To start from Stop 1, click the link below:

How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 1 Urumqi)

The Stops on this Trip:

China Urumqi > Turpan > Kuerle > Kuqa > Kashgar > Kuqa > Nalati (via Duku Scenic Drive) > Kuerdening > Yining > Sailimu Lake > Yining > Urumqi > Buerjin > Kanas Lake > Hemu > China Urumqi > Kyrgyzstan Bishkek > Bokonbayevo (Issyk kul Lake) > Karakol > Kyrgyzstan Bishkek > Uzbekistan Tashkent > Tajikistan > Khujand > Panjakent (and Haft Kul/The Seven Lakes) > Iskanderkul > Dushanbe > China Urumqi > Hami > Dunhuang > Jiayuguan > Zhangye > Lanzhou > Xian