Top Things to do in Khatlon Province
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The 10 Best Things to do in Khatlon Province, Khatlon Province
Discover the best top things to do in Khatlon Province, Tajikistan including Nurek Dam, Sacred Spring Chiluchor Chashma, Mausoleum of Mir Said Ali Khamadoni, Baldzhuvan, Buddhist Monastery Ajina-Tepa, Khulbuk, Salt Mountain Khodzha Mumin, Kulob Republican Local Lore Museum Complex, Sari Khosor Valley, Mausoleum of Abu Abdollah Rudaki.
1. Nurek Dam
2. Sacred Spring Chiluchor Chashma
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Chasma Chehel Chahor is one of the most popular attractions in southern Tajikistan. it is located 12 km west of Shahrtuz in the small village of Tash-Kupryuk. Entrance to the Park is through a stone arch. After passing through the arch a long walkway is covered with grape vines, and on either side are many trees which offer patrons shade and areas where they can set up picnic areas. A few tapchans are available for families. There are many vendors which sell f&b and souvenirs. A few vendors were renting children's water toys. The chasma is divided into three areas. In the western section, swimming is not allowed. A cave is in this section, and it seems that this is the main source for the spring. In this area many patrons were seen filling water bottles. The water is thought to have healing properties and is also said to be blessed. Local lore states that Ali, who was the son in law of Prophet Muhammad, led his army through this area in the 7th century, and the springs magically appeared. There are numerous fish, water plants and a fallen tree. Food and Beverage is available in a restaurant near to the spring. A bridge separates this area from the main bathing section. In the main bathing area, only men and children are allowed. A fence over the spring separates this main area from the ladies section, which is much smaller. There are entertainment areas for children, which include swings and a carousel. We didn't swim but took off our shoes and dangled our feet in the cool waters. After visiting the spring, another attraction is on the hill to the west of the chasma. This is the chasma mosque and mausoleum of Kambar Bobo. Kambar Bobo was a follower of Hazrati Ali. There are a few other ancient tombs which are unmarked, which is muslim tradition. The mosque is said to date from the 7th century. Best photos of the chasma can be taken from this location. After visiting the chasma, the ancient Beshkent fortress is a short drive west. This area has many small farms which offer great photo ops.
3. Mausoleum of Mir Said Ali Khamadoni
4. Baldzhuvan
5. Buddhist Monastery Ajina-Tepa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Ajina-Tepa ruins are known by locals as the Devils Hill. It is 12 km drive from the city through a farming community. This is a rarely visited area, but is a must for those interested in buddhist history in Central Asia. Access to the site is free, and we were the only visitors. There are no bathroom facilities at the site, but a temporary public toilet is a short walk east of the site entrance. After walking over the narrow bridge to gain access to the site, there are storyboards to the right which provide a wealth of information on the history of the ruins. Unfortunately most of the descriptions are in Japanese or Tajik language. We managed to find a section in English, and realized that the site is UNSECO recognized. The ruins were discovered in 1959, and excavated over the next sixteen years. Archaeologists estimate that the site was constructed in the 7th century, which seems to be supported by the writings of the famous Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, who briefly visited the monastery. If you follow the paths and climb to the top of the ruins, you will get a better idea of the layout of the complex. The site had a main temple and monastery, which were separate structures. The courtyard area is barely recognizable today. It is probably best to do some research on the site before visiting to appreciate the ruins. It was here that the famous sleeping buddha was discovered. It was sculpted from clay and was 12.85 meters in length. The buddha was too large to move and was cut into many pieces before being transported from the site. Unfortunately many of the objects found at the site ended up in Russian museums. In 2001, the buddha was restored, and can now be viewed at the Museum of National Antiquities in Dushanbe. Other artifacts from the site are also on display at the museum. The site didn't function for much more than a century, as the Arabs invaded this region and the monks fled the monastery. This is one of the most famous buddhist sites in Central Asia, and is a must see for those interested in archaeology and history. We visited this site, on the way back from "Takhti Sangin" (Temple of Stone) , which is another historical site in southern Tajikistan. We had also visited Merv in Turkmenistan, which is the furthest west that buddhism thrived, and Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Termez, Uzbekistan, which is probably the most famous buddhist site in Central Asia. It may seem strange to see Budhist sites in this region, but Buddhism was popular in these areas before spreading in China. After visiting this site, there is a rare statue of Lenin, in front of the public school, approximately 2.5 km north west from the Ajina Tepa site.
6. Khulbuk
7. Salt Mountain Khodzha Mumin
8. Kulob Republican Local Lore Museum Complex
9. Sari Khosor Valley
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By christianMB77 - Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan
The best thing about this valley is its isolation. You must travel in a 4-wheel drive or a large transport truck, as there are many river crossings, some of them very deep. I've been here 5 times now, and I've never seen another tourist. The whole valley has a serene and quiet feel to it. We went hiking, swimming, gathering fruit, exploring canyons, visiting sacred tree, finding springs, and eating some amazing village food. The temperature here is cooler than in Dushanbe, so you can do a trip in the summer. Aim for after mid-June when the water levels subside.
10. Mausoleum of Abu Abdollah Rudaki
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
