Rasht Valley

Still bearing of the scars of Tajikistan’s brutal 1990s civil war, the Rasht Valley was an opposition stronghold for those battling the pro-Rahmon government. The area was heavily landmined back in those days and many have been since been removed following the dark days of war.

The Rasht Valley is a culturally fascinating area of Tajikistan. Originally it was inhabited mostly by ethnic Kyrgyz but following a deadly plague in the 18th century, Tajik settlers began to move into the area. It’s not uncommon to meet people who have parents of mixed backgrounds and to have knowledge of Tajik, Kyrgyz, Russian, and sometimes other languages.

Rasht Valley Highlights

Obigarm

Meaning ‘warm water’ in Tajik, Obigarm is famous for its surrounding hot springs.

Garm 

Garm is a district center in the lower reaches of the Rasht Valley. Its main attraction is its lively Central Bazaar.

Tajikobod

Tajikobod is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. From Tajikobod it’s possible to hike into the Nurshor Valley, a great place for wildlife spotting. Within Tajikobod itself there are two Sufi Shrines dedicated to Fathabad and to Hazrat i Bir Pustin.

Jirgatol

Jirgatol is the final stop before reaching the Tajik-Kyrgyz border crossing at Karamyk which is still unfortunately only open bilaterally. The small city is a jumping-off point for those wanting to climb Peak Ismoil Somoni where it’s possible (with advance notice) to charter a helicopter to pick climbers up in Jirgatol for transfer to Peak Somoni Basecamp. It’s also a jumping-off point for those that plan to take the multi-day hike from nearby Jelondy village and over Gardan i Kaftar Pass to reach a village called Langar in the Khingob Valley.

Gardan i Kaftar Pass Trek

Mentioned above the trek over Gardan i Kaftar will take most 3-4 days to complete starting from Jelondy to reach a lake by the name of Yashilkul and enter the Karashura Valley. Eventually, you’ll leave the valley and reach a plateau where you’ll have to climb down to cross over the Ziurazamin River to get to the Gding Plateau and Pulisangin River where you’ll have sweeping views of the Peter the I Range before crossing over Gardan i Kaftar Pass to end along the Khingob River Valley.

Tavildara

Those that want to visit the first couple villages of the Rasht Valley will swing south beyond Obigarm to reach the small town of Tavildara which is sat along the northern route of the Pamir Highway. Tavildara is a great stopping off point for sanatoriums (old Soviet-era spas) before continuing over Sangirdasht Pass and toward Qala i Khumb.

Rasht Valley Expeditions

Coming soon

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