Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is the showcase of the country for the rest of the world and is most likely the main source of investment by the dictatorial government. The contrast with the countryside – at least its eastern part (we can not speak for the western part as we didn’t visit it) – is striking. The earthy and uneven tracks gave way to large paved avenues. The monuments and flags to the glory of the country stand proudly in several squares of the city. We arrived in Dushanbe at the end of our trip on the Pamir Highway. …

The article Backpacking in Dushanbe, capital and showcase of dictatorial Tajikistan first appeared on NicoLyn Around the World.

1’500 km of rugged and dirty trails with breathtaking scenery – welcome to the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s highest highway! You will cross vast plains at more than 4,000 m high surrounded by higher mountains that look down on you, narrow canyons overhanging with threatening rocks and a river turning into a torrent and forming the border with Afghanistan.  Linking Osh (Kyrgyzstan) to Dushanbe (Tajikistan), this road is one of the must-sees of the region. Warning: Pamir Highway is an adventure that will put you out of your comfort zone. When reading the text below, you may feel that …

The article Road trip on the Pamir Highway first appeared on NicoLyn Around the World.