Our pick of the best experiences in Tajikistan

One of the least visited countries in the world, mountainous Tajikistan offers a breathtakingly remote wildness that appeals to both avid trekkers and intrepid travellers.

With a name derived from the Tajik for Monday, picturesque Dushanbe - the country’s capital - is framed by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The city is an enticing mix of wide boulevards fringed with laid-back cafes, new modern high-rises and grandiose Soviet-era architecture.

To the West, the lofty peaks of the Fann Mountains offer some of the most incredible trekking in the world with high mountain passes and glittering sapphire lakes. At the base of this range lies the Zeravshan Valley and the Sogdian city of Panjakent which has a vibrant history as a stop on the legendary Silk Route. It’s also home to the UNESCO-protected Sarazm archaeological site dating back to 4000 BC.

Believed to have been founded by Alexander the Great, Khujand, Tajikistan’s second city located at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley, is a bustling hub centred around the lively Panschanbe Bazaar.