Exciting undiscovered destination opens doors to green tourism

Pamir Mountains among first top 100 green tourist destinations

Three regions of Tajikistan: Pamir Mountains, the Wakhan and Bartang valleys have been inscribed in the list of Global Top 100 (The Sustainable Destinations Global Top 100)  at ITB this year

Pamir Mountains, Wakhan and Bartang valleys in southeastern Tajikistan with their many unique natural, cultural, historical, archaeological and ethnographic sites, are distinguished by their substantial wildlife and beautiful scenery. They have memorable valleys and gorges, mountains and high-mountain lakes, healthy pure air and water, and a rich history and cultural heritage including sacred sites, and, above all, the unique hospitality of the local people.

"The Pamir Mountains" – covering a total area of over 2.5 million hectares and with unique flora and fauna, are located in the heart of the so-called Pamir Mountain Site, from which the highest mountain ranges of Eurasia diverge. In 2013 UNESCO inscribed the Tajik National Park "Pamir Mountains" in the World Natural Heritage List.

Wakhan is a majestic valley with a centuries-old culture and impressive scenery between the Shokhdara and Hindu Kush mountain ridges, which makes it the most mountainous region in Central Asia. It has peaks of at over 7,000 metres, and numerous hot springs of natural mineral water.

Here passed one of the branches of the ancient Silk Road and the shortest path for Buddhist pilgrims from India to China. The region was once visited by Marco Polo. Wakhan is the birthplace of the ancient inhabitants of the Pamirs, the oldest languages, the place of ancient fortresses and great walls.

Driving along Wakhan, you will notice both Buddhist and Zoroastrian monuments. Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Islam and other different cultures meet at this very juncture, a place where tolerance reigns.

Wakhan is also associated with the Large Pamir Highway (Osh-Khorog).

Bartang Valley stretches for 100 km and connects the Tanimas Valley with the Eastern Pamir. In Bartang the original identity of the population has been well preserved: there one finds very attractive music, dialect, and way of life. The most famous high-mountain lake Sarez is situated in this valley.

The development of these three tourism areas has been accomplished by Pamir Eco Cultural Tourism Association (PECTA).

PECTA is a non-profit organization that has been operating since 2008 and is a member of the Coordinating Council for Tourism of the local authorities of GBAO. with the support from the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP) – a project of the Aga Khan Foundation.

Its main goal is to create a modern and highly competitive tourism market in the Pamirs and attract more and more tourists to the region.