Walkers, Tajikistan
Tajikistan
Tajikistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, is one of the world’s most mountainous countries. Nearly 90% of its territory is covered by mountains, many rising above 3,000 metres. Once crossed by ancient trade routes linking Persia, China and the Central Asian steppes, it remains today one of the least-visited destinations in the region.
The photographs featured in this category were taken in the Fann Mountains, one of Tajikistan’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Located in the country’s northwest, the Fann Mountains are renowned for their peaks exceeding 5,000 metres, dramatic valleys and a remarkable collection of glacial lakes whose turquoise waters rank among the most beautiful in Central Asia.
Tajikistan is also famous for the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the highest mountain roads in the world, crossing breathtaking high-altitude landscapes. Mountains dominate every aspect of the country, shaping its scenery, climate and the lives of the people who inhabit these remote regions.
The photographs gathered in this category invite you to explore a land where towering peaks, alpine lakes and isolated valleys create one of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Tadjikistan
TadjikistanTajikistan: Hiking the Fansky mountains
Spending time in Tajikistan means “gaining altitude”! The country’s land is 93% covered by mountains, with more than half of the territory situated at least 3,000 meters above sea level. The highest point is the Ismail Samani peak, reaching an impressive 7,495 meters.
The two main massifs are the Pamir, famous since the days of the Silk Road, and the Alay Mountains, which run along the northern part of Tajikistan and the southern part of Kyrgyzstan.
Hiking through the Alay Mountains, valley after valley and pass after pass, allows you to meet the Tajik shepherds who live there. These nomads move with the seasons alongside their herds. Their traditional dwellings are called “Kappa”—wooden tents covered with animal skins. There are also permanent villages where stone and cob houses are huddled together for protection against the harsh winters.
Through these photographs, I invite you to discover the mountainous landscapes of Tajikistan, its turquoise glacial lakes, and the people who call these heights home. These images were captured in the Fansky Mountains, part of the Alay range.