The Tourism Development Committee under the Government of Tajikistan gave us a great reason to look at our native land in a new way during the May holidays: the agency held the II Festival of Domestic Tourism Development.
Its participants, including journalists and bloggers, representatives of government structures, the diplomatic corps, and international organizations, dispersed to various corners of the republic: some went to explore the Romit Gorge or the mysterious Childukhtaron, others traveled to the turquoise waters of Iskanderkul, while others visited ancient Khovaling.
The main goal of this large-scale trip was to show how vast, beautiful, and diverse the natural and cultural potential of the republic’s regions is.
A correspondent from “Asia-Plus” became part of the team that chose one of the most colorful routes: Dushanbe — Rasht — Dushanbe. It was a journey full of discoveries, heartfelt meetings, and incredible views.
The route passed through Faizobod, Roghun, and Nourobod, and each of these areas revealed its unique side to the visitors. Travelers admired the green corners of Faizobod, got acquainted with the natural wealth of Roghun, and participated in an incredibly warm, ceremonial welcome in Nourobod. Majestic mountain landscapes passed outside the window, while the clean, transparent air and the sincere smiles of the locals set the tone for the entire trip.
In the Rasht district, participants were met with a rich program — from getting acquainted with the developing tourist infrastructure to immersing in local life. But perhaps the most powerful and touching impression was left by the trip to the famous Navdonak spring, poetically called “Chashmai Shoiron” (“Spring of Poets”) by the locals.
This amazing spring is located about 25 kilometers from the center of Rasht. The elders of the village of the same name say that the purest, icy, and surprisingly tasty water of this spring has been flowing from underground for about nine centuries.
One of the most memorable events of the festival unfolded here. The atmosphere was so friendly and sincere that the Turkish Ambassador to Tajikistan, Umut Acar, along with other participants, spontaneously performed a national dance. This moment of cultural convergence became a true highlight of the entire trip.
The cultural program continued at the Palace of Culture in the Rasht district. Guests were greeted with a vibrant concert program and an exhibition of folk crafts, where they could see the delicate work of local craftsmen live.
Participants also visited the local museum “Kuhsori Ajam,” strolled through the shady alleys of the park of culture and recreation, and got acquainted with the daily life of the district by visiting a greenhouse farm and the “Chevar” sewing enterprise.
Picturesque mountains, crystal springs, distinctive culture, and, most importantly, the warm hospitality of the locals — this is how each participant will remember this festival.
Organizers are confident that such lively initiatives will become a powerful impetus for the development of the industry. They will not only attract local travelers to the regions but also help to more loudly declare the tourist treasures of Tajikistan on the international stage. The potential of these places is enormous, and the past festival proved this once again.
