The Spectacular Gorno-Badakhshan Region of Tajikistan

🏔️The Gorno-Badakhshan region is the largest in Tajikistan, but has a small population and is one of the poorest areas in the country.

🌄The region is known for its high mountains, including the Pamir range, and is one of the highest inhabited mountain areas in the world.

🌍The Pamiri people, mainly Pameris, have a distinct culture and are followers of Islam, particularly Ismaili Shia Islam.

🚗The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, is a major road that traverses the region, offering breathtaking views and access to remote villages.

🌺The region faces challenges such as language loss, as younger generations are less motivated to learn traditional Pamiri languages.

What is the Gorno-Badakhshan region known for?

—The Gorno-Badakhshan region is known for its high mountains, including the Pamir range, and its unique culture of the Pamiri people.

What is the Pamir Highway?

—The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, is a major road that passes through the Gorno-Badakhshan region, offering stunning views and access to remote villages.

What challenges does the region face?

—The Gorno-Badakhshan region faces challenges such as poverty and language loss, as younger generations are less motivated to learn traditional Pamiri languages.

What is the population of the Gorno-Badakhshan region?

—The region has a small population of around 200,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated areas in Tajikistan.

What is the dominant religion in the region?

—The Pamiri people, who mainly inhabit the Gorno-Badakhshan region, are followers of Islam, particularly Ismaili Shia Islam.

00:00The Gorno-Badakhshan region, also known as the Pamir Mountains, is the largest region in Tajikistan but has a small population.

04:20The journey to the Gorno-Badakhshan region starts from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, and offers a dramatic climb in altitude.

06:18The remote village of Jizu is a must-visit along the Pamir Highway, where you can experience the unique culture and self-sustainable way of life.

10:03The Pamiri people, mainly Pameris, have a distinct identity and are followers of Ismaili Shia Islam.

12:59The village of Yamchan is known for its ancient fortress, dating back to the Kushan Empire.

15:38The Wakan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in the Gorno-Badakhshan region, separates Tajikistan from Afghanistan and was created as a buffer zone between British and Russian territories.

16:32The unique geopolitical situation of the Wakan Corridor has shaped the lives of the Kyrgyz people who live in the region.

17:43The Gorno-Badakhshan region faces challenges such as poverty and language loss, posing a threat to the traditional Pamiri culture and heritage.