- Hiking and Trekking
- Days - 07
Trek through Shirkent National Park for raw nature beauty—hidden wonders, pristine landscapes, and undiscovered allure in an uncharted adventure.
Hissar Valley
OVERVIEW
Nestled to the west of Dushanbe, near the border with Uzbekistan, lies the captivating Hissar (Gissar) Valley, home to the stunning Shirkent National Park. Spanning over 3,000 hectares, with plans for expansion to 30,000 hectares in the coming years, this park is a treasure trove of historical and scientific wonders.
The region boasts a variety of landscapes, from juniper and broad-leaf forests to alpine meadows, grasslands, and steep arid terrains. These diverse ecosystems support a wealth of wildlife, including 30 mammal species and 95 types of local and migratory birds. The abundant water sources, including the Shirkent River and numerous smaller streams, provide natural irrigation for the land and sustain the thriving wildlife.
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History buffs will be equally fascinated by the Hissar Valley’s rich heritage. With over 50 archaeological sites, including remnants of Stone Age settlements and medieval structures, the area offers a rare opportunity to step back in time. Excavations have uncovered cemeteries, ancient irrigation systems, and evidence of early mining, metallurgy, and craftsmanship.
Shirkent National Park is renowned for its extraordinary geological features. For geologists and dinosaur enthusiasts, the park is a must-visit destination. The Shirkent River valley is home to over 400 dinosaur footprints, preserved in the rock after the mud they were left in fossilized. These prints, dating back over 80 million years, offer a unique glimpse into the ancient species that once roamed the region. Notably, the five-toed dinosaur footprints found here are unmatched anywhere else in the world, making this a truly remarkable site for paleontological discovery.
One of the most striking features of Shirkent is the Shirkent Barrier, a vast expanse of red-colored sandstones and conglomerates, forming a broad step that stretches over five kilometers. The striking rock formations, sculpted by wind and water, create towering “castles” and “towers” that give the landscape an almost mythical appearance. The area is further enhanced by terraces covered with vibrant juniper forests, making it feel like a scene from a fairy tale. Mountain streams have carved natural baths, waterfalls, and grottos into the rocks, adding to the park’s allure.
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Why Us
Paramount Journeys has learned from leading international companies how to create and run extraordinary adventures reaching out into incredible locations that would otherwise be inaccessible and unexplored. If your aim is to get beyond the standard Tajikistan tourist trail and to discover for yourself the most remarkable aspects of our high-altude heaven, let Paramount Journey guide you on your way. We not only exhibit the pristine nature of Tajikistan in its numerous unique environments, but also introduce you to the culture and ways of life of the extraordinary and hospitable communities who have battled against, yet also worked in harmony with, that same nature to survive and thrive in Tajikistan for millennia. Every adventure we plan is pioneering and bold, accessible to those with determination and a passion for discovery.
Reviews
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I visited the Fann Mountains with Paramount Journey in early October for a four-day trek (starting and finishing in Dushanbe). It was my first visit to Tajikistan. Paramount Journey were... read more 
16.11.2022cplattvIskanderkul Weekend - My wife and I and two friends of ours enjoyed an excellent autumn weekend Iskanderkul, one of the top tourist spots in Tajikistan. It was a very smooth and... read more
14.10.2022grahamhV636OWTravel to Tajikistan - We took a 7 day tour to Tajikistan taking in Dushanbe and trekking in the Fann Mountains. The mountain scenery was breathtaking and the tour was very professionally arranged.... read more
09.09.2022
