Varzob Gorge
Дараи Варзоб
A river valley retreat on Dushanbe's northern edge, where the Varzob River rushes between cliffs and waterfalls, teahouses and resorts line the route.
The Varzob River rises in the Hissar Mountains and flows north to south through Dushanbe. The gorge stretching roughly 60 km from the north of the city to the Anzob Tunnel is followed by the M34 highway. It is the favourite summer escape and picnic spot for city residents. Along the way you can stop to hike the Kondara side valley, visit the Gusgarf Waterfall (about one hour's walk), or relax at traditional teahouses with wooden platforms beside the river, where you can eat grilled meat and drink green tea. The route also passes through to Iskanderkul Lake, the Safed Darra ski resort and the Fann Mountains. A half-day car tour works well. The gorge is 20 to 40 km from the city centre. Traffic is heavy on weekends, and in the rainy season watch for falling rocks.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Dushanbe Botanical Garden
- Imam Abu Hanifa Grand Mosque
- Victory Park
- Mehrgon Market
- Chaikhana Rohat
- National Museum of Tajikistan
- Kokhi Navruz (Navruz Palace)
- Dushanbe Flagpole & Palace of the Nation