DUSHANBE, 13.07.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Ecotourism is growing in popularity in Tajikistan, according to the interstate television and radio company MIR.

“Take a break from civilization, temporarily turn off your mobile and remain without the Internet. This is sometimes the best and most rewarding vacation. Especially here, in the mountains of Tajikistan, where it has its own microclimate,” notes MIR-24.

In the summer when the temperature can rise above 40°C and above residents of Tajikistan flee from the heat and stuffiness of the cities to the cooler mountain areas.

“Even a journey of half an hour from Dushanbe can bring one to a different climate,” notes MIR.

Among the many hotels, hostels and camping sites there are also ecohouses, such as one built by Iskandar Jalilov in the Almos State Reserve in the city of Hisor.

“This is not a business project, but a place where you can spend time in harmony with yourself and nature. There is also a garden area, as well as a bridge for lovers.”

“There are insanely beautiful starts seem closer and brighter here due to extremely low light pollution,” says Jalilov.

“We have many guests who can afford expensive apartments, but they come here to reunite with nature,” he adds.

Almos State Reserve is 2,000 meters above sea level. The temperature here is always 10 degrees lower than in the city. The cool wind travels from the snowy tops of the mountains. Clean air is perhaps the main reason why tourists like this place.

“The reserve was created 40 years ago to preserve the gene pool and restore the habitats of rare plant species of Tajikistan included in the Red List of Threatened Species. We monitor the living and behavior of bears and leopards here,” says local huntsman Murod Oripov.

True, one cannot swim in the mountain river. The water is icy as it originates from the snowy mountain peaks. Visitor cannot hunt animals or fishing because it is a natural reserve. But vacationers can camp here. Due to coronavirus restrictions, there are very few tourists this year, and all are local.

“Previously, tourists visited Hisor to see historical fortresses, learn about the life of people, but recently more and more guests are traveling to the mountains. Ecotourism is becoming more and more popular. We are mainly visited by guests from Russia, Kazakhstan and the US. We have 16 recreation areas and six sanatoriums,” notes the head of Hisor’s Tourism Development Department Muhiddin Saidov.