Mongol Rally: Tajikistan – Seven Lakes, Snow Peaks and Zuica.
Our few days in Tajikistan?
Easily one of the wildest, most heartwarming, and awe-inspiring stretches of the entire Mongol Rally – and let me tell you, I’ve got a soft spot for this country.
The landscapes? Mind-blowing.
The people? Even better.
It’s like nature and hospitality had a friendly competition, and both won.
The adventure really kicked off when some locals tipped us off about a place way off our planned route – 7 lakes tucked high in the Tajik mountains, each one boasting a different shade of blue, green, or turquoise, like some sort of hidden paradise.
Naturally, we had to go.
The only catch? The directions were in Russian, and we had to teach ourselves Cyrillic on the go. Casual, right?
As we bumped along a dirt road for hours, with nothing but dry, rugged terrain and a strengthening river by our side, we finally reached the lakes.
And they were worth every second.
These shimmering, isolated jewels, framed by towering mountains, were straight out of a dream.
And the best part? Not a single soul in sight.
Each lake was our personal oasis – until we decided to stop at the highest one for lunch.
That’s when a car pulled up with some locals.
And in true Tajik fashion, within minutes we were not only chatting (thanks to one of them speaking English), but we were invited to join their annual family feast by the lake!
Their kindness and openness left a permanent mark on my heart.
We exchanged stories, took a group photo (of course), and they even gave us some insider tips for more hidden gems in Tajikistan.
From the lakes, we rolled into Dushanbe, the capital.
It’s not your typical capital city vibe.
Dushanbe feels like a blend of Soviet-era architecture and Tajik charm, where time sort of slows down.
We didn’t stay long, but long enough to appreciate its mix of history, markets, and the laid-back energy of the place.
The real kicker? Our night in a tiny Muslim village.
We crashed at a local family’s home, where a 13-year-old boy was running the entire show like a pro.
This kid gave me a tour, schooled me on their traditions, and shared his dreams, all with this contagious enthusiasm that was impossible not to admire.
After a shower from a bucket, his mom treated us to an incredible home-cooked dinner, and after the boy and his friends went to bed, we shyly asked if it was okay to crack open some zuica we’d brought from Romania. Their response? “Go for it!”
So, naturally, we did, and within moments we were tipsy, philosophical, and having one of the funniest, most memorable nights of the entire rally.
The next day?
Onwards to the Pamir Highway – Tajikistan’s crown jewel and one of the highest highways in the world.
Now, don’t let the word “highway” fool you.
This is more like a dirt track with potholes so big they could swallow Diana whole.
We could only drive during daylight – because at night, this road is pretty much a car graveyard.
But the views?
Oh man, the views.
Snow-capped peaks, vast valleys, and sheer drops that’ll make your stomach drop faster than a rollercoaster.
Tajikistan? Hands down, one of the wildest, most beautiful chapters of our journey.
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