Varzob Gorge

The Varzob is the valley the main road north from Dushanbe follows, climbing towards the Anzob tunnel through a gorge of steep slopes and side ravines. It is where the capital goes at weekends: chaikhanas and picnic platforms line the river, and side valleys hold waterfalls, the best known at Guliston. Higher up the road reaches the Takob and Siyoma valleys and the approaches to the Fann Mountains. The valley has been the capital's escape since the city was built, and the older sanatoria along it date from the period when that was organised rather than improvised.

What you actually see

• The riverside chaikhanas - teahouses and picnic platforms along the water.
• The side waterfalls - falls in the ravines off the main valley.
• The Fann approaches - the side valleys leading towards the mountains.
• The Anzob road - the route north towards the tunnel and Khujand.

When to go

April to October is the season. Weekends bring heavy traffic and crowds. Spring meltwater makes the river dangerous.

Honest expectations

The road is the main north-south route and carries heavy lorry traffic. Weekend litter along the river is bad. The river is fast and cold and swimming is dangerous.

Nearby

Dushanbe is south, and the Fann Mountains are north.