About
Isfara is a town in northern Tajikistan, in the Sughd region, set in the Fergana Valley. It is described as an ancient Silk Road town, and its character still reflects the trade and traffic that once passed through this part of Central Asia.
What to see and do
- The bazaars. Isfara is known for its lively markets, where local produce, dried fruit and everyday goods are sold. Wandering the stalls is the most direct way to get a feel for the town.
- Traditional apricot orchards. In spring the orchards are said to bloom spectacularly, which makes the season an appealing time to visit.
- Centuries-old mosques. The town's mosques offer a look at its long religious and architectural history.
- Dried fruit. The area is noted for some of the region's finest dried fruits, a good thing to taste and take home.
A town of many communities
Isfara is a cultural crossroads where Tajik, Uzbek and Kyrgyz communities live side by side. Visitors often notice this blend in the atmosphere of the streets and markets, which gives the town a character that differs from more uniform places in the region.
For a visitor, Isfara suits a slower, curious kind of trip: a morning in the bazaar, an afternoon among the orchards or mosques, and time to talk with people about daily life. The surrounding valley and its farms make the town a natural base for exploring this part of northern Tajikistan.
