Tajikistan has the smallest area among the Central Asian states, but surpasses them all in height and surrounds more and higher mountains than any other country in the region. Various ethnic ties and external influences further complicate Tajikistan's national identity. Tajiks also have strong ties to Iranian culture and people; The Tajik and Persian languages are closely related and mutually intelligible.

Tajikistan is an extraordinary place and there is so much to do, from places like the Silk Road mystical Khujand and Istaravshan, to the stunning, untouched mountain scenery of the Pamir and the accompanying charm of unclimbed peaks and pristine trekking routes. The Fann Mountains can be a good alternative to the Pamir. It is easy to reach and offers good trekking options.

Tajikistan has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the first urban area of Sarazm in Panjakent, and the Tajik National Park, which encompasses the Pamir in the east of the country. The mountains of Tajikistan are among the highest mountains in the world, with three peaks higher than 7,000 m and more than half of the country being above 3,000 m above sea level.