Qurghonteppa

Qurghonteppa is the capital of the Khatlon region. The city has a population of about 110,000 and is home to a mixture of Russian, Uzbekh, and indigenous ethnic Tajiks, among others, a matter which has been a point of contention at times, both within and with the national government at large, partly on account of forced integration of the different groups under agricultural collectivism policies and also due to contrasting religious and political views. This area saw a lot of action during the civil war in 1992.

Bokhtar International Airport handles flights from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Dushanbe. Beyond that, driving or riding in a marshrutka or bus are probably the best options.

• 🌍 Gorodskoy Muzey (Городской Музей (Тепа)) (this is pretty much the center of town). This looks like a stupa or minaret set on a hill, but it's supposed to be the Museum of Historical and Regional Studies. The outside appearance might be the best part though. Across the street is a very tall flagpole with Tajik flag. If you walk northeast of here on Prospekt Borbad a few blocks, you should also find the museum of natural history, across the street from a Rumi statue. May need to know Russian or Tajik to get much out of it. (updated Aug 2020)
• 🌍 Buddhistic cloister of Ajina-Tepa. Buddhist ruins where once existed a sleeping Buddha before it was excavated and placed in a Dushanbe museum. (updated Aug 2020)

• 🌍 Otel' Bokhtariyon (Отель Бохтариён) (about 5-6 km northeast on Prospekt Vakhdat), ☏ +992 446105252. Lounge, restaurant, gardens. Could be some problems with the wifi and a/c. Modern exterior. Could be a little expensive. (updated Aug 2020)