LAKHSH – A LAND UNITING TWO PEOPLES
Lakhsh has an ancient history, with references to this region found in Arabic, Chinese, and Persian historical texts from distant times. The Rasht Valley, including Lakhsh, has long been known for its developed culture and literature. A thousand years ago, caravans traveling along the Great Silk Road passed through the Rasht Valley and the Alai, with Lakhsh serving as a “way station” for travelers on these routes.
Today, Lakhsh is a thriving district where Tajiks and Kyrgyz live together harmoniously, cultivating rich harvests of fruits and vegetables, engaging in livestock farming, and crafting traditional goods. Alongside these activities, they express their love for their beautiful mountainous homeland through poetry and song.
As a distinct administrative region, Lakhsh was formed within the Tajik SSR under the name Jirgatal on March 10, 1931. From 1939 to 1955, it was part of the Garm Region. In 2016, the Tajik government renamed the district Lakhsh. Lakhsh borders the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan to the north, the Rasht district to the west, the Tajikabad and Sangvor districts to the south, and the Chon-Alai district of Osh Region in Kyrgyzstan and the Murgab district of GBAO Tajikistan to the east. The region lies on the border with Kyrgyzstan, home to many ethnic Kyrgyz. The administrative center is located in the Urban village of Vahdat, formed by the merging of three villages. The Dushanbe – Sary-Tash highway runs through this settlement, which is part of the so-called Eastern Pamir Route. There is also an airport that serves local flights, frequently used to transport climbers, tourists, and their gear. Lakhsh consists of 9 jamoats (administrative units).
Tourism Opportunities
in Lakhsh
The Lakhsh district has favorable conditions and opportunities for developing the tourism sector, given the presence of historical sites, therapeutic springs, and stunning landscapes. Climbing is one of the most popular forms of sports tourism in Lakhsh. The National Park of Tajikistan operates in the area, home to 13 glaciers. It features several high mountain peaks, including Ismail Samani Peak (formerly known as Peak Communism), the highest peak in Central Asia at 7,495 meters, as well as Korzhenevskaya Peak at 7,105 meters and Moskvina Peak at 6,785 meters. For beginner climbers, there are also numerous more accessible mountains, such as Margzora Peak. Tourists who visit Lakhsh in July and August are primarily climbers aiming to conquer mountain peaks and view the Fedchenko Glacier along with other beautiful landscapes in the area.
Mountain biking is also becoming increasingly popular in Lakhsh, with numerous trails of varying difficulty attracting both professionals and beginners. For enthusiasts of extreme sports like paragliding and base jumping, Lakhsh offers plenty of opportunities. The district is rich in healing springs; for example, the Tandi Kul healing complex, located 26 kilometers from the Center of Urban Village of Vahdat, is renowned for its therapeutic properties. The medicinal water is used to treat liver diseases, skin conditions, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and others.
Lakhsh has 6 hotels and 5 homestays, providing good conditions for guests. Climbers have the opportunity to stay in cozy rooms at "Moskvina Glade." The camp is situated in the subalpine zone at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Walter and Moskvina glaciers, making it the most convenient base for ascending Ismail Samani and Korzhenevskaya peaks. “Moskvina Glade” features a small lake fed by springs, 4 insulated two-person tent cabins for camp administration during the season, and 11 two-person wooden and aluminum cabins for climbers and tourists, along with a communication center (pavilion-dining hall), shower, sauna, and other facilities. If necessary, tent frames can be erected. There is also a convenient helicopter pad on-site. Currently, two methods are practiced for transporting people, cargo, and supplies to "Moskvina Glade": by helicopter from Dushanbe (with a flight time of one and a half hours one way) or by car along a 350-kilometer route east of the capital, alongside the Vakhsh, Surkhob, and Muksu rivers to the village of Depdshar, and then to the final destination through four mountain passes.
The Maiden Fortress
In addition to its natural attractions, Lakhsh is notable for its historical monuments. The district boasts 20 historical and cultural sites, including the shrines of Kizkorgon, Chilton, Kizterek, Kuchkorsang, the Shahidon hill, the Chorgul mausoleum, and historical monuments of Hazrat Sulhtoni Vali, Guli Manas, and others. Near the village of Safedorak (Kashkaterak) lie the ruins of the ancient fortress of Kizkorgon (Maiden Fortress). According to legend, a well-known merchant built a small fortress here to hide his beautiful daughter and riches from robbers. However, after several failed attempts and a siege, the robbers forced the merchant to surrender, destroyed the fortress, and took the merchant’s daughter and all his wealth. This tragic history is reflected in the name of the area.
A legend similar to the story of the 40 girls in Muminabad exists in Lakhsh as well. On the outskirts of the village of Kushtarak, eight high rocks resemble the forms of girls. Elders recount that these are petrified girls who once roamed the village outskirts. When pursued by bandits, they prayed to the Almighty to turn them into stone to escape the villains. And so it happened; the girls transformed into stone statues.
A popular pilgrimage site for the residents of Lakhsh and visitors to the region is the mausoleum of Hazrat Sulhtoni Vali in the village of Khojai Tavof. It is said that Sultoni Vali was a renowned scholar and theologian who came to these areas from Samarkand, earning great respect and love from the local population.
Meat Dishes of Lakhsh
Lakhsh has 2 restaurants, 10 cafeterias, and tea houses. For a long time, Tajiks and Kyrgyz have lived together harmoniously in this area, which reflects in the local lifestyle, including cuisine. Besides traditional dishes like pilaf, kurutob, and khomshurbo, Kyrgyz national dishes are also popular here.
Kyrgyz cuisine has numerous parallels with other national cuisines of Central Asian people but possesses its unique characteristics. For instance, it features a lot of meat, primarily from young lambs, cows, or calves. Additionally, many dishes are made from flour or dairy products.
Beshbarmak is one of the most beloved and traditional Kyrgyz dishes with Turkic roots. It consists of chopped meat served with noodles, onions, and rich meat broth. Typically, beshbarmak is eaten with hands, which is reflected in its name: in Kyrgyz, “beshbarmak” means “five fingers.”
In Lakhsh’s restaurants, cafeterias, and local homes, kuurdak, fried meat with potatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, is a favorite dish. Tash-kordo is among the earliest dishes among the Kyrgyz, as considered by ethnographers. The name translates to “stone food” – meat of a young ram roasted in a stone pit. A similar dish called “tandur kaboob” can be found among the Tajiks.
The Magical Sounds of Labchang

In the Lakhsh district, artisans engage in woodworking, making dutars, wooden utensils, blacksmithing, weaving, and contribute to the development and revival of folk crafts, improving their lives through handmade products.
The production of musical instruments is a cherished pursuit among many Lakhsh craftsmen. One popular musical instrument among Lakhsh residents is the labchang, one of the oldest plucked tongue instruments, akin to a jew's harp. In Lakhsh, the labchang is also referred to as chang-kovus, and sometimes it is called zanburak, like in Iran. This very ancient instrument is known as “Temir komuz” among Kyrgyz living in Lakhsh.
Craftsmen primarily make the labchang from copper and brass. Labchang made from copper alloys produces a more “velvety,” softer, gentler, and quieter sound than its steel counterparts, making it a favored choice for women. This can be attributed to the greater softness and lesser density of the metal. Copper alloys are more pleasant to the lips than steel.
Notably, learning to play is very easy—children can do it too. To play the labchang, one must gently press it to the lips without touching the teeth. Ancestors have long believed in the beneficial effects of the labchang on human health. The special vibrations produced while playing are thought to have therapeutic effects, helping to alleviate stress. Its marvelous sound relaxes and brings about a sense of harmony.
How to Get to the Lakhsh

There are two ways to reach the Lakhsh District.
The first is via the city of Dushanbe. From Dushanbe Airport or any other point in the city, one needs to get to the "Eastern Terminal." There, you will find a taxi stand for taxis heading to the regions of the Rasht Valley, including Lakhsh. Typically, taxi drivers wait until they have a full set of passengers before departing. The cost for one seat in a taxi varies by season and averages around $20. The distance from Dushanbe to the center of Lakhsh is 284 km.
The second option is through the "Sarhadchi" border checkpoint between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Lakhsh District

Part of: Cities and districts of Republican Subordination
Includes: 9 rural communities;
Administrative center: Urban Village of Vahdat.

History and Geography

  • Date of establishment: March 10, 1931;
  • Area: 4580.1 km²;
  • Time zone: UTC+5;
  • Population: 54,500 people (2023);
  • Ethnicities: Tajiks, Kyrgyz;
  • Religious composition: Muslims;
  • Official language: Tajik.

Digital Identifiers

  • Abbreviation: DZ;
  • ISO 3166-2 code: TJ.RR.DZ;
  • Telephone code: +992 3132;
  • Postal code: 737450;
  • Internet domain: .tj;
  • Vehicle registration code: 08TJ.




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