Home to the world’s highest dam, snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and rushing rivers, Rogun stands as a testament to modern Tajikistan. The city’s history is already an integral part of the nation’s narrative.

Rogun is situated in the eastern part of the Republic of Tajikistan along the banks of the Vakhsh River. It borders the city of Vahdat and the districts of Faizabad, Nurabad, and Baljuvan. The city encompasses three communities: the town of Obi Garm, the village of Kadi Ob, and the village of Sicharog.
As a relatively young city, Rogun owes its existence to the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station, whose project was approved in 1974. The city was officially established on December 25, 1986, incorporating Obi Garm into its territory.
Archaeological findings of ancient tools and utensils by local residents, as well as the names of certain villages (Kamari Mugul, Kafar Kafar), indicate that this area boasts a rich historical heritage.

Natural Wonders
Due to its vast natural, cultural, and historical potential, Rogun is well-suited for tourism development. The regions of Gashon, Yonaksh, and Margzor within the Kadi Ob community are ideal for health tourism, mountaineering, and hiking.
The road distance from Rogun to Gashon is 30 km, to Yonaksh is 38 km, and to Margzor is over 40 km. These villages are surrounded on all sides by towering mountains. The roads are lined with greenery, and crystal-clear, cool springs flow from the foot of the mountains and hills.
Residents of Yonaksh have recognized the area’s tourism potential and opened the guesthouse "Sayr," which features three lounges, a kitchen, and a steam bath.
In the lowland area of Margzor, there are two natural lakes where domestic and foreign tourists enjoy leisure activities from May to September. At the upper part of the Margzor ponds, approximately 1 km from the mountain foothills, a river with cold, clear water flows.

Healing Waters of Rogun
Rogun is home to numerous natural healing waters, forming the basis for seven sanatoriums and three health water stations. These sanatoriums operate year-round, offering services to both domestic and international tourists.
Since 1947, the well-known resort "Obi Garm" has been in operation in Central Asia. The mineral waters of this resort are known to treat ailments of the nervous system, vascular diseases, skin conditions, kidney and liver issues, gynecological disorders, sciatica, osteochondrosis, and more.
Additionally, the "Shoista" sanatorium has been constructed in Rogun, featuring four therapeutic pools that meet international standards.

Rogun: A Paradise for Tourists
In May 2023, the Government of Tajikistan adopted a program for the development of the "Rogun" tourist zone for the years 2024-2028. The program’s developers emphasize that Rogun is an emerging industrial and tourist city that, with the full launch of the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station, will have expanded opportunities for tourism development.
"Geographically, the city of Rogun is home to 41 beautiful mountain peaks, 150 natural springs, 11 pristine rivers, and four freshwater lakes," the program states.
In accordance with the city’s historical and cultural characteristics, designated tourist routes include the "NBO Rogun" reservoir, the crossing at Khoja Junayd Baghdadi, Kukh-i Yahdon, the treasure house of Akajonboy, Guli Surkh, Lugur, Yonaksh, Margzor, and other natural areas and historical sites.
Rogun features 14 cultural institutions, including libraries, a palace and cultural houses, a museum, and parks for culture and recreation. The residents are eager to transform Rogun into a paradise for tourists.

Rogun boasts five restaurants and cafes, approximately 30 dining halls, and tea houses offering both national and European cuisine. Local chefs serve delicious Tajik dishes such as khomshurbo (a lamb and beef soup), kebabs, the special Tajik dish kurutob, manti (dumplings), pilaf, and other culinary delights. Prices are comparable to other regions of Tajikistan, starting from 20 somoni per serving.
Visitors can also savor fresh dairy products, hot flatbread, honey, fruits, and national sweets in tea houses and local markets. Even in the most remote villages, you will not go hungry or without shelter. Any resident of Rogun, as in other regions of the country, will warmly invite you into their home, offering food, drink, and a place to stay.

Suzani – Embroidery with Centuries of History
Every corner of Tajikistan showcases distinct crafts. Almost every district, village, or city has its own unique crafts and trades. Tajik artisans and craftswomen truly amaze with their skills. Some of these crafts are well-known and sought after both within the republic and beyond its borders.
In Rogun, there are 73 service infrastructure facilities, including six craft corners and 15 workshops for folk art. The region excels in blacksmithing, wood carving, basket weaving, needlework, jewelry making, and more.
Among the traditional crafts of the country, suzani embroidery stands out. Suzani typically consists of a wide fabric measuring 2-3 meters in length and 3-5 meters in width, adorned with hand embroidery. Each region has its unique forms, colors, and styles of designs.
As a craft, suzani embroidery has been practiced among the women of Tajikistan's mountainous regions for hundreds of years. It was traditionally included in the bride's dowry, which she brought to her husband’s home. Despite their individual characteristics, all Tajik suzani embroideries share a common feature: the predominant round motifs symbolize the sun.

Suzani is usually created by two types of artisans: the kalamkash (designer) who sketches the patterns, and the guldus (embroiderer) who stitches the designs with colored threads, primarily silk. Typically, these artisans gather in one household, spending long evenings chatting and singing while engaged in their craft. Creating a suzani can take anywhere from ten days to a month, depending on the complexity and density of the pattern.
A traditional suzani is more than just a beautifully embroidered design. Each pattern has its own meaning. For instance, blue or green wavy patterns symbolize a long life; a large red or yellow circle represents the sun, signifying warmth and light; and the depiction of pepper wards off evil spirits.
The revival of traditional crafts allows the residents of Rogun not only to showcase their products to buyers but also to preserve the legacy of ancient artisans.

How to get to Roghun
To reach Rogun, travelers should first make their way from the airport or any other location in Dushanbe to the Eastern Terminal, situated toward the eastern gates of the capital. The estimated fare for a city taxi from the airport to this terminal is approximately $2 to $3. At the Eastern Terminal, there are designated stands for taxis and minibuses that provide transportation to various eastern regions of the republic, including Rogun. As of 2024, the fare for a seat in a taxi to Rogun is around $4. The distance from Dushanbe to the center of Rogun is approximately 110 kilometers.