Ecotourism
Ecotourism is the only direction in the tourism industry that is vitally interested in preserving its main resource – the natural environment or its individual components (monuments of nature, certain species of animals or plants, etc.). When the local population is involved in the process of eco-tourism, these people are also becoming interested in using these resources based on economy rather than removal. Distinguishing factors of ecotourism are that it can prevent a negative impact on the environment and encourage tour operators and tourists to promote environmental protection and socio- economic development.
State natural reserve “Almosi”
The reserve was established in 1984 in an area of 6000 hectares. The purpose of the organization of the reserve was to preserve the gene pool and restore the habitats of valuable species of flora of Tajikistan – Ungern Victor, included in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. Reserve “Almosi” is located on the southern spur of the Hissar range, between the rivers and Karatag and Honaka, at relatively low altitudes – up to 2100 m above sea level.
You can get to the reserve “Almosi” on passing vehicles as well as from Dushanbe and from the international control post Sari Osie (Uzbekistan – Tajikistan).
Nature and History park “Shirkent”
Nature and History Park (NHP) “Shirkent” was established by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in 1993, September 12, № 462. The main purpose of the Nature and History park is to preserve the gene pool of the unique flora and fauna, natural ecosystems and cultural values, to study the nature of the South-western Hissar region, and also to organize eco-tourism. NHP “Shirkent” is located in Tursunzade region, in the Basin of Tursunzade River, on the southern slopes of the Hissar Mountains. The park, mostly, has natural boundaries, in the north – there is a ridge Mechetli (Koldyrga), and in the west and east there are rivers Obizarang Karatag. The southern boundary of the park is near the village of Shirkent.
You can get to Shirkent from Dushanbe (100 km) or from Uzbek-Tajik border (border control post Sari Osie – 55 km.)
State Nature Reserve “Romit”
State nature reserve “Romit” is located on the southern slope of the Hissar range near the river Kafirnigan. The southeastern boundary of the reserve is adjacent to the Karategin range. The reserve has the shape of a triangle. The side from the west is the river Sorbo, from the north – Ushrut and Vashrut gorges and. The top of the triangle is oriented to the south and is located at the confluence of Sardai Miyona and Sorbo rivers, forming a river Kafirnigan. The total area of the reserve is 16 100 hectare. “Romit” Reserve is a mountain-landscape forest reserve. The purpose of the reserve is to study and conserve species of fauna and flora listed in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan, in particular, the Tien Shan brown bear, snow leopard, otter, porcupine, golden eagles and many species of plants such as onions Anzur, holmon, onions Suvorov etc.