Kalai-Khumb
Kalai Khumb is a small urban-type settlement located along the banks of the Panj River and one of the first populated areas that appeared along the route of the Pamir Highway. The name of this town is translated from Persian as “Fortress on Khumb”, this is due to the fact that at first in the 15th century a military fortress was founded here on the Pamir border, which served as a defense for the Timurid Empire from the eastern edge. Over time, small settlements appeared around the outpost, which later formed the city.
Later Kala-Khumb was the capital of the independent Darvaz Khanate, whose history ended in the late 19th century. Then for a short time the lands of Kalai-Khumb were part of the Bukhara Khanate, and with the beginning of the Soviet era, the city became the center of the Gorno-Badakhshan region of the Tajik SSR. Today, Kalai-Khumba is the administrative center of the Darvaz region in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
The most significant historical event of the city Kalai Humb, which occurred in the 20th century, is the war with Afghanistan (1979-1989). It was the time when the crossings of the Soviet troops to Afghanistan through the Kalai-Khumb was organized.
During archaeological excavations on the outskirts of Kalai Humb, remains of ancient settlements and fortifications were found. Including the fortress on Khumb left behind some ruins. However, ancient stone buildings survived to this day. The landscapes of Kalai Khumb are very picturesque, there are many places where nature remains in its original form. Pompous mountains, green areas and colorful sunsets and sunrises can give an unforgettable experience to any traveler.
The city of Kalai Humb is located directly on the border with Afghanistan. Not far from the city there is one of the three bridges over which you can cross the Panj River. Previously, the eastern bazaar was organized near the bridge on Sundays, in particular, this was done for merchants arriving from Afghanistan, but today there are no similar bazaars in Kalai-Humb.
In a cozy city with a population of 1600 residents there are both guest houses and luxury hotels. It is worth noting that there is a small airport in Kalai Humba, from which flights depart regularly around Tajikistan. The climate here is comfortable and there are no sudden changes in temperature from the sweltering heat to cold, despite the fact that the Pamir region is quite severe. However, there is more rainfall in winter than in summer.
Kalai Khumb is the first district in a number of small cities located on the Pamir Way, where tourists and city guests make their first stop when they set off on a journey from the capital Dushanbe.