Dushanbe, April 27, 2026 – The Europe Today: Tajikistan is set to host an international tourism conference this summer in the picturesque mountainous region of Childukhtaron, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote tourism despite longstanding security and infrastructure challenges.
According to tourism officials in Khatlon province, the event will take place on June 4–5 and is expected to attract participants from more than 20 countries. The region, known for its striking natural rock formations, derives its name from a local legend in which girls transformed into towering stone pillars to escape an invading force.
Childukhtaron lies several dozen kilometers from Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan, an area that has experienced occasional security incidents, including cross-border incursions by suspected drug smugglers and attacks on foreign workers. Authorities in Tajikistan have strengthened security measures along the frontier and maintain that the conference venue is sufficiently distant to ensure safety.
Despite these assurances, travel advisories from several countries continue to caution against visiting areas near the Tajik-Afghan border due to terrorism-related risks. For instance, Canada advises its citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the border, while China earlier this year urged its nationals to leave nearby regions.
The planned conference forms part of broader regional efforts to boost tourism across Central Asia, a region rich in cultural and natural attractions but often challenged by accessibility issues and limited infrastructure. Earlier this month, Turkmenistan hosted a similar international tourism event, though strict regulations continue to limit visitor numbers. In contrast, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have made notable progress in expanding their tourism sectors.
Officials in Khatlon report a steady rise in visitor numbers, with approximately 344,000 tourists recorded in the first quarter of 2026, according to the state news agency Khovar. However, authorities acknowledge that tourism development in the province remains a work in progress, citing significant untapped potential.
Located about 250 kilometers south of Dushanbe, Childukhtaron is accessible via a multi-hour drive, with travel experts recommending overnight stays due to distance and terrain. The site features pyramid-shaped rock formations rising up to 60 meters, sculpted over centuries by natural erosion, and remains steeped in local folklore.
With its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Tajikistan hopes the upcoming conference will enhance its global tourism profile and attract greater international interest in its lesser-explored destinations.
