Hunt for Stalin’s Last Stand: Asht, Tajikistan (January 2026)
In the remote village of Ashti Bolo near Asht, one of the world’s last public Stalin statues still looms—ironically in a kindergarten courtyard. This obscure Soviet relic survives amid overgrown bushes, overlooked by most locals.
A quirky, absurd day trip from Khujand—perfect for offbeat history hunters.
How to Get There
- From Khujand → Catch marshrutka #128 from Abreshim Bus Station (departs roughly 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:00—timings flexible). Cost: ~30 TJS. Ride ~2 hours; stay on as long as possible toward Ashti Bolo/Shanbe Bazar.
- Locate the Statue → From Shanbe Bazar, walk downhill ~25-30 mins (left side of road). Coordinates: 40.809895, 70.607278.
Return Tips
- Afternoon buses rare (“tomorrow” common answer). Hitch or shared taxi downhill (~40 TJS seat; 300 TJS private).
Status Update
Still standing in 2026—hidden, forgotten, but intact in its unlikely playground setting.
Ultimate quirky Tajik adventure: Stalin as eternal babysitter! Planning this detour? Ask away!