The Dushanbe Botanical Garden, founded in the 1930s as part of the Academy of Sciences, covers about 36 hectares and contains a collection of plants from across Central Asia and beyond. The Soviet-era garden is not maintained to Western botanical garden standards, but the collection of Central Asian flora — including rare Pamir and Tien Shan species — is genuinely interesting, and the garden is large enough to feel like an escape from the city.
The rose section and the fruit tree collection are the most visited areas. The garden is quieter on weekdays and makes a good morning walk before the heat sets in. Entry is cheap and the paths are mostly easy walking.