A 7-day tour of Tajikistan is an excellent choice for those who wish to learn more about the multifaceted culture and history of the Tajik people. The journey will begin in the capital of the country - Dushanbe. There you will get acquainted with the modern life of Tajikistan and discover many interesting facts about the history of the region after visiting the Museum of Antiquities. Later you will have a trip to the Hissar fortress (18th century), after which it will continue towards Istaravshan. A special oriental spirit reigns in this colorful city - stroll through the local bazaar, visit religious monuments and get to know the ancient city of Mug-tepa. After that, you will get acquainted with the old city of Penjikent and its sights dating back to the 5th-8th centuries. And now about the Seven Lakes, an incredible creation of nature. Lake Iskanderkul, named after Alexander the Great, will complete your tour. The way back to Dushanbe will pass through the mountains with one more overnight stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Dushanbe.
Arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, our team will meet you and take you to the hotel for check-in. The beginning of our tour of Dushanbe.
Dushanbe: a very pleasant city!
Places to visit in Dushanbe today:
National Museum: The museum has several interesting collections that you will enjoy: some frescoes from Old Panjakent and the entire top floor with unique works by Tajik artists.
Rudaki Park: The most beautiful park in Dushanbe is located next to the National Museum. Its tree-lined paths have everything from the Palais des Nations (where the president works) to eccentric things like the second tallest flagpole in the world. Visit the museum after visiting the museum, but be aware that the park really comes alive at night.
Rohat Teahouse: A huge teahouse on Rudaki Avenue. A beautifully decorated and pleasant place to dine al fresco for a reasonable price. You can sit in the open columned hall or in the ornate wooden interior.
Museum of Antiquities: It houses the bones of Princess Sarazm (creepy but cool), the sleeping Buddha, plus an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
Mehrgon Bazaar: A large bazaar in the north of the city where you can buy everything from freshly cut carrots to stuffed dried dates.
Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre: Here you can see operas or ballets at the big theater at unbeatable prices. Check back to see if there are any shows on!
Sim Sim Brewery: Tajikistan's favorite beer is brewed here in Dushanbe. You can enjoy two local beers on the roof terrace or in the restaurant. Meals and regional snacks are available from the bar.
Botanical Garden: A short walk from Chatr Café, stroll through this expansive garden where couples and families enjoy their weekend getaways. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Dushanbe - Gissar - Dushanbe
After breakfast drive to Hissar fortress, museum and madrasah. Departure outside the city (30 km) to the remains of the Hissar fortress of the 18th century. Visit two local madrasahs and a mausoleum. Return to Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Dushanbe - Istaravshan - Khujand
In the morning departure from Dushanbe and transfer to Khujand (300 km, 5-6 hours). Drive through the Anzob Tunnel. Lunch at a local tea house. In the afternoon drive through the Shahristan tunnel with a stop in Istaravshan. Visit the local bazaar, the architectural complex of Hazrat Shah, which consists of the mausoleum of Hazrat Shah, the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, the mausoleum of Khudayar Valami and the Namazgah mosque dating back to the 19th century. in Istaravshan. It is believed that the city was founded by King Cyrus on the northeastern border of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Khujand - Penjikent
Transfer to Penjikent (260 km, 5-6 h).
Penjikent: an ancient reception in Tajikistan!
Penjikent was once the capital of the Sogdian Empire, a Zoroastrian civilization that existed long before Islam in the region. The area has several ancient monuments worth visiting on your way to the mountains.
Places to visit in the vicinity of Penjikent:
Sarazm: A stone's throw from the border crossing are the ruins of Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are over 5000 years old and are the remnants of the first agricultural society in Central Asia. An amazingly tall human skeleton, dubbed the "Princess Sarazma", was found here, along with some of her ornaments. Archaeologists have also unearthed artifacts pointing to ancient trade routes stretching as far as present-day Iran and Pakistan.
Penjikent Bazaar: This bazaar has a beautiful central building surrounded by brick arches. This is a good place to stock up on camping snacks such as nuts and dried fruits or experience Tajik hospitality for the first time.
Old Penjikent: The ruins of ancient Penjikent, which are over 1500 years old, are located outside the city and can be reached by taxi or hitchhiking. The hilltop site stretches for several kilometers; wander around it at your leisure. Here, archaeologists have found remarkably well-preserved frescoes. They have since been moved to the Rudaki Museum in Panjakent, the National Museum in Dushanbe and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Copies can be seen in a small museum at the entrance to Old Penjikent. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Penjikent - Seven lakes (Haftkul) - Pajikent
Haft-Kul: watery lakes
Seven small lakes make up Haft-Kul, "lakes", in northwestern Tajikistan. Legend has it that these are the tears of the daughters of a missing man. Science claims they were created after earthquakes changed the course of the Shing River. Whichever version you prefer, the Haft-Kul road is one of the most accessible routes in Tajikistan; an ideal introduction to the natural beauty of Tajikistan. Apart from the azure lakes, there are many villages to wander around and many kind locals happily invite travelers for tea.
The final lake Haft Kul: Hazor Chashma, a thousand springs. The slope is gentle, the height is low (lake about 2400 m / 7870 feet). Overnight at the guest house.
Day 6: Penjikent - Iskanderkul
Transfer to Sarytag via Iskanderkul (240 km, 6-7 h). According to legend, Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known in the East as Iskander. It is said that the path of Alexander the Great to India passed through this lake. Arrival and accommodation in the guest house. Overnight at the guest house.
Day 7: Iskanderkul - Dushanbe
Transfer to Dushanbe (160 km, 3-4 h). Arrival in Dushanbe. Free time before departure. Transfer to the airport at a prearranged departure time. End of tour.
NCLUDED IN COST:
-All transfers and transport;
All accommodation;
-All meals (B.L.D.)
-All entrance and excursion fees;
- 1 liter of bottled water per day for each
- services of a guide/translator;
- VAT and profit of the organization;
- Ecological tax;
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDED:
-Visa, international flight;
-Photo and video charges;
-All personal expenses (fees for extra luggage, room service, medical expenses/insurance, etc.)
-surcharges for additional services (folklore performances, meetings);
- Tips for guides, drivers and donkeys;
- single occupancy
-Alcohol
For booking, contact us with any method you are comfortable: