Itinerary

Day 1: Dushanbe

Arrival at Dushanbe airport where you will be met by your guide and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with a folklore show.

Day 2: Dushanbe

Dushanbe was originally the site of a Monday market, but the Barakat bazaar is still a bustling attraction in this modern metropolis. Visit the monument of Ismail Samani, the founder of the Samanid Kingdom in the IX century, the Museum of National Antiquity, the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Enjoy the tour around the bazaar and the popular tea house "Rohat".  Drive to Hissar Fortress, to see the remains of an ancient caravanserai, the mausoleum and meddreseh. 

Day 3: Dushanbe - Kulyab

Sightseeing day drive to Kulyab, one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, once an important cultural and educational Silk Road city, and buffer area between the Bukharan Emirs and the rulers of Afghanistan. Along the way we will stop at the vast water reservoir of Nurek with the world's tallest dam, now a popular resort destination. Arrival in Kulyab. Accommodation. Dinner at the national restaurant.

Day 4: Kulyab - QorghonTeppa - Dushanbe

Sightseeing tour: Visit the holy Mir Said Hamadoni complex and the Kulyab Memorial Complex. Drive to Qorghon Teppa to see the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple, and visit the local handicraft bazaar. Return back to Dushanbe.

Days 5/6: Dushanbe – Fann Mountains - Penjikent

Scenic drive to Penjikent via the Anzob Pass 3,373 m above sea level. We will stay overnight in the Fann Mountains at Iskandar Kul Lake to experience the incredible natural beauty of north-west Tajikistan, and the legend of Alexander the Great and his horse. Picnic lunch. Revel in the fresh air surrounded by snow –capped peaks and aquamarine lakes. Arrival in Penjikent.

Day 7: Penjikent "Five Villages"

Penjikent, an old center Sogdian Empire, is now a rocky archaeological treasure. During excavations the remains of temples, streets, shops, an impressive citadel, dwellings, wall frescoes, and a variety of ceramic items. Visit the museum of the famous 11th c.Tajik poet Rudaki and enjoy the view from the new town there. 

Day 8: Penjikent - Istaravshan – Khodjand

After breakfast our signtseeing day drive will take us to Khodjand via Istaravshan. Explore ancient ruins of Istaravshan, a well preserved town located in the Turkestan Mountains. Visit Mug Tepa Fortress where foundations have stood since the 4th c.BC, the Khazrati Shoh architectural complex and mausoleum, and the Namozgoh Mosque. Enjoy some browsing at the bazaar in Istaravshan. Upon arrival in Khodjand you will be accommodated at the Grand Khodjand Hotel.

Day 9: Khodjand

Sightseeing tour around Khodjand, a city surrounded by mountains and orchards, and for most of the 20th c. known as Leninabad: Visit the Temurmalik Fortress, the Museum of Archaeology and History, the Friday Mosque and the impressive columns and  of the Panjshanbe Bazaar.
Farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure