The Northern Tajikistan Discovery

Welcome to the beautiful Dushanbe! Our guide and the driver will transfer you from the airport to the hotel. After enjoying the authentic Tajik lunch on your own, we will start to explore the urban landscape of Dushanbe. We will visit the National Museum of Antiquities, Botanical Garden and Victory Park. The National Museum of Antiquities has 22 exhibition halls, displaying jewelry, coins, ceramic products, ancient labor tools, weapons, musical instruments and other unearthed cultural relics, among which the most famous is the huge Sleeping Buddha.

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive an hour to the Hisor Fortress, an open-air museum with a history of nearly 3,000 years. It has been devastated by wars. In different historical periods, the rulers rebuilt, renovated and expanded it. One of the newer buildings was an overnight post for ancient Silk Road merchants and camels. Then we will have a leisure walk at the Rudaki Park. Quiet and picturesque, it is a perfect place to relax. After that, we will pass by the National Library, White House, National state seal, House of parliament, Statue of Ismoil Somoni, Ministry of Inner Affairs, and Dushanbe Flagpole. Next, what we will see is the National Museum and the tall and beautiful Navruz Palace. Finally, head to Asian bazaar to experience the local market scenes and enjoy a local special dinner at your own charge.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

Today we will reach the village of Kalai-khumb to explore the mysterious Pamirs. On the way, we will stop at Nurek Water Reservoir to take photos. Then after passing Shuraba pass 2,267 meters above sea level, we will drive all the way along the natural Afghan border Panj River to Pamirs. Tajikistan is known as the "Roof of the World" right because of the magnificent plateau scenery in Pamirs. Check in the local hotel on arrival at Kalai-khumb.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Karon Palace Hotel Kalai-Khumb (4 stars)

After a brief tour of Pamirs, we will return to Dushanbe today. Along the way, we will pass the Khaburabot Pass 3,252m above sea level, and meet the intoxicating scenery and the traditional and unpretentious Tajik people.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

Today we will go to Iskanderkul Lake, a well-known recreational resort. Before arriving at the lake, we will get a bird's eye view of the surrounding scenery at the Anzob Pass 3,372m above sea level. Upon arrival, the guide will lead you to hike for about 40 minutes to visit the Iskanderkul Waterfall. Near the Iskanderkul Lake, you also have the opportunity to see the Snake Lake. Then you will have lunch on your own. There are no activities during the rest of the day. You can rent a boat at your own expense to tour the lake, hike with the guide nearby, or rest on the shore. Tonight, we will sleep in a guesthouse nearby the lake.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Zumrad Guesthouse

The next destination of this northern Tajikistan trip is Penjikent. We will pass by the Zarafshan Valley and Alauddin Lakes of Fann Mountains on the way. Rugged and winding mountain roads, lush vegetation, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks are the reasons why Fann Mountains attract a large number of hikers. Arrive in Penjikent about 5 hours later and have lunch at your own expense. After, the exploration of Penjikent will set off. First, the guide will lead you to the ancient city of Sarazm, which was one of the earliest cities in Central Asia and the largest metallurgical center in Central Asia during the Bronze Age. Then come to the Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki and ruins of ancient Penjikent. Penjikent was once one of the most important art and cultural centers of the Sogdian Empire as well as the main trading city on the ancient Silk Road. An important feature of the ruins is the murals which show the details of clothing and daily life back then. At the end of the city tour, we will head to a local bazaar.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (3 stars)

After breakfast, we will set out for Seven Lakes. Seven alpine lakes are located at different altitudes, and the water color is also different. After driving for 1.5 hours, we will come to the 4th lake and start a 1.5-hour hike. We will meet some local villagers on the way and learn about their lifestyle. Then drive to the 6th lake. Upon arrival, hike to the 7th lake. Later, go back to the 6th lake for lunch (not included) and today's Tajikistan itinerary is over.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza Hotel (3 stars)

Our destination today is Khujand, Tajikistan's second largest city. We will pass Shahriston 3,378 meters above sea level on the way there. After driving for 4 hours, we will reach Istaravshan, an ancient trade and handicraft center in ancient Central Asia and visit the Fortress Mug Teppe and Kuk Gumbaz Mosque. In the end, we will stroll around in a famous local handicraft workshop to meet master craftsmen. After Istaravshan city tour, keep driving to Khujand.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Parliament Hotel Khujand (4 stars)

Today, we will begin with a visit to the Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification with the guide. Then we will head to the center of the city to visit the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin and Panjshanbe Market which is one of the oldest bazaars in Tajikistan. In the afternoon, we will go to visit the Arbob Cultural Palace and Qairoqum water reservoir. Drive back to the hotel at the end of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Parliament Hotel Khujand (4 stars)

As the Tajikistan itinerary in Khujand finishes today, we will drive back to Dushanbe.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

After breakfast, our guide and the driver will send you to the airport for you to take the homeward flight. We wish you have a pleasant journey home!

Meals: Breakfast