8D7N Tajikistan Scenery Tour

Our tour begins at Hissar Fortress, a key historical site near Dushanbe, followed by lunch. Next, we explore the impressive Navruz Palace, initially designed as a teahouse, and visit the Central Mosque, the largest in Central Asia. Strolling through Rudaki Park, we admire the Ismail Somoni statue before ending at the National Museum with its famous Sleeping Buddha.

Today, we drive to Iskander Kul, a stunning triangular lake named after Alexander the Great, who conquered this region 2,500 years ago. Nestled in the Fan Mountains at 2,200m, it’s one of the most exquisite lakes in the former Soviet Union. After lunch on the lakeshore, we’ll hike to a nearby waterfall. The afternoon is yours to relax by the lake. Overnight in a lakeside cottage.

After breakfast, we head to Penjikent, meaning “city of five villages,” located in the lush Zeravshan Valley. Dating back to the 5th century, it was a key hub on the Great Silk Road. We’ll visit the local market, mosque, history museum, and the UNESCO-listed Sarazm ruins (4th-2nd millennia BC). In the evening, enjoy a cooking masterclass at a charming teahouse with a garden, accompanied by traditional “doyra” songs performed by a singer and drum player.

Our day trip begins with a bumpy ride into the mountains, to explore the Seven Lakes near Penjikent. Despite the rough roads, the journey is worth it. We’ll drive to the sixth lake, followed by an easy two-hour hike to Hazorchashma, the seventh and highest lake. Enjoy the stunning scenery before returning. Along the way, we’ll stop in mountain villages to experience local life.

From Penjikent, we drive north to Istaravshan and then to Khujand, crossing the scenic Shahriston Pass. Istaravshan is famous for its blacksmiths who handcraft high-quality knives, and we’ll visit their workshops near the market. For lunch, we’ll join Mr. Usto Sodiq, a skilled comb maker, to learn about his craft. After lunch, we continue through the Fergana Valley to Khujand. Check-in at a city-center hotel, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast we will start our journey to Khujand which remains a vibrant city and a home to Tajikistan’s largest market, Panjshanbe Bazaar. Our city tour includes the bazaar, the nearby Maslihaddin Mosque, the Historical Museum within the old fortress, and the Arbob Cultural Palace. In the evening, we’ll visit the Anora House Museum, showcasing traditional Tajik architecture and a unique collection of antiques from the pre-Soviet era.

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight on Somon Air to Dushanbe (subject to change; transfer by car is also possible). Upon arrival in Dushanbe, meet your driver in the arrival hall for transfer to the hotel. Check-in.

Transfer to the airport for departure