ARRIVAL DAY, DUSHANBE SIGHTSEEING

Statue of Ismoil Somoni - The Ismoili Somoni Monument honors Ismoili Somoni, the founder of the Tajik nation. This impressive monument stands 11.5 meters tall, surrounded by a golden arch that reaches 40 meters high, symbolizing the glory of the Samanid Empire. Situated in Dusti Square, it is one of Dushanbe’s most iconic landmarks, celebrating the nation’s rich history.

Flagpole with the Flag of Tajikistan - Nation Palace (outside)

The Palace serves as the official residence of the President of Tajikistan. Construction began in 2000, and it hosts all major political events, including receptions for high-ranking political figures such as heads of state, presidents, international organization leaders, and ambassadors.

Flagpole and Rudaki Park

Dushanbe’s Flagpole is the tallest in the world, standing at 165 meters. Located next to Rudaki Park, it offers a scenic setting for visitors to admire the national symbol while enjoying the beautifully landscaped park.

National Museum of Tajikistan - The National Museum of Tajikistan features 22 exhibition halls, providing insights into the country’s nature, history, and culture. Highlights include ancient artifacts, modern art, and a section dedicated to the Middle Ages, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Kokhi Navruz - This palace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with intricately decorated halls showcasing traditional Tajik art. Its luxurious interiors and grand architecture often host significant cultural and political events, symbolizing modern Tajik elegance.

NUREK DAM, MOUNTAIN SEA

Nurek - 07:00 – Breakfast at hotel

09:00 – Tourists will be picked up from the hotel and depart for Nurek city

10:00 - Arrive in Nurek.

Explore Central Avenue of Nurek and the Museum of the hydroelectric power station. The museum provides detailed information about Nurek and the hydroelectric power station.

Nurek Dam - 11:00 - Visit the Nurek Dam.

The blue sea – Nurek reservoir for the hydroelectric power plant, filled with clear, mirror-like fresh water sourced from the icy mountains of the Pamir range. The reservoir was formed at an altitude of 885 meters above sea level under the Nurek dam. It is one of the most powerful hydroelectric power plants in Central Asia, with the dam listed in the GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS as the highest bulk dam in the world.

Nurek - 16:00 - Visit Anorbogh, a pomegranate garden. Nurek is renowned for growing a special type of pomegranates.

17:00 - End of the day, return to Dushanbe

18:00 - Arrive in Dushanbe and check into the hotel

HISSAR FORTRESS

Hisor Fortress - 08:00 – Breakfast in hotel

10:00 – Pick up tourists from the hotel. Today, a trip to Hissar city is planned.

Hissar Fortress

The Hissar Fortress is one of the oldest and largest architectural monuments in Central Asia. Built approximately 3,000 years ago, the fortress was originally intended to protect the local population and trade caravans from nomadic raids. Currently, the fortress serves as an open-air museum spanning 86 hectares, located on the site of an ancient settlement. It is situated 30 kilometers from the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. Historically, the fortress served as the residence of the governor of the Emir of Bukhara and as a base for state troops.

Madrassa-i Kuhna - Old Madrassa

In the XVI–XVIII centuries, two madrassas and the mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam (translated “The Greatest Lord”) were built. It is not known for sure who it was built for. There are legends among the locals about the Hissar Fortress, which have accumulated over several millennia of known history. According to one popular legend, Afrosiyob built the citadel to protect himself from Rustam. They are both famous heroic characters of Firdousi’s epic poem “Shahnameh”.

Fortress square - horse riding (at the request and expense of the traveler).

13:00 – Time for lunch

15:00 – Return to Dushanbe, with a stop to see Imam A’zam Mosque

CHILDUKHTARON VALLEY & HULBUK CASTLE

Childukhtaron Valley - 15:00 - Arrive at Childukhtaron Valley, famous for its “Forty Girls” rock formations.

Childukhtaron Valley

Childukhtaron, meaning “Valley of the Forty Girls,” is home to an intriguing legend. According to this legend, 40 stone blocks towering over the valley were once beautiful and charming girls. When enemies (led by Chenghiz Khan) came to the valley and desired to make them their concubines, the inhabitants of the mountains prayed and asked Allah to turn themselves into silent stones.

16:00 - Return to Dushanbe

20:00 - Arrival in Dushanbe and check into the hotel

ISKANDERKUL LAKE & PANJAKENT

Iskanderkul Lake - 07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

09:00 – Pick up tourists from the hotel and depart for Khujand side

12:00 – Arrival at Iskanderkul

ISKANDERKUL LAKE

The lake is located in the north, approximately 180 km (3-hour drive) from Dushanbe along a well-maintained highway at a high altitude. It is named after Alexander the Great, who visited the region during his campaign to India from Central Asia. The Lake is located in the Fan Mountains, a region renowned for its natural beauty, and has a rich and significant history. Several notable peaks surround it, including Bodhona, Chapdara, Maria, Mirali, and Zindon, with the highest being Chimtarga, which reaches an impressive 5,487 meters.

During this tour, participants will have the opportunity to visit five remarkable locations, each with its own unique history and natural beauty.

BUCEPHALUS CAVE. Legend has it that the Macedonian horse, Bucephalus, drank water from the lake during a rest stop after a long journey and fell ill.

Fann Mountains - FANN NIAGARA WATERFALL. In the vicinity of Lake Iskanderkul is an aged juniper bush, adorned with vibrant ribbons. This unique tree is a popular destination for visitors to the area, who often leave personal tokens as a gesture of their return. The nearby 43-meter waterfall, known as “Fan Niagara,” is another notable attraction.

KULI MORON. In the vicinity of Iskanderkul is another lake known as Kuli Moron (Snake Lake). Local folklore speaks of a significant snake population inhabiting the lake. Local folklore asserts that there are two instances when these reptiles are known to refrain from attacking: when they are in the water and when people are drinking water.

SEVEN LAKES & ANCIENT SARAZM

Proto-urban site of Sarazm - 07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

08:30 – Sightseeing of ancient Sarazm

SARAZM

Sarazm - an ancient city (6,500 years old) that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. You will learn about the Arian and Persian civilizations and experience the cultures of the Arian and Sogdian societies. It’s so important and valuable that Sarazm is included in the UNESCO Heritage List.

10:00 – Departure to the Seven Lakes.

11:30 – Our hike will start from the 1st Lake Mijgon.

Seventh of the seven lakes (Haft-Kul) - SEVEN LAKES

Welcome to MIJGON Lake! It’s nestled at an altitude of 1,640 meters above sea level. Its name has a lovely origin in the Tajik language, where it comes from the word “eyelashes.”

Lake SOYA. In the Tajik language, “shadow” is the word for this lake, and it’s easy to see why! It’s nestled between tall rocks, basking in the shade for most of the day.

Lake HUSHOR. Just 400 meters away, Hushor awaits. As you approach, you’ll spot a lively stream connecting the two.

Lake NOFIN. Lake Nofin and Hushor are just 500 meters apart, but the route along the winding path is a full kilometer.

Note: If we have time, we’d love to continue our journey to other lakes! However, we have to return to Panjakent.

Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki - RUDAKI COMPLEX

This important shrine complex marks the spot where the remains of the great Persian poet Rudaki (858–941) were found in 1958. Abuabdullah Ja’far ibn Muhammad (Rudaki) was a court poet under the Samanid Empire, and he composed more than 180,000 verses, although only a small portion of his work has survived. He is fondly remembered as the “Founder of New Persian poetry”.

19:00 – Arrival at Panjakent and check into the hotel

Panjakent - 19:00 – Arrival at Panjakent and check into the hotel

ISTARAVSHAN & CASTLE MUG

DEPARTURE DAY, KHUJAND SIGHTSEEING

Khujand - 07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

08:00 – Welcome tourists from the hotel

KHUJAND

Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Located on the banks of the Syr Darya, in the Fergana Valley, Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan. It is an important transport hub, as well as a political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the country. According to some sources, the foundation of the city was laid in the VII-VI centuries BC, and it was conquered by Alexander the Great, who rebuilt and strengthened it, naming it Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme).

Khujand Fortress - KHUJAND FORTRESS

The history of the fortress dates back to the VI-VII centuries A.D., making it a significant historical landmark. Its strategic location on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley made it an important barrier against invasions throughout various historical periods. The fortress and the citadel, components of ancient Khujand, were surrounded by fortress walls and a deep moat filled with water. Today, the fortress serves as a museum, showcasing the history, culture, and people of Khujand and the surrounding Sughd region. Within its walls, visitors can explore historical artifacts, traditional crafts, and exhibits that offer insights into the daily lives of the people who have inhabited this area for millennia.

Masjidi Jami Mosque - JAMI MOSQUE

The Jami Mosque complex, a monument of folk architecture from the 16th century, is a significant landmark in the region. The mosque houses one of the largest museums of Islamic culture in Central Asia. It offers a comprehensive learning experience, providing insights into the history of Islam in the region and the cultural and religious traditions of the Tajik people. The multi-column building adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, which also features a multi-column design, and leads into the courtyard of the mosque.

Panjshanbe Market - PANJSHANBE BAZAR

Panjshanbe Bazar is a major tourist attraction in Khujand. The complex consists of a primary pavilion and numerous shops, tents, and adjacent structures. The architectural style of the bazaar building combines elements of classicism and Stalinist Empire style, with a harmonious execution of decorative elements inspired by both Soviet and Oriental styles. The entrance is marked by a hemispherical portal adorned with vibrant paintings, while sculptures of a man and a woman grace the exterior walls. Inside, visitors will find a long-vaulted hall with slender rows of columns.

Arbob Cultural Palace - ARBOB CULTURAL PALACE

The Arbob Cultural Palace, a building in Khujand, Tajikistan, served as the headquarters of a Soviet collective farm during the 1950s. The south wing currently functions as a museum, showcasing the history of Arbob, collectivization, and the Soviet Empire in Tajikistan. The building holds historical significance, particularly in 1992 when it hosted the Tajik Soviet meeting that officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. It was also the site where the Tajik flag was chosen and where peace conferences following the Tajik civil war were held in the late 1990s.

• Private transportation
• Entrance fees
• Landing and/or facility fees

• Meals
• Gratuities

Embark on an 8-day adventure through Tajikistan, exploring its breathtaking landscapes and historical gems in the heart of Central Asia. Experience the awe-inspiring Fann Mountains, the tranquil Iskanderkul Lake, lively bazaars, and ancient fortresses, with each day bringing new discoveries. Visit the Hissar Fortress and delve into the nation’s rich poetic legacy at the Mausoleum of Rudaki. Savor local culinary delights and hear captivating tales that will immerse you in Tajik culture. Ideal for history enthusiasts, nature admirers, and cultural explorers, this tour promises unforgettable experiences in the Pearl of Central Asia.

• 8-day guided tour featuring Dushanbe, Iskanderkul Lake, Hissar Fortress, and more
• Connect with local culture through market visits and culinary experiences
• Explore natural marvels like the Seven Lakes and Nurek Dam
• Includes accommodation and daily breakfast; lunch provided on select days.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.