Explore Khujand’s ancient wonders: Fortress, Jomi Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazar, Arbob Palace, and Tajik Sea. Discover Central Asia’s oldest city on this private tour.
Explore Khujand’s ancient wonders: Fortress, Jomi Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazar, Arbob Palace, and Tajik Sea. Discover Central Asia’s oldest city on this private tour.
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Tashkent - At 08:00, travelers will be picked up from Tashkent and will depart for Khujand.
Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan and serves as a significant transport hub, as well as a political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the country. Situated on the banks of the Syr Darya, below the Qayroqqum reservoir in the Fergana…
- Tashkent - At 08:00, travelers will be picked up from Tashkent and will depart for Khujand.
Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan and serves as a significant transport hub, as well as a political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the country. Situated on the banks of the Syr Darya, below the Qayroqqum reservoir in the Fergana Valley, Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Some sources suggest its foundation dates back to the VII-VI centuries BC. It was conquered by Alexander the Great, who rebuilt and fortified it, naming it Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme).
- Khujand Fortress - Khujand Fortress
The Khujand Fortress was established in the VI—V centuries BC. Archaeological evidence indicates that the fortress was initially surrounded by an earthen rampart, later replaced by a substantial wall made of raw materials. The city and the citadel, which were parts of ancient Khujand, had separate fortress walls encircled by a wide and deep moat filled with water. Remnants of these fortifications have been discovered beneath the central part of left-bank Khujand, encompassing an area of 20 hectares. As the economy, trade, government system, and population developed, the city expanded. In the VI—VII centuries, a new fortress was constructed. Medieval Khujand comprised three main sections: Citadel, Shahristan, and Rabad. The citadel was located on the bank of the Syr Darya at the Rabad gate. The medieval Khujand fortress was regarded as one of the most fortified in Central Asia.
- Masjidi Jami Mosque - The Jami Mosque is part of the Sheikh Muslihiddin complex, a monument of folk architecture from the XVI century. It is situated on the western side of Panjshanbeh Square, with the building’s facade facing Shark Street. The mosque was constructed in 1512-1513. The multi-column (30 columns) aivan adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, which is also multi-columned (20 columns), leading into the mosque’s courtyard.
- Panjshanbe Market - Panjshanbe Bazar is a notable attraction in Khujand, located in the city’s center, opposite the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin. The bazar comprises the main pavilion and numerous shops, tents, and stalls adjacent to it. It is always bustling, as both city residents and visitors from nearby villages come to shop. The Panjshanbe Bazar is distinguished by its unique architecture and decor, blending elements of classicism and Stalinist Empire style, with decorations harmoniously executed in Soviet and Oriental styles. A hemispherical portal adorned with vibrant paintings rises above the central entrance, with sculptures of a man and a woman on either side. Inside, there is a long-vaulted hall with slender rows of columns. Visitors will have time for shopping at Panjshanbe Bazar.
- Arbob Cultural Palace - The Arbob Cultural Palace is a building in Khujand, Tajikistan, formerly the headquarters of a Soviet collective farm, constructed in the 1950s and inspired by the winter gardens of Peterhof, St Petersburg. The main building consists of three wings, with an ornate theatre seating 800 people in the main wing. The South wing currently houses a museum detailing the history of Arbob, collectivization, and the Soviet empire in Tajikistan. The building gained particular significance in 1992 when it hosted the meeting of the Tajik Soviet that officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. It was also the site where the Tajik flag was chosen. More recently, in the late 1990s, it hosted peace conferences following the Tajik civil war. Notably, Tajik President Emomalii Rahmon first gained prominence speaking at the Palace, and it was the venue for a “plov of peace” celebrating successful negotiations towards ending the Tajik civil war.
- Kayrakkum Reservoir - Kayrakum, also spelled as Qayroqqum, Qayraqqum, Kayrakum, or Kairakum, is a large artificial lake in the Ghafurov District of Sughd Province, northwestern Tajikistan. In 2016, the reservoir was renamed Tajik Sea (Tajik: Баҳри Тоҷик) by the country’s parliament. It is located in the western part of the Fergana Valley on the Syr Darya river. The provincial capital of Khujand is about 15 km west of the dam. A 1150 km2 area encompassing the reservoir and its surroundings has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of various bird species, either as residents or as overwintering, breeding, or passage migrants. In the vibrant oasis of the Sogd valley of Tajikistan, on the shore of the pristine Kairakkum reservoir, also known as the Tajik sea, lies the new sanatorium “Bahoriston.”
- Tajik Border Crossing Point - Fateh-abad - Travelers will return to the border and bid farewell.

- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Licensed guide/driver
- All fees and/or taxes
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Licensed guide/driver
- All fees and/or taxes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
In this historic destination, we will see the oldest and most fascinating city in Central Asia - Khujand. We will visit the ancient Khujand Fortress, Jomi Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazar, Arbob Palace, and the beautiful Tajik Sea. The incredible city of Khujand is situated on the banks of the majestic Syr Darya, nestled below the Kayrakkum reservoir in the…
In this historic destination, we will see the oldest and most fascinating city in Central Asia - Khujand. We will visit the ancient Khujand Fortress, Jomi Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazar, Arbob Palace, and the beautiful Tajik Sea. The incredible city of Khujand is situated on the banks of the majestic Syr Darya, nestled below the Kayrakkum reservoir in the breathtaking Fergana Valley. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia! Some sources even believe it was founded as far back as the 7th-6th centuries BC. It was conquered by none other than Alexander the Great himself! He rebuilt and strengthened it, calling it Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme). The Khujand Fortress was founded in the VI—V centuries BC. According to the fascinating archaeological dates, the Khujand fortress was first surrounded by a massive bulk rampart, later by a wall of remarkable thickness made of raw material. The city and the citadel — are two of the most important components of ancient Khujand.
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them when booking. You can add this information under “Information travelers need from you”
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.