Delightful sites of Tajikistan
Starts: Khujand
Ends: Dushanbe
Best time to travel: June- July-August- September
Day 1: Oibek - Khujand
Welcome to travel in Tajikistan! Today on the border you will be met by Tajik driver and you will depart Khujand city. Khujand - the centre of Sogdian area, the second-large city of Tajikistan. One of the bestcities of all Central Asia with unique spirit of the Soviet technocracy, on the thousand-year base of great Persian culture. Khojand plays important transport role nowadays. In course of the tour you will visit in the afternoon a Cultural Palace of Khujand. The palace of Arbob fairly is considered property of architecture of Tajikistan. You will also observe Central Mosque that is situated in the heart of the city. Night will be in a hotel.
Day 2: Khujand - Istravshan - Khujand
The tour starts with exploring Istravshan, a city located in Sogdian area. It is in northern part of the Tajik Republic. The city is an open-air museum , the ancient centre of trade and the crafts, one of the most ancient cities of the Central Asia. In 2002 Istaravshan has celebrated respectable anniversary - 2500. After you will discover Mugtepa, the fifteenth century Kuk Gumbaz Mosque and local bazaar. Mugtepa - the place of residence of the local aristocracy, erecting here numerous castles with original, expressive architecture. You will enjoy in the atmosphere of colorful oriental bazaars, visit majestic fortresses, and admire special architecture of mosques and mausoleums. In the end of your tour you will come back to Khujand.
Day 3: Khujand - Seven Lakes
The day begins with drive to the Fannsky Gory (Fann Mountains). The road to the lakes goes over pass Shahriston (3 378 m). Fann mountains (it is translated as "Fortress" or «Giving gold») are located in a range Pamir-Alay. You will have a chance to have a day trip to the Seven Lakes (Marquzor Lakes), amazes with the sated and constantly changing colour of water, about 60 km south of Panjakent. At this area you will have time to go for short hiking. There road pass along a gorge where 7 lakes are located. They are situated on different altitudes and each has the name. En route you will connect with rural people that live at that area. You will have an opportunity to see their way of life. Today you will have some hiking. Night is in a hospitable homestay.
Day 4: Seven Lakes - Penjakent
Today in the morning you will transfer to Penjakent- a tourist city. It is famous for the sights and architecture monuments. The city of Penjakent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a breathtaking Zeravshan river valley. Since ancient times Penjakent was the major cultural and craft centre of Sogd, an epoch of Zoroastrian. There is an opinion that it even named «the Central Asian Pompei» so it was well and is unusual. Ancient city has been reliably strengthened and arranged well. Had magnificent residence of the governor, two temples, some markets, rich dwelling houses decorated with numerous paintings, wooden and clay statues of ancient gods. The ruins of this ancient city were found only in the last century. On suburb of modern Penjakent opens picture of the past : the medieval citadel surrounded with residential buildings with wall, near to the center of a site of ancient settlement stands a necropolis. Night is in a hotel.
Day 5: Penjakent - Dushanbe
Today you will head on directly to Dushanbe. This is charming big city which is capital of Tajikistan. The way pass over Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of Isticlol. Don't miss a chance to make incredible photos. Discover some hidden highlights on the second half of the day, find out the best sites of this wonderful city. Your first destination of the tour will be Rudake Park- here is located the sculptural ensemble erected in honour of poet Abuabdullo Rudaki, the founder of the Tadjik-Persian poetry, National library, White House, National state seal, House of parliament and Jomi theatre. In course of the tour you will stroll in National park to see Ministry of Inner Affairs and the biggest National Flag in the world - 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. After excursion in Central Museum you will explore Archeological museum and Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. Night will be in a hotel.
Day 6: Flight
In the morning is transfer to the airport.