DISCOVER SOUTH PART OF TAJIKISTAN

Breakfast. Drive to the border Oybek. Crossing the land border. Drive to Khujand 80km.

Khujand is the capital of northern Tajikistan and the second largest city in the country. The city's history dates back to ancient times. In the opinion of historians legendary city of Alexander-Eskhata (Alexandria Extreme) was constructed by Alexander the Great on the place of the present Khujand (the 5th century BC) and become the city of highly developed culture, important commercial and crafts center. It in many respects speaks it can be explained by its favorable position. Khujand stands at the entrance to the fertile Fergana Valley. Owing to this it was one of the main centers of the Great Silk way and enjoyed prosperity and richness. One of the ancient cities of the Central Asia Khujandhas been known since the 7th century. In the 19thcentury after the Russian intrusionKhujand became the center of district of rapid industrial development.

Lunch.

Sightseeing the city: museum,  western market Panjshanbe and mavzoleum Shayh Muslihiddin

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast.  Drive via Shahristan pass and tunnel Shahristan 6km along the Zarafshon valley to village Ghazza. On the beauty view of Turkestan and Zerafshan range with tajik villages.

On the way stop in the Rudaki mausoleum. The mausoleum was constructed in 1958 in honor of the founder of classic Tajik poetry, a famous poet Abu-Abdullo Rudaki. This paradox was due to ambiguous facts surrounding Rudaki’s biography that left his tomb undiscovered. Some of  his life facts, well-known to public are that Rudaki lived at the edge of 9 century and the beginning of 10 century under the reign of Samanids’ Dynasty. It is also known that Rudaki passed away in 941 A.D. in his native village Panjrud spending the last days of his lifetime in poverty.   

THE MAUSOLEUM OF RUDAKI

After  drive to Gazza village. Gazza is a remote village, located 1700m above sea level, on the foot by Hamid and Obshor mountains, population about 200 people. Gazza is located in the Fan mountains. Walking and meet local people in the village, explore how the Tajik people live in the mountain areas.  

Lunch.

Drive to village Vory. village located in the 1900m above sea level, in the mountains area, population about 1000, 120 houses. Construction of building reminds you of 18-19 centuries time. 

Drive back to Gazza village.  Enjoy dinner and overnight in a local guest house.  Typical Tajik house with traditional style in remote village. You will experience living with local family, sleeping in the traditional room. Sleeping accommodation shared rooms, it is possible taking a shower, but shared bathroom. In this village there is no wifi but there is electricity for charging telephones.

Breakfast. Half day hiking to Khushtarita valley.

Rising hike to Murgobi lake (4 km, 2 hours). Resting and walking near the lake. Picnic. Continue hiking to Soya lake 1,5km and then to Bedak camping place (2300m).  This area is surrounded by the mountains of Obshor, Kyrgon, Kantif, Ankyf, Sarpyshak. Explore and meet the families which live here for summer, sleeping in a traditional Tajik tent, looking after animals and making milk products. 

Back to Ghazza village. Lunch. Drive to Panjakent.  60km. The city of Penjikent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a picturesque Zeravshan river valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the 5th-8th centuries AD. Penjikent of that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named "Central Asian Pompeii".

Explore this ancient city with your local guide, including visits to:

Ancient Penjikent - ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5th century and abandoned in the 8th century by arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. Virtual tour - Ancient city Panjakent
Enjoy lunch at the national teahouse ‘Sayohat’ where you will have a chance to participate in a cooking class, learning to make the national Tajik dish.

Breakfast.  Drive to famous lakes of Fan mountains – Iskandakul.  Iskandarkul lake:  length - 5км, width - 3,5км and depth to - 80м, located at height 2250м. The heart of Fan mountains, the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandarkul lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Having emerald green and blue color. A fast flouring Iskandar-darya river flows from the lake, forming a marvelous and gorgeous waterfall, so called the “Fan Niagara” that falls from the height 38 meters.

Walking near the lake.  Short hiking  to see waterfall

Lunch.

Drive via Anzob pass and tunnel Isticlol 5km, Varzob gorge to Dushanbe.

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. Dushanbe means "Monday" in Tajik (Persian language), and the name reflects the fact that the city grew on the site of a village that originally was a popular Monday marketplace. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Varzob and Kofarnihon.

Walking in the main square: Monument Somoni, park Rudaki, national library, President palace, Flag park
Dinner. Overnight in the hotel Atlas.

Breakfast. 

Transfer to the airport. Flight Almaty.