10 days | Tashkent, Dushanbe, Iskanderkul, Penjikent, 7 lakes, Istaravshan, Khujand, Kokand, Tashkent
A trip to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of Central Asia. In Uzbekistan, you will enjoy the architectural beauties of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, see the famous blue domes and feel the hospitality of the locals. And also visit the hometown of Amir Timur Shakhrisabz and the ancient center of Buddhism Termez.
Tajikistan will amaze you with the grandeur of the Pamirs, mysterious ancient fortresses and lively colorful bazaars.Day 1:Tashkent - Dushanbe
At 08:00 departure to Dushanbe to the capital of Tajikistan. Arrival in Dushanbe at 09:00. Welcome to Tajikistan!
After an early arrival at the airport (9: 00 am), we will first have breakfast in Turkish at the restaurant, and then check into the hotel. After refreshing, we will start a tour of the city of Dushanbe in the afternoon. Dushanbe, which means "Monday" in Persian, was once a modest village with a weekly market. However, in the Soviet era, it turned into a political and industrial center. We will start our exploration with a tour of the Hissor Fortress, an important historical monument located a few minutes drive from the city. After we return to Dushanbe for lunch, we will continue our tour with a tour of the Navruz Palace. It was originally planned to be the largest tea house in the world, but during construction this impressive structure was transformed into a magnificent palace. While most rooms are reserved for official meetings and conferences, one room is open to the public, weddings are often held here. This is a rare opportunity to visit a luxurious interior. Then we will stop at the newly built Independence Monument to admire the panoramic view of the city. A leisurely walk through Rudaki Park, dedicated to the famous Persian poet Rudaki, will lead us to the striking statue of Ismail Somoni. This monument is dedicated to the golden age of the Tajik nation during the Samanid period. In the evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.Day 2: Dushanbe
After a leisurely breakfast, we will further explore the cultural treasures of Dushanbe.
Our first stop is the National Museum of Antiquities, where the famous Sleeping Buddha, discovered at the Buddhist monastery of Ajina Teppa, awaits you. Our cultural journey continues at the Museum of Musical Instruments and Folklore, a small and captivating museum created by Gurminj Zavkibekov, a Badakhshanese actor. Next, we will explore the city's main market before visiting the arts and crafts center. Here you can meet talented craftsmen, including those involved in the construction of the Navrouz Palace. Spend as much time as you want, interact with the masters and admire their know-how.Day 3:Dushanbe – Iskanderkul
After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Iskanderkul, a breathtaking lake named after Alexander the Great. Nestled in the Fan Mountains at an altitude of 2,200 meters, this triangular lake is considered one of the most exquisite in the former Soviet Union.
Enjoy the scenic drive through rugged mountain landscapes and delight in a lakeside lunch. A short hike will take us to a nearby waterfall, and the afternoon will be spent relaxing and self-exploring around the tranquil lake. Spend the night in a cozy lakeside chalet, offering amenities such as single or double rooms, western toilets and showers at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Accommodation: Chalets.Day 4:Iskanderkul – Panjakent
Start your day with an early breakfast as we resume our journey to Panjikent. Known as the “city of five villages,” Penjikent flourished as a vital trading post along the Great Silk Road beginning in the 5th century. Upon arrival, we will visit the local market, mosque and small local history museum.
Additionally, we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarazm, where ancient ruins dating from the 4th-2nd millennium BCE bear witness to the region's rich history. In the evening, we will participate in a delicious cooking class in a charming tea house, accompanied by traditional Zarafshan songs performed by a talented singer and drummer. Accommodation.Day 5:Panjikent - 7 lakes – Panjikent
Get ready for an adventurous day trip to the Seven Lakes region. Prepare for a bumpy road through the mountains as we explore this breathtaking region. Although close to Panjikent, the difficult road conditions make it a full day trip.
We will begin our journey down the valley to the sixth lake, followed by a two-hour radial hike to reach Khazorchachma, the seventh and highest lake in the region. Enjoy a delicious picnic by the lake, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a leisurely stroll along the lake shore before descending to the sixth lake and returning to Penjikent by road. During our return journey, we will make brief stops in mountain villages to experience the charm of village life. Accommodation.Day 6:Panjikent – Istaravshan – Khujand
We leave Penjikent and head north towards Istaravshan, then Khujand. The road to Istaravshan is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, with the Shakhriston Pass offering panoramic views along the way. Istaravshan is renowned for its talented blacksmiths, known for making exceptional knives. We will have the opportunity to visit the blacksmiths' workshops near the entrance to the market.
Additionally, we will be invited to enjoy a traditional lunch in the company of the family of Mr. Usto Sodiq, a talented comb maker, who will share information about his craft and introduce us to his family. After a satisfying meal, we will continue our journey through the Ferghana Valley to Khujand, where we will check into a conveniently located hotel. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation.Day 7 :Khujand – Kokand
Get ready to discover the vibrant town of Khoujand! Our tour will take us to the heart of Tajikistan's largest market, Panjchanbe Bazaar, where you can soak up the bustling atmosphere and find a variety of products. Next, we will visit the nearby Maslikhaddin Mosque, a magnificent Islamic monument. Delve into the city's past as we explore the Khujand Historical Museum, located inside the ancient fortress, and learn fascinating stories from the region. To add to the experience, we will stop at the Arbob Cultural Palace, where talented students will present performances of traditional Tajik music and dance.
As the evening approaches, we check out of the hotel and depart at 4:00 p.m. We drive about an hour to the Patar border. Bid farewell to your Tajik guide and driver as you cross the border on foot. At approximately 6:00 p.m., you will meet your Uzbek guide and driver on the other side. After a 30-minute drive, you will arrive in Kokand and continue your journey to Uzbekistan. Transfer to the hotel. Light dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.Day 8:Kokand – Tashkent
Breakfast. Let's start the visit to the palace of Khoudayar Khan, Jami Mosque, Kamol kazi Madrasah and the Emir. Today the palace houses a local history museum, whose exhibits tell about the past and present of the city of Kokand.
Lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue to visit the tomb of Damai Chakhon, the Mausoleum of Mоdari Khan and the Madrasa of Norboutа Biya. Transfer to the station for the train 17:33 p.m.21:45 p.m. Transfer to the hotel. Light dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.Day 9:Tashkent
Breakfast. Free time.
Visit to the Chorsu Bazaar. Lunch. Dinner. Night at the hotel.Day 10:Tashkent - Hometown
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to come back home country. Flight.