Classic Tajikistan

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

These lands of the Persian-speaking Tajik people have been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years and were once part of the Samanid Empire. The country’s treacherous peaks and dizzying altitude passes weren’t enough to keep outsiders at bay, having been subject to invasions from Ghengis Khan to the Soviets, as well as a devasting civil war. ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 Arrive Dushanbe

Day 1 Arrive Dushanbe

Upon an early arrival to Dushanbe, your guide will be waiting to meet and take you to your hotel to rest up after the long journey. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern capital visiting Dushanbe's Museum of Archaeology which now holds the largest surviving Buddha in Central Asia; the world's tallest flagpole at 165 metres, erected in time for the country's 20th anniversary of independence in 2011; and the main square and its monument of IsmoiliSomoni, the forefather of Tajikistan. This evening, you’ll be taken out to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Atlas Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2 Dushanbe - Anzob Pass - Iskandar Kol

Day 2 Dushanbe - Anzob Pass - Iskandar Kol

Leaving Dushanbe head north and cross the Anzob Pass (3,372m) before arriving at the striking Fan Mountains and IskandarKol lake, the lake of Alexander the Great (2,200m). Some of the world's highest peaks - and some of Central Asia’s most beautiful countryside - can be found in Tajikistan, whose surface is 93% covered with mountains. The scenery is totally unspoilt, and you may wish to take the opportunity to walk to a spectacular waterfall before arriving at your guesthouse in the quaint mountain village of Saratog (2,400m). 

Shahboz Homestay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Iskandar Kol: Hiking in the Fan Mountains

Day 3 Iskandar Kol: Hiking in the Fan Mountains

Setting off from your homestay on foot, you’ll walk down to the brilliantly cyan Iskandar Kol lake to spend the day within the breathtaking scenery of the Fan Mountains. Explore the lake’s borders and the natural beauty that surrounds it, including some of its smaller springs, eventually following the Snake Lake Trail that tracks an icy water river flanked by rocky mountains leading to the Fan Mountain’s ‘Niagara Waterfall’. You can return to your homestay for lunch and take the afternoon to relax after the active morning, perhaps making use of the ‘banya(a Russian-style sauna) in the village, or continue exploring the area.

Shahboz Homestay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Iskandar Kol - Penjikent

Day 4 Iskandar Kol - Penjikent

Leave Iskandar Kol this the morning for one of Tajikistan’s historical highlights, the city of Penjikent. Check into your hotel before a traditional Penjikent plov lunch at a chaykhana, or tea house. The afternoon provides time to visit the ethnographic museum for an introduction to the culture and history of ancient Penjikent, before proceeding to explore it with your guide. Notable sites include the ruler's fortified citadel, the Shakhristan (inner walled city) that contained two Zoroastrian temples and the necropolis. Then, take a trip down to the city bazaar for a chance to meet some of the stall owners and soak up the local atmosphere. Today’s finale brings you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sarazm, meaning “where the land begins”, which is one of Central Asia’s oldest settlements that demonstrated the existence of cultural and commercial exchange across the Central Asian Steppes to the Iranian Plateau and as far as the Indian Ocean.

Panjakent Plaza
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Penjikent - Margazor Lakes

Day 5 Penjikent - Margazor Lakes

Head south to the eye-catchingMargazor lakes - there are seven lakes in total, each a different tone of turquoise – to spend the morning hiking paths around the lakes of Mijgon, Soya, Hushyer and Nofin. Take a break to check in at your community-based tourism homestay in Nofin village and for some time to refuel with some lunch and a rest. The afternoon is then free to continue exploring more of the striking glacial lake scenery or to simply take it easy in the company of your homestay family.

Mijgon Homestay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Margazor Lakes - Istarafshan - Khojand

Day 6 Margazor Lakes - Istarafshan - Khojand

The journey continues through stunning mountain landscapes to the town of Istarafshan. Its fascinating and well-preserved old town, or shaar-i-khuna, is a maze of small alleys winding through neighbourhoods of mud-walled houses of a distinctly Central Asian design. Explore the town with your guide before moving on to Khojandwhere you’ll overnight.

Grand Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Khojand: City Tour & Kayrakkum Reservoir

Day 7 Khojand: City Tour & Kayrakkum Reservoir

Learn about Tajikistan’s second city - Khojand - its madrassahs, bazaars and palaces via a private-guided tour. On the agenda this morning is a visit to Khojand's citadel, built in the early Middle Ages and used up until the early 20th century; the history museum of Soghd; the Orient Bazaar Panjshanbe; the SheihkMuslihiddin memorial complex; and the largest statue of Lenin in Central Asia. In the afternoon your guide will take you out to the Kayrakkum Reservoir, known as the Tajik Sea, and the mighty SyrDaryariver for a walk along the coast and a swim.

Grand Hotel
Breakfast

Day 8 Khojand - Anzob Pass - Dushanbe

Day 8 Khojand - Anzob Pass - Dushanbe

Depart Khojand and cross over the Anzob Pass (3,372 m) on your way back to the capital. On the way there’s also the option to visit the 18th and 19th century Gissar Fortress, the remains of the Emirate of Bukhara’s palace. Enjoy a relaxed stroll along Rudaki, Dushanbe’s main street; wander through the BogiIram botanical gardens; or simply spend your final evening unwinding back at the hotel.

Atlas Hotel
Breakfast

Day 9 Depart Dushanbe

Day 9 Depart Dushanbe

Your guide and driver will take you back to the international airport after breakfast and check-out. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute exploration before your transfer and a friendly farewell at the airport which marks the end of your adventure in Tajikistan.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

9 days from C$3,851

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 6714 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Natalie

Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Tajikistan is the ideal country for those wanting to combine historical Silk Road sites with the chance to explore rural life amongst the stunning Fan Mountains and Margazor Lakes.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN TAJIKISTAN