Classic Tajikistan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Mountainous, landlocked and continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years, Tajikistan is Central Asia’s least visited destination. Home to the Persian-speaking Tajik people and once part of the Samanid Empire, today it provides visitors with a captivating mix of unspoiled landscapes and a rich history that has seen it endure Soviet invasion and a devastating civil war.
This memorable journey begins and ends in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, home to the largest surviving Buddha in Central ...
Mountainous, landlocked and continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years, Tajikistan is Central Asia’s least visited destination. Home to the Persian-speaking Tajik people and once part of the Samanid Empire, today it provides visitors with a captivating mix of unspoiled landscapes and a rich history that has seen it endure Soviet invasion and a devastating civil war.
This memorable journey begins and ends in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, home to the largest surviving Buddha in Central Asia. Travelling through high passes and spending time with the rural Tajiks in their mountain homes, you’ll take in the mountain lakes of the beautiful Fan Mountains and the ancient ruins of Penjikent, one of Tajikistan’s historic highlights.
After a chance to explore the turquoise Margazor Lakes on foot, you’ll then continue through the spectacular mountain scenery to Istarafshan, whose wonderfully preserved old town is a maze of small alleys and mud-walled neighbourhoods.
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.
DAY 1: ARRIVE DUSHANBE
DAY 1: ARRIVE DUSHANBE
After an early arrival to the Tajik capital, you will be met and taken to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the modern city 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 the Monument of Ismoili Somoni, the forefather of the Tajik Nation. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
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 Iskandar Kol 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 like to enjoy a walk to a spectacular waterfall before arriving at your guesthouse, located in the quaint village of Saratog (2,400m).
DAY 3: ISKANDER KOL: FAN MOUNTAINS HIKE
DAY 3: ISKANDER KOL: FAN MOUNTAINS HIKE
Spend the day exploring the Fan Mountains by foot. Today you will tackle the legendary peak known as “Alexander's Hat”, named after Alexander the Great. The hike takes between four to six hours to reach the top (3,340m) where you will be treated to breathtaking views of Iskandar Kol Lake. Later, there will be time to walk to Saratog village for a well-deserved “Banya”, a Russian-style sauna.
DAY 4: ISKANDAR KOL - PENJIKENT
DAY 4: ISKANDAR KOL - PENJIKENT
Drive to Penjikent, one of Tajikistan's historical highlights. Check into your hotel before enjoying lunch at a chaikhana, or tea house, to try the traditional dish, Penjikent Plov. This afternoon can be spent visiting the Ethnographic museum for an introduction to the culture and history of this ancient city before exploring 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, head to the city bazaar to meet some of the locals and soak up the atmosphere. Today’s finale is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sarazm, one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia.
DAY 5: PENJIKENT - MARGAZOR LAKES
DAY 5: PENJIKENT - MARGAZOR LAKES
Today, head south to the scenic Margazor lakes; there are seven lakes in total, each a different tone of turquoise. The morning will be spent hiking paths around the lakes of Mijgon, Soya, Hushyer and Nofin, taking in the stunning surrounding landscapes. Arrive at your traditional homestay in Nofin village for some lunch and a rest. The afternoon then provides more time to continue the exploration of the lakes, returning to the village later for a relaxing evening.
DAY 6: MARGAZOR LAKES - ISTARAFSHAN - KHOJAND
DAY 6: MARGAZOR LAKES - ISTARAFSHAN - KHOJAND
The journey continues through stunning mountain scenery 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 distinct Central Asian design. You will explore the town before moving on to Khojand to overnight.
DAY 7: KHOJAND: CITY TOUR AND KAYRAKKUM RESERVOIR
DAY 7: KHOJAND: CITY TOUR AND KAYRAKKUM RESERVOIR
Today you will have a guided tour of Tajikistan’s second city, Khojand, with its madrassahs, bazaars and palaces. On the agenda is a visit to Khojand's citadel, built in the early Middle Ages and used up until the early 20th century; the local historical museum of Soghd; the Orient Bazaar Panjshanbe; the Sheihk Muslihiddin memorial complex; and the largest statue of Lenin in Central Asia. In the afternoon your guide will take you out to Kayrakkum Reservoir, known as the Tajik Sea, on the Syr Darya River for a walk along the coast and a swim.
DAY 8: KHOJAND - ANZOB PASS - DUSHANBE
DAY 8: KHOJAND - ANZOB PASS - DUSHANBE
Depart Khojand and cross the Anzob Pass (3,372 m) on your way back to the capital of Dushanbe. There is also the option to visit the 18th and 19th century Gissar Fortress, the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck's palace, on the way. The rest of the day will then be free to stroll along Rudaki, the main street; wander through the Bogi Iram botanical gardens; or simply relax back at the hotel.
DAY 9: DEPART DUSHANBE
DAY 9: DEPART DUSHANBE
You will be transferred to the international airport today in time for your flight back home, where your tour in Tajikistan ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Shahboz Homestay, Iskandar Kol
This homestay is in a traditional Tajik house in which the family live. There are four comfortable and clean rooms in which to sleep. Sleep on traditional mats on the floor or Western-style beds. There is a shared toilet and also a shower outside. Meals are provided by the family, who welcome you warmly into their home set within the beautiful mountain village of Saratog.
Najmiddin Homestay, Margazor
This homestay offers the best accommodation available in Nofin Village, comfortable and traditional rooms paired with warm hospitality and homemade cooking. The homestay is in a traditional Tajik house in which the family live. Small, Western-style beds are provided and are a welcome respite after a long day of hiking. Meals are offered by the family who incorporate fresh ingredients from their own vegetable garden. The washing facilities are shared and include a pit toilet and shower. The facilities are very basic, but it is well worth it for the outstanding location.
Grand Hotel, Khojand
Located in downtown Khojand, the Grand Hotel is a short distance from the Kamoli Park and the Opera Ballet Theatre. All rooms are comfortable and spacious with en suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is a small bar for guests to enjoy some evening R&R as well as a restaurant for those wishing to dine here you can choose from Georgian or European cuisine.
Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe
Providing a touch of luxury to your stay in Dushanbe, the four star Atlas Hotel is a great choice for your stay in the city. The atmosphere in the hotel is warm and welcoming with an air of elegance and charm. A large restaurant and separate breakfast room offer extensive meals within a modern yet regal setting decorated with plush sofas and ceiling art. The rooms are designed with the warmth and colours of an Asian home in mind but with well-appointed amenities to match, some rooms feature private balconies. The hotels central location and free bicycle rental service makes it ideal for exploring the cities many sights and, after a long day of adventures, the hotel wellness facilities are most welcome. Take a dip in the indoor pool or feel free to blow off some steam at the gym.
Umariyon Hotel, Penjikent
Nestled in the centre of Penjikent, the Umariyon Hotel is a simple yet charming hotel with elements of traditional Tajikistan way of living thrown in. Set within a three-floor building, there is a small supermarket and small cafe on the ground floor. The cafe serves breakfast in the morning and acts as a bar for the rest of the day. There is a small kitchenette available to guests who wish to prepare their own meals bought from the supermarket. The hotel's fifteen rooms are decorated in a classic style with an en suite bathroom, wardrobe and satellite television. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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