Classic Tajikistan
Example Itinerary
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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. ...
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. Today Tajikistan is Central Asia’s least visited destination providing a pristine canvas, untouched by tourism and development.
Beginning in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, home to the largest surviving Buddha in Central Asia, you’ll learn about the country’s contemporary history at ‘Friendship Square’. Then, setting off to explore the north-western highlights for a week, the first stop is the brilliantly cyan lake of Iskander Kol, named for Alexander the Great, where you’ll spend a couple of nights at a family homestay in the Fan Mountains. Altitude hiking is complemented with a tour around the modern and ancient cities of Penjikent and a hearty meal of Penjikent plov, before heading back into the mountains for a rural homestay and some more hiking between the varying tones of turquoise at Margazor lakes.
Lastly, continue over high-altitude passes through the mountains to Istarafshan, whose wonderfully preserved old town is a maze of small alleys and mud-walled neighbourhoods, and Khojand, for a look around Tajikistan’s second city and the chance to swim in the Tajik Sea. The tour ends with a final night back in Dushanbe.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
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 Ismoili Somoni, the forefather of Tajikistan. This evening, you’ll be taken out to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
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 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).
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.
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.
Day 5 Penjikent - Margazor Lakes
Head south to the eye-catching Margazor 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.
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 Khojand where you’ll overnight.
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 Sheihk Muslihiddin 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 Syr Darya river for a walk along the coast and a swim.
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 Bogi Iram botanical gardens; or simply spend your final evening unwinding back at the hotel.
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.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe
Providing a touch of luxury to your stay in Dushanbe, the four-star Atlas Hotel is a great choice while in the city. The atmosphere in the hotel is warm and welcoming with an air of elegance and character. A large restaurant and separate breakfast room offer extensive menus within a modern and slightly regal setting decorated with plush sofas and ceiling art. The rooms are designed with the warmth and colours of a traditionalTajik home in mind, but furnished with international hotel amenities.
Grand Hotel, Khojand
Located in downtown Khojand, the Grand Hotel is next door to the Kamoli Park and the Opera Ballet Theatre. Rooms are comfortable, warm 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 at the hotel, you can choose from Georgian or European cuisine.
Panjakent Plaza, Penjikent
A lovely mid-sized hotel under a 15-minute walk from the ethnographic museum, Panjakent Plaza is one of the city's newer options. Rooms come with modern furniture, including desks and wardrobes, and are styled with touches of locally designed fabrics and upholstery. They offer adequate space, air conditioning and standard amenities, making it one of the more comfortable places to stay. Communal areas include the rooftop terrace and a bar area.
Mijgon Homestay, Margazor
Staying at one of the handful of homestays in the area provides the opportunity to gain insight into daily life around the Margazor Lakes and make use of an amazing location, perched on the banks of a lively stream between lakes 4 and 5. Guests will love sipping tea on the terrace above the flowing water outside after a day’s hike. A stay here includes a private room, access to the household bathroom facilities and homecooked meals provided by your warm hosts three times a day.
Shahboz Homestay, Iskandar Kol
Relish the chance to stay in a warm and welcoming Tajik family home up in the mountain village of Saratog within the striking Fan Mountains. There are five cosy, ensuite rooms for guests with fully raised beds to sleep in. Wonderful homemade meals are cooked by the family on traditional stoves in the traditional kitchen made of exposed brick and stone.
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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.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
OTHER ITINERARIES IN TAJIKISTAN
Check out our group tours in Tajikistan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Tajikistan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Tajikistan