8-day Tajikistan Classic Tour8 Days | Dushanbe, Istaravshan, Khujand, Penjikent, Iskanderkul, Saritag

Arrive in Dushanbe. You will be met by Advantour driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in to the hotel at noon. Start city tour in the capital and the biggest city of Tajikistan. Visit Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, where the famous statue of Buddha in Nirvana is preserved. Continue to the Botanical garden, favorite leisure venue of locals. The next spot is a local bazaar, where you will feel real Tajik spirit and see eastern art of trading. Head to discover the remains of Hissar Fortress of the 18th century (30 km). Visit local madrassah and a mausoleum. Return to Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning depart from Dushanbe and drive to Khujand (300 km, 5-6 h). Drive through Anzob tunnel. Lunch at local Chaikhana (tearoom). In the afternoon drive to Istaravshan through Shakhristan tunnel. Visit a local bazaar, Hazrat Shah architectural complex, which consists of Hazrat Shah Mausoleum, the grave of brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami Mausoleum, and Namazgah Mosque dating back to 19th century. Continue to Mug Teppe, one of the ancient settlements in Istaravshan. The city is believed to be founded by King Cyrus in the North-East boundary of his empire. Arrival in Khujand. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel. Start sightseeing in Khujand. Visit the Museum of Archeology and Fortification, Shaikh Muslihiddin Mosque, Panjshanbe Bazaar, the biggest bazaar in Tajikistan, Arbob Palace named after S. Urunhodlaev (20th century) and “Tajik Sea” Kayraccum Hydro Power Station, the symbol of People’s Friendship, built in 1968. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Penjikent (260 km, 5-6 h). Arrival and check-in at the guest house. Meet your guide and start sightseeing. You will visit the Museum of Rudaki, an outstanding poet born in. After, explore Ancient Penjikent where ruins of old Sogdian town reached our days; it was founded in the 5th 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. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Seven Lakes (80 km) through the settlement of Sarazm, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Seven lakes of Marguzor are located in the west of Fan Mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic. Drive back to Penjikent (80 km). Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Saritag via Iskanderkul (240 km, 6-7 h). According to the legend, the Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Arrival and accommodation in the guest house.

Drive to Dushanbe (160 km, 3-4 h). Arrival in Dushanbe. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Dushanbe Airport. Departure. End of the tour.

Economy:
Khujand Deluxe
Comfort:
Khujand Deluxe 4*

Economy:
Panjakent Plaza 3* / Umariyon 3* / Sugd 3* or Rudaki 3*
Comfort:
Panjakent Plaza 3* / Umariyon 3* / Sugd 3* or Rudaki 3*

Guesthouse