ARRIVAL DAY, DUSHANBE SIGHTSEEING

Until 14:00 – Welcome travelers from Dushanbe International airport and accommodation to hotel

Dushanbe sightseeing:

Ismoili Somoni Monument

The Ismoili Somoni Monument is a tribute to the founder of the Tajik nation, Ismoili Somoni. This monument stands at an impressive 11.5 meters tall, with a golden arch surrounding it that reaches a height of 40 meters. This arch symbolizes the glory of the Samanid Empire. Located in Dusti Square, the monument is one of the most iconic landmarks of Dushanbe, celebrating the country's rich history.

National Library

The National Library of Tajikistan is a significant cultural institution, housing over 6 million volumes. Opened in 2012, its architecture reflects Tajik heritage, and it features 15 reading halls and numerous departments, making it an intellectual cornerstone and a testament to the nation's commitment to knowledge and learning.

Nation Palace (outside)

The Palace is the official residence of the President of Tajikistan. Construction on the palace began in 2000. It serves as the venue for all significant political events, including the reception of high-ranking political figures such as heads of states, presidents, heads of international organizations, and ambassadors.

Flagpole and Rudaki Park

The Flagpole in Dushanbe is the tallest in the world, standing at 165 meters. Strategically located adjacent to Rudaki Park, it provides a scenic setting for visitors to admire the symbol of national pride while strolling through the beautifully landscaped park.

National Museum

The National Museum of Tajikistan boasts 22 exhibition halls, offering insights into the country's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include ancient artifacts, modern art, and a dedicated section on the Middle Ages, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Kokhi Navruz Palace

This palace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring intricately decorated halls that showcase traditional Tajik art. With its luxurious interiors and grand architecture, it often hosts significant cultural and political events, making it a symbol of modern Tajik elegance.

19:00 – Accommodation at hotel    

NUREK DAM, MOUNTAIN SEA

07:00 – Breakfast at hotel

09:00 – Tourists will be picked up from the hotel and departure to Nurek city

10:00 - Arriving Nurek. 

Discover Central Avenue of Nurek and the Museum of hydroelectric power station. In this museum, we will be able to have detail information about the Nurek and hydroelectric power station.

11:00 - Trip to the Nurek Dam.

The blue sea – Nurek reservoir for hydroelectric power plant, which filled with clear, mirror fresh water, the source of which is the icy mountains of the Pamir range.  The reservoir was formed at an altitude of 885 meters above sea level under the Nurek dam. Currently, it is one of the most powerful hydroelectric power plants in Central Asia, the dam which is listed in the GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS as the highest bulk dam in the world.

13:00 – Time for lunch  

14:00 – Continue sightseeing of Nurek reservoir and waterfall. Here you can swim and boating (if desired and at the expense of the tourist)

The Nurek Reservoir is the largest in Tajikistan, with a capacity of 10.5 km2. The reservoir is over 70 km (40 mi) in length, and has a surface area of 98 km2 (38 sq.mi). The reservoir is very popular with boaters, as its creation opened up vast areas for easy exploration by boat. Many houseboats are moored in rocky niches throughout the many valleys of the reservoir, from which we can swimming.

16:00 - Visit Anorbogh, pomegranate garden, Nurek is one of the cities that is famous for growing a special type of pomegranates

17:00 - End of the day, return to Dushanbe

18:00 - Arriving Dushanbe and accommodation to hotel

HISSAR FORTRESS

08:00 – Breakfast in hotel

10:00 – Pick up tourists from the hotel. Today we have trip to Hissar city 

Hissar Fortress

The Hissar Fortress is one of the oldest and largest architectural monuments of Central Asia. Constructed approximately 3,000 years ago, the fortress was originally intended to protect the local population and trade caravans from raids by nomads. Currently, the fortress serves as an open-air museum spanning 86 hectares, situated on the site of an ancient settlement. It is located 30 kilometers from the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. Historically, the fortress served as the residence of the governor of the Emir of Bukhara and as a base for the state troops.

Old Madrassa

In the XVI–XVIII centuries, two madrassas and the mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam (translated "The Greatest Lord") were built. It is not known for sure who it was built for). There are legends among the locals about the Hissar Fortress, which have accumulated a lot over several millennia of known history. According to one of the most popular, Afrosiyob built the citadel to protect himself from Rustam. They are both famous heroic characters of Firdousi's famous epic poem "Shahnameh".

Fortress square - horse riding (at the request and expense of traveler).

13:00 – Time for lunch

15:00 – Back way to Dushanbe, at arrival outside seeing Imam A’zam Mosque

Imam Azam Central Cathedral Mosque

The Abu Hanifa Imam Azam Central Cathedral Mosque, located on the northern outskirts of Dushanbe. This mosque can accommodate more than 180,000 people at once. It is the largest religious site built in Tajikistan during the years of independence, and the largest mosque in Central Asia by area. The mosque's area encompasses 12 hectares (0.12 km2). The mosque complex includes rooms for prayer, meetings, and reception, in addition to two libraries, a museum, and a conference hall. The mosque can accommodate 133,000 worshippers at a time, with 43,000 able to fit inside the mosque and the remainder surrounding it.

16:00 – Arrival at Dushanbe, accommodation to hotel, free time

CHILDUKHTARON VALLEY & HULBUK CATSLE

08:00 - Depart Dushanbe for Kulob.

10:00 - Visit Hulbuk Castle and Museum.

Hulbuk Castle

From the 9th to 11th centuries, the Hulbuk Castle was strategically located in the heart of one of Central Asia's most significant cities. It served as the official residence of Shah (King) Khutalon and was fortified by a substantial salt hill, a notable landmark due to its importance as a source for one of the three prized commodities traded along the Silk Road, along with gold and horses. During the rule of the Bajurids, who were vassals of the Samanids, Hulbuk flourished as a central hub for trade and travel in Khutalan. The city's strategic location saw it as a pivotal point for trade, connecting Bukhara to Badakhshan and India via major trade routes.

11:00 - Explore the Mir Sayid Ali Hamadoni Mausoleum in Kulob.

Mir Saeed Ali Hamadoni Complex

The mausoleum of Mir Saeed Ali Hamadoni is located in the administrative center of Kulyab. This historical monument dates back to the XI-XY centuries of our era. Historical sources indicate that two major Silk Road trade routes passed through the ancient city of Kulyab. The mausoleum's strategic location on one of the major trade routes of the Silk Road underscores its historical and cultural significance. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (1312–1385 CE) was a prominent Sufi Muslim saint of the Kubrawiya order, who played a significant role in spreading Islam in the Kashmir Valley of northern India. Throughout his life, Hamadani was addressed honorifically as the Shāh-e-Hamadān ("King of Hamadan"), Amīr-i Kabīr ("the Great Commander"), and Ali Sani ("second Ali").

12:00 – Time for lunch

15:00 - Arrive at Childukhtaron Valley, famous for its "Forty Girls" rock formations.

Childukhtaron Valley

Childukhtaron, meaning "Valley of the Forty Girls" is home to an intriguing legend. According to this legend, 40 stone blocks towering over the valley were once beautiful and charming girls. When enemies (led by Chenghiz Khan) came to the valley and desired to make them their concubines, the inhabitants of the mountains prayed and asked Allah to turn themselves into silent stones.

16:00 - Return to Dushanbe

20:00 - Arrival at Dushanbe and accommodation to hotel

ISKANDERKUL LAKE & PANJAKENT

07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

09:00 – Pick up tourists from the hotel and departure to Khujand side 

12:00 – Arrival at Iskanderkul

ISKANDERKUL LAKE

The lake is located in the north, approximately 180 km (3-hour drive) from Dushanbe along a well-maintained highway at a high altitude. It is named after Alexander the Great, who visited the region during his campaign to India from Central Asia. The Lake is located in the Fan Mountains, a region renowned for its natural beauty, and has a rich and significant history. Several notable peaks surround it, including Bodhona, Chapdara, Maria, Mirali and Zindon, with the highest being Chimtarga, which reaches an impressive 5,487 meters.

During this tour, participants will have the opportunity to visit five remarkable locations, each with its own unique history and natural beauty.

BUCEPHALUS CAVE. Legend has it that the Macedonian horse, Bucephalus, drank water from the lake during a rest stop after a long journey and fell ill. The commander himself went further to India, leaving his faithful horse here. However, even at such a great distance, he felt the death of his master and threw himself into the lake, remaining in it forever.

13:00 – Time for lunch

FANN NIAGARA WATERFALL. In the vicinity of Lake Iskanderkul is an aged juniper bush, adorned with vibrant ribbons. This unique tree is a popular destination for visitors to the area, who often leave personal tokens as a gesture of their return. The nearby 43-meter waterfall, known as "Fan Niagara," is another notable attraction.

KULI MORON. In the vicinity of Iskanderkul is another lake known as Kuli Moron (Snake Lake). Local folklore speaks of a significant snake population inhabiting the lake. Local folklore asserts that there are two instances when these reptiles are known to refrain from attacking: when they are in the water and when people are drinking water.

PANJ-CHASHMA. The location known as "Panj-chashma" – meaning "Five Springs" in English – is home to an extraordinary natural phenomenon, where pure spring water flows from five highlands into Lake Iskandarkul.

17:00 – Trip to Panjakent

20:00 – Arrival at Panjakent, dinner and accommodation to hotel

SEVEN LAKES & ANCIENT SARAZM 

07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

08:30 – Sightseeing of ancient Sarazm

SARAZM 

Sarazm - ancient city (6,500 years old) which will make you feel like you have travelled back in time. You will learn about the Arian and Persian civilizations and experience the cultures of the Arian and Sogdian societies. It's so important and valuable that Sarazm is included in the UNESCO Heritage List

10:00 – Departure to the Seven Lakes.

11:30 – Our hike will start from the 1^st Lake Mijgon.

SEVEN LAKES

Welcome to MIJGON Lake! It's nestled at an altitude of 1,640 meters above sea level. Its name has a lovely origin in the Tajik language, where it comes from the word "eyelashes."

Lake SOYA. In the Tajik language, "shadow" is the word for this lake, and it's easy to see why! It's nestled between tall rocks, basking in the shade for most of the day.

Lake HUSHOR. Just 400 meters away, Hushor awaits. As you approach, you'll spot a lively stream connecting the two.

Lake NOFIN. Lake Nofin and Hushor are just 500 meters apart, but the route along the winding path is a full kilometer.

Note: If we have time, we'd love to continue our journey to other lakes! However, we have to back to Panjakent.

13:00 – Trip to Rudaki complex

14:00 – Time for lunch

15:30 – Visit the Rudaki complex

RUDAKI COMPLEX

This important shrine complex marks the spot where the remains of the great Persian poet Rudaki (858–941) were found in 1958. Abuabdullah Ja'far ibn Muhammad (Rudaki) was a court poet under the Samanid Empire, and he composed more than 180,000 verses, although only a small portion of his work has survived. He is fondly remembered as the "Founder of New Persian poetry".

19:00 – Arrival at Panjakent and accommodation to hotel

ISTARAVSHAN & CASTLE MUG         

08:00 – Breakfast in hotel

09:00 – Departure to Istaravshan

11:00 – Arriving Istaravshan and sightseeing

ISTARAVSHAN

Istaravshan is a museum city and an ancient center of trade and crafts. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history dating back 2,500 years. It is known that from the sixth to the fourth centuries BC, as crafts and trade developed in settled Asian regions, large urban-type settlements emerged. One such example is Istaravshan, formerly Kyropolis (Kurushkada), named after the founder of the Persian Empire, Kira the Great (529-559 BC). By the time Alexander the Great conquered Central Asia in the 4th century BC, Kurushkada had already grown into a substantial, well-fortified city.

MONUMENT TO VLADIMIR LENIN

The Lenin Monument is a significant heritage site in the Central Asian region, representing a unique architectural and historical landmark in the region. The monument to Lenin was opened in honor of the launch of the Katta-soy reservoir in 1965. The monument is accessible via a staircase comprising 365 steps, a design intended to represent the year-long dedication to the project. The number 365 steps symbolizes the year-round dedication to the legacy of Lenin. The area surrounding the monument is adorned with evergreen trees, and the green hills and reservoir enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin 

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin - creator of the first socialist movement in world history states, Russian revolutionary, Marxist theorist, creator of the Bolsheviks, leader of the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia, first Chairman of the USSR

13:00 – Time for lunch

MUG CASTLE

The Fortress, located on Mount Mug and along the banks of the Kum and Zeravshan rivers, is an archaeological site dating back to the seventh to eighth centuries. It is situated in Istaravshan, Tajikistan. In 1933, an archaeological expedition unearthed a significant cache of documents: 74 in Sogdian, one in Arabic, and several in Chinese. The site also yielded a variety of household items, including silk, cotton, and woolen fabrics, as well as leather shoes and wooden utensils. Among the notable artifacts were weapons and coins, offering further insights into the historical significance of the site. Of particular interest is a wooden leather-covered shield bearing the image of a Sogdian warrior.

KOK-GUMBAZ

The Kok Gumbaz madrasah, located in the western part of the city, was constructed in the 16th century under the direction of Abdulatif Sultan, the son of the renowned astronomer and philosopher Ulugbek and grandson of Tamerlane. According to a local legend, Abdulatif, who had a disagreement with his father, left his parents' home to work for an elderly Dehkan, digging a ditch for irrigation. He was expected to receive 100 tenge for his labor. However, the father learned of this arrangement and, instead of returning the money to his son, used it to build a madrasah. This madrasah continued to educate students for centuries, even into the 19th century.

HANDICRAFT AVENUE

One of the most notable attractions of Istaravshan is the craftsmanship of its local residents and Tajik artisans. From the main market, a street of pavilions with open doors stretches across the city, where a wide variety of handmade folk crafts are presented. The street of artisans (Rastai Hunarmandon) features a wide array of handmade products, including knives, spoons, earrings, bags, and belts, each of which serves as an essential accessory for daily life. The Artisans Street offers a unique opportunity to purchase these products.

17:00 – Continue our trip, departure to Khujand

19:00 – Arriving Khujand and accommodation to hotel

DEPARTURE DAY, KHUJAND SIGHTSEEING          

07:30 – Breakfast in hotel

08:00 – Welcome tourists from the hotel

KHUJAND

Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Located on the banks of the Syr Darya, in the Fergana Valley, Khujand is the second largest city in Tajikistan. It is an important transport hub, as well as a political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the country. According to some sources, the foundation of the city was laid in the VII-VI centuries BC, and it was conquered by Alexander the Great, who rebuilt and strengthened it, naming it Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme)

KHUJAND FORTRESS

The history of the fortress dates back to the VI-VII centuries A.D., making it a significant historical landmark. Its strategic location on the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Ferghana Valley made it an important barrier against invasions throughout various historical periods.The fortress and the citadel, components of ancient Khujand, were surrounded by fortress walls and a deep moat filled with water. Today, the fortress serves as a museum, showcasing the history, culture, and people of Khujand and the surrounding Sughd region. Within its walls, visitors can explore historical artifacts, traditional crafts, and exhibits that offer insights into the daily lives of the people who have inhabited this area for millennia.

JAMI MOSQUE

The Jami Mosque complex, a monument of folk architecture from the 16th century, is a significant landmark in the region. The mosque houses one of the largest museums of Islamic culture in Central Asia. It offers a comprehensive learning experience, providing insights into the history of Islam in the region and the cultural and religious traditions of the Tajik people. The multi-column building adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, which also features a multi-column design, and leads into the courtyard of the mosque.

PANJSHANBE BAZAR

Panjshanbe Bazar is a major tourist attraction in Khujand. The complex consists of a primary pavilion and numerous shops, tents, and adjacent structures. The architectural style of the bazaar building combines elements of classicism and Stalinist Empire style, with a harmonious execution of decorative elements inspired by both Soviet and Oriental styles. The entrance is marked by a hemispherical portal adorned with vibrant paintings, while sculptures of a man and a woman grace the exterior walls. Inside, visitors will find a long-vaulted hall with slender rows of columns.

13:00 – Time for lunch

ARBOB CULTURAL PALACE

The Arbob Cultural Palace, a building in Khujand, Tajikistan, served as the headquarters of a Soviet collective farm during the 1950s. The south wing currently functions as a museum, showcasing the history of Arbob, collectivization, and the Soviet Empire in Tajikistan.The building holds historical significance, particularly in 1992 when it hosted the Tajik Soviet meeting that officially declared independence from the Soviet Union. It was also the site where the Tajik flag was chosen and where peace conferences following the Tajik civil war were held in the late 1990s.

TAJIK SEA

The Qayroqqum reservoir, which was renamed the Tajik Sea in 2016, is located in the Fergana Valley on the Syrdarya River. The reservoir is located in the western part of the Fergana Valley along the Syrdarya River. An area spanning 1,150 square kilometers, encompassing the reservoir and its surroundings, has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. This designation is attributed to the area's significance in supporting substantial populations of various bird species, either as permanent residents, overwintering migrants, breeding birds, or those utilizing the area for seasonal migration. The reservoir's amenities include a beachfront area, suitable for leisure activities such as swimming and relaxation. Additionally, the seashore offers services for water sports and entertainment.

BAHORISTON

In the Sogd valley of Tajikistan, along the shore of the Tajik sea, lies the sanatorium "Bahoriston." The 22-hectare green area of this health resort is a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability. The property's meticulous planning includes various infrastructures, including walkways with antique street lamps, manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a summertime fountain display. The site also features cozy wooden arbors, carved in a traditional Tajik style, along with statues, children's playgrounds, outdoor pools with designated rest areas, and picnic areas. The entire complex is designed to ensure guests experience the utmost in comfort and enjoyment. The sanatorium boasts its own private beach, adding to the allure of the property. The resort's healing factors, modern medical diagnostics, and experienced medical professionals allow for comprehensive treatment of various health profiles. The outcomes of the complete spa treatment program at sanatorium "Bahoriston" consistently meet and exceed expectations. 98% of patients are discharged with improvements, and the average duration of remission after treatment is 9 to 12 months. The morbidity rate is reduced by 2 to 3 times.

16:00 – End of tour

ATTENTION PLEASE: There are three designated drop-off locations:

1. Dushanbe Airport (arriving time: 8:00 p.m.)
2. Aybek checkpoint (border) for those traveling to Tashkent/Uzbekistan (arriving time: 6:00 p.m.)
3. Jarteppa checkpoint (border) for those traveling to Samarkand/Uzbekistan (arriving time: 5:00 p.m.)