Tour description
HISAR FORTRESS
The incredible Hissar Fortress is one of the most famous historical monuments of Tajikistan. It was built to protect the local population and trade caravans from the raids of nomads. The Hissar fortress still impresses with its power and monumentality, especially after major restoration. It's a must-see!
The impressive fortress was constructed around 3,000 years ago, during the height of the Great Silk Road's popularity. Strategically located near Hissar, it served as an ideal location for trade and commerce along this ancient route. The fortifications, which were constructed between the 16th and 19th centuries, have also been preserved and form an important historical site. The Hissar Fortress in Tajikistan is one of the oldest and largest architectural monuments of Central Asia, and it's absolutely incredible!
It now comprises an open-air museum spanning 86 hectares, situated on the site of an ancient settlement. Situated just 40 km from the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, this remarkable attraction is well worth a visit.
For many years, the magnificent Hissar fortress served as the residence of the governor of the Emir of Bukhara and the base where the state troops were located. Fortunately, two magnificent cylindrical towers and structures around the main gate, built in the 16th century on the orders of the Emir of Bukhara, have survived to this day. The fortress was completed in the 19th century. The use of burnt brick in its construction lends the fortress a distinctive and captivating appearance.
KUHI (MOUNTAIN) FARHAD
The Kuhi (mountain) Farhad and Shirin is a mountain tunnel located within a rocky hill in Gulkhas village, Qaratag Valley, eastern Tajikistan, 70 km from Dushanbe. It is dedicated to the story of the tragic romance between Farhad and Shirin.
The legend of Ferhat and Shirin is the famous tragic love story by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1209). The folkloric tale recounts the tale of Farhad, a young muralist who is commissioned to adorn mansions. He falls in love with the princess, Shirin, who had commissioned him to decorate her villa. Shirin's sister, Mahmuna Banu, had built the villa. Farhad requests the ruler to arrange a marriage between himself and Shirin. However, the ruler refuses, and instead demands that Farhad must bring water to the town from a distant spring by digging a tunnel in the nearby mountain. Farhad utilises a crowbar to excavate the rocks. As the ruler learns of Farhad's progress, she sends a hag to inform him of Shirin's death. Upon receiving this tragic news, Farhad throws his crowbar in the air, which unfortunately strikes his head on the ground. Upon hearing of the incident, Shirin rushes to the site, witnesses her lover's death, and commits suicide by jumping from the hilltop.
ITINERARIES: Hisar city; Hisar Fortress; Old Madrasa; Hisar museum; Horse riding square; Qaratag Valley; Kuhi (mountain) Farhad.
Availability: year-round 
Direction: Dushanbe-Hissar-Qaratag Valley
Duration: 1 day (7-8 hours) 
Type of tour: private, calculated for 2-4 people, for Solo (1 person) +50%Program of the tour
ITINERARIES: Hisar city - Hisar Fortress - Old Madrasa - Hisar museum - Horse riding square - Qaratag Valley - Kuhi (mountain) Farhad
At 09:00 - we will pick you up from your hotel and head off to Hisar city.
10:00 - we will arrive in Hisar. We will visit the incredible Hisar Fortress and its museum.
The incredible Hissar Fortress was once the magnificent palace of one of the Bukhara Emirate's most powerful beys! Inside, you'll find a stunning pool and a gorgeous garden. Across from the fortress, there's a lively market square with a caravanserai and a fantastic variety of shops. Hisar Fortress and the town have been settled since the 6th century BC and up until the mid-19th century! It was the beating heart of the Hisar valley, the main administrative, political, and economic centre.
11:00 – Time to relax! You can even enjoy horse riding at Forbidden Square.
12:00 – A trip to the amazing teahouse "Kharbuza" (it is currently under construction, but you can still admire it from the outside).
The incredible teahouse "Kharbuza" is truly one of a kind. It was crafted in the shape of a melon, making it a truly unique and awe-inspiring sight to behold. This incredible teahouse is 43 meters tall, 100 meters long, and 55 meters wide. It can accommodate up to 2,300 visitors at a time!
12:30 – Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the best of the national cuisine!
13:30 – Trip to Qaratag Valley, Tursunzade city to explore a lovely Farhad Tunnel
14:30 - Arrival at Qaratag Valley, Gulkhas village and hike to Farhad Tunnel, it is 1,5 km (one way)
Farhad and Shirin Tunnel is an incredible natural wonder, a cave into a rocky hill in Gulkhas village, Qaratag Valley, eastern Tajikistan. It is dedicated to the story of the tragic romance between Farhad and Shirin, a tale as old as time. The legend of Ferhat and Shirin is one of the most famous tragic love stories out there. The tale recounts the story of Farhad, a young muralist who paints magnificent frescoes on the walls of grand mansions. He falls in love with the beautiful princess Shirin... (for more details, see above).
16:00 - Return, hike to village
16:30 - We will be back in Dushanbe
18:00 – We've arrived in Dushanbe!
Thank you for joining us on this amazing tour!
