Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the stunning beauty of northern Tajikistan! This incredible tour will take you to the famous historic cities of Khujand, Istaravshan, and Panjakent, where you'll experience the rich culture and fascinating history that make this region so special.
KHUJAND - ALEXANDRIA ESKHATA
Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It is an important transport hub, as well as a political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of the Tajikistan. 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)
ISTARAVSHAN, Ancient City
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.
PANJAKENT, Sogdian City
Panjakent is located in the expansive and verdant Zerafshan river valley, which is characterized by extensive vineyards, agricultural fields, and orchards. This region was a pivotal stop on the historic Silk Road, and evidence of its significance and development dates back more than 5,000 years. The archaeological sites of ancient Panjakent and the nearby Sarazm reveal the region's rich history. While Samarkand boasts medieval architecture, Panjakent and the Zerafshan valley offer a glimpse into a different era, complemented by the nearby natural beauty of the Tajik Fann mountains.
ITINERARIES:
In Khujand: Khujand Fortress – Kamol Khujandi Park - Khujand Cableway – Jomi Mosque – Panjshanbe Bazar – Arbob Cultural Palace – Tajik Sea
In Istaravshan: Qal'ai Mugh - Hazrati Shoh - Kok Gumbaz - Handicraft Avenue - Lenin Monument
In Panjakent: Qal'ai Sanjarshoh - Rudaki Complex - local Bazar - Seven Lakes - Ancient Sarazm
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KHUJAND ItinerariesISTARAVSHAN ItinerariesPANJAKENT Itineraries SEVEN LAKES Itineraries
(TASHKENT - Aybek checkpoint border) - KHUJAND
09:00 - Pick-up of travelers from Fatehabad/Aybek checkpoint border
09:30 - Departure to Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was conquered by Alexander the Great, who rebuilt and strengthened it, calling Alexandria Eshata (Extreme).
11:00 - Our tour will start from Khujand Fortress, which was founded in the VI—V centuries BC. Today, the fortress serves as a museum, showcasing the history, culture, and people of Khujand and the surrounding Sughd region.
12:00 - We will continue our trip to the Central Park of Khujand which is named after the renowned Tajik poet Kamol Khujandi. Within the park's premises, a monument and a museum dedicated to the poet's oeuvre have been erected.
12:30 - The 1 km-long cable car extends from the Kamoli Khujandi Culture and Recreation Park to the Ismoili Somoni Complex across the Syr Darya River. The cable car offers a fantastic way to view the city from above.
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - After lunch we will visit Jami Mosque, a monument of folk architecture from the 16th century, is a significant landmark in the region
14:30 - Another amaizing site is Panjshanbe Bazar, it is a major tourist attraction in Khujand. The complex consists of a primary pavilion and numerous shops, tents, and adjacent structures. Here we can shopping.
15:00 - Heading to Arbob 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.
16:00 - Continue trip to 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's amenities include a beachfront area, suitable for leisure activities such as swimming and relaxation.
18:00 - Return to Khujand
18:30 - Accommodation to hotel
KHUJAND - ISTARAVSHAN - PANJAKENT
07:00 - Breakfast at hotel
09:00 - Departure to Istaravshan, which 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.
10:30 - We will start our sightseeing from Qal'ai Mug, which is located on Mount Mug and along the banks of the Kum and Zeravshan rivers, is an archaeological site dating back to the 7-8 centuries.
11:30 - Next site is the Kok Gumbaz madrasah. It 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
12:00 - Another amazing place is the handicrafts avenue. From the main market, a street of open-air pavilions stretches across the city, displaying a wide variety of handmade handicrafts. You can buy a few souvenirs here
13:00 - Lunch at national restaurant
14:00 - After lunch we will visit the complex of Hazrati Shoh. The historical-architectural complex known consists of three cultural constructions: the mausoleum of Hazrati-Shoh, the mausoleum of Khudoer Valami, and the mosque of Hazrati-Shoh.
15:00 - And the final object in Istaravshan is the Lenin Monument - it is a significant heritage site in the Central Asian region, representing a unique architectural and historical landmark in the region
16:00 - Heading to Panjakent
19:00 - Arrival at Panjakent and accommodaton to hotel
PANJAKENT - SEVEN LAKES - (Sarazm checkpoint border - SAMARKAND)
08:00 - Breakfast at hotel
09:00 - We will start our tour from visit to Old Panjakent - Qalai Sanjarshah, which was one of the eastern settlements of the medieval Sogd from the 5th to 8th and 9th centuries. It covers an area of 5.5 hectares, and its main parts—Shahristan, Kohandiz, and the watchtower—have been thoroughly explored.
10:00 - Next object is Rudaki complex. This important shrine complex marks the spot where the remains of the great Persian poet Rudaki (858–941) were found in 1958.
11:00 - Next heading to the Seven Lakes. “Haft Kul” or ‘Seven Lakes’ is the name of cascading lakes among the Fan Mountains in the northwestern part of Tajikistan, 62 km from the city of Penjikent.
12:00 - Lunch at lake, picnic
13:00 - Our tour will start from Lake Mijgon, it is the 1st lake, located at an altitude of 1640 meters above sea level. In this tour, given the time frame, we have the opportunity to visit four lakes. Thus we will visit Soya Lake, which is 1.8 km away from Mizhgon Lake, Hushor Lake (1 km away from Soya) and Nofin Lake. Lake Nofin is located at an altitude of 1820 meters and covers an area of 0.48 square kilometers. At the same time, picnic lunch on the shore of Nofin Lake.
15:00 - Return way to Panjakent
16:30 - On the way, the same time, we can visit local bazar for shopping (optional)
17:00 - The final site is 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.
18:00 - End of the tour, welcome again. Travelers will be droped off at Sarazm/Jarteppa border crossing
