Private 11 Days Northern Tajikistan Discovery from Dushanbe

Welcome to choose our north Tajikistan trips! When you arrive at Dushanbe, your private guide and the driver will escort you from the airport to the hotel.

It was originally used for research and has been open to the public since 2001, with 22 exhibition halls displaying genuine exhibits.

Afterward, visit Victory Park, a solemn site in honor of the victory and deceased soldiers of the Eastern Front War (1941-1945). After the visit, you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll drive for an hour to Hisor Fortress, an open-air museum.

Then, wander around Rudaki Park, a hotspot with fountains, parterres, and the statue of the famous Persian poet Rudaki.

Dushanbe boasts many Soviet-style buildings and we’ll then take in the essence of the architecture from the exterior, including the National Library, the Palace of Nations, the Stele with the Emblem of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Parliament. We’ll also admire the Statue of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the first Tajik state in the 10th century. Afterward, view the Dushanbe Flagpole, which was built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the country's independence.

Next, head to the National Museum and browse the historical relics.

Then, marvel at the magnificent Navruz Palace, taking nearly 6 years to build for international conferences and summits. Leaving the spectacular palace, we’ll visit the Asian Bazaar, packed with a wide variety of goods.

We’ll drive towards the secluded and slow-paced border town of Kalai-Khumb, the first stopover along the Pamir Highway from Dushanbe. Drive southeastwards until we arrive at Nuruk town, and stop to appreciate the Nurek Reservoir on a viewing platform from afar. After that, continue our trip and pass by the 2,267-meter (7,437-foot) high Shuraba Pass, and drive along the Panj River. Upon arrival in Kalai-khumb, check into the hotel.

Today, we’ll return to Dushanbe. Located on the north bank of the Panj River’s northernmost section, Kalai-Khumb sits at an altitude of around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), and we’ll gradually ascend higher and pass through the 3,252-meter (10,669-foot) high Khaburabot Pass. Along the way, the bumpy roads are accompanied by stunning views of snowy summits and a vast azure sky dotted with thick clouds. After arriving in Dushanbe, check in at the downtown hotel.

★ Hike around Iskanderkul Lake, a Gem of the Fann Mountains! Today, we’ll drive 3 hours to the Iskanderkul Lake, an alpine lake nestled in the magnificent Fann Mountains. Before reaching the lake, we’ll catch a bird's-eye view of the surrounding scenery at the 3,372-meter (11,062-foot) high Anzob Pass. Upon arriving at the lake, your private guide will accompany you to enjoy a 40-minute hike to admire the Iskanderkul Waterfall, during which the serene lake, the vast land of lush greenery, and breathtaking rugged mountain views will leave you spellbound. Continue west to the waterfall, and take in Snake Lake, which is named for the water plants that look like snakes. Tonight, stay overnight in a hotel by the lake.

We will pass by the Zarafshan Valley and Alauddin Lakes of Fann Mountains on the way. Rugged and winding mountain roads, lush vegetation, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks are the reasons why Fann Mountains attract a large number of hikers. Arrive in Penjikent about 5 hours later.

m, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tajikistan.

Next, visit the Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki, which displays exhibits including the tools and pottery jars unearthed from Sarazm.

Round off today’s sightseeing with a local bazaar. After visit, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

After breakfast, we make our way to the Seven Lakes, a chain of glacial lakes in the Fann Mountains. After a 1.5-hour drive, we’ll arrive at the 4th lake, Nofin, and kick off a 1.5-hour hike, along which you may encounter simple shepherds, women wearing ethnic embroidered long robes and patterned headscarves, and little girls trying to sell souvenirs. Afterward, continue driving to the 6th lake, Marguzor, the largest among the seven. Hop out of the car and hike over a hill to reach the 7th lake, Hazorchasma. At last, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel in Panjakent.

Our final destination today is Khujand. We’ll traverse the 5-km (3-mi) long Shahriston Tunnel to conquer the 3,378-meter (11,082-foot) high Shahriston Pass. After a 4-hour drive, we’ll arrive at Istaravshan, an ancient trade center in Central Asia, and admire some highlights of the city.

The first stop is the hilltop Fortress Mug Teppe, a prominent historical site stormed by several renowned rulers, including Alexander the Great, and was eventually left with only ruins and debris.

The Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, nestled in the narrow labyrinthine streets, is our next stop. Then, we’ll stroll through the famous handicraft workshops and meet the master craftsmen.

Say farewell to Istaravshan and continue driving to Khujand. After checking in, you can either rest or explore the city on your own.

Today, we'll mainly dive into Khujand, and your private guide will first accompany you to visit the Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification, a distinctive structure featuring a Central Asian fortress built on the ancient city wall

Then, head to the city center square and admire the Mausoleum of Sheik Muslekheddin, which is in memory of the city’s 12th-century ruler who was also a respected poet.

On the other side of the square, experience the vibrant Panjshanbe Market, one of the oldest markets in Tajikistan.

In the afternoon, visit the Arbob Cultural Palace, which was modeled after the winter garden of Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg.

As the sightseeing in Khujand finishes today, we’ll drive back to Dushanbe. The 300 km (186 mi) journey starts with a flat asphalt section, gradually followed by winding mountain roads, bumpy and gravelly, with breathtaking views from towering snow-capped mountains and vast open plains to scattered villages dotted in the greenery and abandoned mine pits. We’ll also pass through the 5-km (3-mi) long Anzob Tunnel, which was once called the "Tunnel of Death" due to the lack of lighting and ventilation facilities, as well as numerous pits. Finally, arrive in Dushanbe and check in at the hotel, and the rest of the day is on your own.

After breakfast, our guide and the driver will send you to the airport for you to take the homeward flight. We wish you have a pleasant journey home!