Nature-culture Trip Dushanbe-iskandarkul-khujand
About this tour
Highlights of the first day: today you will explore capital of Tajikistan, wich is very modern city and the name of capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe. Meaning of Dushanbe is Monday, until 1924 there was famous market which was held on mondays and when Dushanbe became capital of USSR Tajikistan the name of famous market was giiven to new capital of Tajikistan. Second day: Iskandarkul is so famous by it's beautiful lamdscape, the lake circle souronded by snowcaped moutains. The lake named after to Alexander the Great. The heart of Fan Mountains, the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandarkul lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Third day: Today you will explore Khujand which is the second biggest city of Tajikistan after capital city Dushanbe. Syrdarya river adds beauty to the beauty of the city, the river flows in the middle of the city and divides the city into two equal pars left and the right bank of the river, the left bank of the river is the ancient part of the city which is more than 3000 years old and the right bank of the river is modern part of the city. Khujand is going surprise you with historical sights as Khujand fortress which was founded at 6 B.C., in the end of 4 B.C. Khujand was invaded by Alexander the Great and he changed the name of the Fortress to Alexandria Eskhata meaning of Eskhata is the furthest. Panjshabe Bazzar is biggest and the most colorful market in Tajikistan and the marker hold 24 hour a day. A person can find everything in this market except chicken milk. People are very friendly and warm welcoming in Khujand, Tajikistan. Khujand is city for Gurmans (foody people) number one recommended food is Sorghum soup and shashliks of Khujand is the best cooked shashliks in the region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe International Airport, Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Atlas B&B Guesthouse Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Meet at the Dushnabe international airport and star Sightseeing of Dushnabe. Dushnabe city tour DUSHANBE – the capital of Tajikistan (until 1961 called Stalinabad) is located the centre of the Hissor Valley at 837 meters (2,475feet) above sea level, on junction of the Varzob and Luchob Rivers that flow together as a Dushanbinka right beneath the bridge on Ismoili Somoni Avenue. The snow – capped Hissor mountain ranga rises on the north and east of the city, and in the south, there is Kofarnihon River. The first mention of Dushanbe dates back to 1676. At the time, it was a small village on the crossroad of caravan routes connecting Hissar Valley to Samarqand and Bukhara, the Pamirs and Afghanistan. The Tajik word “Dushanbe” means Monday. The weekly bazaar was held in the village on Mondays, and that was what the place came to be called. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Varzob and Kofarnihon. Sightseeing: Explore Monument Ismoili Somoni the founder of Tajik nation and park of Rudaki the founder of Tajik Persian classical literature, Tajik Parliament, national symbol, White house, the highest flag of the world (165m) which included to in 2011, later continue exploring to Hissor fortress which is remainings of XVI century Lunch in Dushnabe. Afternoon explore Tajik national antique museum, Sleeping Buddah and Navrouz Palace Dinner in local restaurant Overnight at Atlas B&B 3*
Day 2: Atlas B&B Guesthouse Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Iskanderkul, Tajikistan
Dushnabe -Iskandarkul. 145km. Breakfast. Morning driving to Iskandarkul Lake via Istiklol tunnel (5,5km) You will see Fan Mountains – a popular tourism and mountain climbing area in Tajikistan. There are about 100 passes in height from 3200 to 5060 m (Mirali). The Fan Mountains are the highest part of Zeravshan range with 11 peaks above 5,000 m with sharp fantastical pointed forms. In the bosom of these mountains are about 30 lakes, the largest of which are Iskandarkul, and the most beautiful and picturesque, famous for the unique play of colors - Kulikalon. Lunch by the lake upon arrival Iskandarkul lake: length - 5км, width - 3,5км and depth to - 80м, located at height 2250м. The heart of Fan Mountains, the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandarkul lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Having emerald green and blue colour. A fast flouring Iskandar-darya river flows from the lake, forming a marvellous and gorgeous waterfall, so called the “Fan Niagara” that falls from the height 38 meters. Walking near the lake. See waterfall Visit Kulimoron Snake Lake, five spring Dinner and overnight in Donish guesthouse
Day 3: Iskanderkul, Tajikistan to Hotel "Sugdiyon", Khujand, Tajikistan
Iskandarkul-Khujand, 245km, 5 hours Morning drive to Khujand via Shahriston tunnel which is longest tunnel in Tajikistan (5.5km) Khujand is the second largest city in the country. It’s also one of Tajikistan’s oldest town, founded by Alexander the Great in IV BC. The fortress was fortified by Alexander the great at IV BC and named after Alexander-Eskhata (Alexandria furthest) on the place of the present Khujand fortress (the 329 BC) and become the city of highly developed culture, important commercial and crafts centre. Commanding the entrance to the Fergana Valley and the Great Silk Road passed through Khujand from early historical backgrounds. Khujand enjoyed great prosperity and it’s riches spawned palaces, grand mosques and a citadel, before Mongols stream rolled the city into oblivion in the early XII century. Sightseeing: - Visit Historical museum of Sughd region, - - Khujand fortress from outside, Observation of Sirdaryo (Sayhun river), - Eastern market Panjshanbe and mausoleum Shaykh Muslihiddin - Lunch in local restaurant Afternoon: - Drive to the Arbob palace and national teahouse. - Visit to Kayrakum Water reservoir - Visit statue of Ismoili Somoni the founder of Tajik nation and Lenin statue. - visit to Anora guesthouse Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the Sughdiyon hotel 3*
Day 4: Khujand, Tajikistan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Khujand -Tashkent, 170km, 3 hours. Breakfast Morning drive to Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border called “Oybek” which is 1 hour, 70 km from Khujand. - Border crossing in both sides and you will be welcomed by Uzbek driver in Uzbekistan side and continue driving to Tashkent - Transfer to your hotel - The end of the service.
What's included
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dushanbe International Airport, Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Atlas B&B Guesthouse Hotel, Dushanbe, Tajikistan