Short Trip To Karon Castle-machu Pichu Of Tajikistan
About this tour
Plan your unforgetable two day trip to one of the most amazing places to visit in Tajikistan. If you are a tourist, visitor or foreigner in Tajikistan, you must plan your visit to Karon and I will do everything from my side to make it as unforgetable and fun as possible!
KARON - A lost city, that was just found by a local landowner in 2012, the Karon Archeological Complex, located in Kalai Khum is one of the greatest discoveries of our time - Some scientists call it the "Machu Picchu of Tajikistan".
This Castle again emphasizes the importance and great history of this part of the world. Historics believe that the Karon Castle was a resting point for the travellers on the Silk Road, merchants would have paid their taxes at the customs post, then entered the city to spend the night safe from bandits and wolves. The guards had unobstructed views along the valleys, and a strategic position they could easily defend.
Every season, the extent and significance of the discovery becomes more apparent. The Karon site covers more than 100 hectares, and the styling of the oldest monumental architecture dates it to the second millennium BC, though parts may have been occupied as recently as 500 years ago. The Zoroastrian water temple dedicated to a river deity is the only one of its kind in Central Asia;
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum Afghanistan cross-border market, Ruzvat, Tajikistan
Be prepared to see the Machu Pichu of Tajikistan and as some scientists call it the greatest archeological discovery of our time. Karon has a long history of human occupation, shown by the presence of various types of tombs and isolated finds such as Kushan and Sogdian coins. Yet, most of the constructions we see today date from the 15th-16th century, the time of the Timurid and Shaybanid rulers. There is a huge walled area with a palace, terrases, a large sunken garden and several pavilions and buildings, many of which remain to be excavated. It is clear, however, that the wealth of local rulers was based on the control of the ancient trade route and on gold mining. A 6th-7th century coin found in the upper part of the pavilion is the only find at present and suggests the core of the building may predate the Shaybanid era. Bonus stop at Hulbuk fortress in Kulob.
Day 2: Kalaikhum, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
This short tour is a great away for people who want to feel the peace, nature and beauty of the mountains not that far from Dushanbe, but very much memorable, The fresh air, green hills and high mountains will give you the cosmic energy. Get ready to be inspired by the views you are about to see. The second day we will travel back from Kalai Khum to Dushanbe, it will not be just a long drive, rather it will another day of adventure. If our travel dates fall on Saturday we can get a chance to visit the Afghan market on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
What's included
I have a comfortable and luxury Lexus to make your travel as easy and comfortable as possible.
Bring hiking shoes, sunscreen and your good mood!
What to know
This trip is possible to organize all year round. The price is also negotiable depending on the time of year. For those who are busy, this trip can be organized for one day as well! Feel free to reach out to me for any questions and looking forward to meeting you.
Route & locations
Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum Afghanistan cross-border market, Ruzvat, Tajikistan