Ancient Treasures of Tajikistan

Day 1: Tashkent (Uzbekistan) - Khujand (80km)
 
Day 2: Khujand - Istarafshan - Penjikent (280 km)
 
Day 3: Penjikent – Seven Lakes (80 km)
 
Day 4: Seven Lakes
 
Day 5: Seven Lakes - Iskanderkul (265 km)
 
Day 6: Iskanderkul - Dushanbe (165 km)
 
Day 7: Dushanbe - Hissar-Dushanbe (70 km)

Day 8: Dushanbe – Termez (70km)

Day 1: Tashkent (Uzbekistan) - Khujand (80km)
Meeting at the Tajik-Uzbek border “Oybek”. Drive to Khujand.  Accommodation in Hotel. Visit the ancient Fortress of Temurmalik  which dates to 6th – 5th BC, and the Museum of History of Tajikistan. Excursion to the Mosgue and Madrassah  of  Shaikh  Muslihiddin (16th c) and Western bazaar. Bazaar smells fresh bread, fruits and vegetables. It is noisy here because of permanently moving stream of people. Sellers, buyers, travelers, Tajik-classic music-that’s The Bazaar!
 
Day 2: Khujand-Istarafshan - Penjikent (280 km)
After breakfast drive to Istarafshan. Exploring Istarafshan a fascinating and ancient city. Visiting the Local Bazaar and Museum. Istarafshan is also a handicrafts center, known for its woodcutting. Visiting the famous fortresses and Madrassah:
Mug Tepa
Khazrati Shoh Mausoleum (18th c)
Madrassah of Bobo Tago (15th c)
Madrassah of Khudoyori Valami (17th – 18Th c)
After lunch transfer to Penjikent. Dinner and overnight at home stay.
 
Day 3: Penjikent – Seven Lakes (80 km)
Ancient Penjikent is an excavation of a large Sogdian Settlement dating from, V – VI century AD. There is a charming museum where you can see artefacts excavated from the site, and a splendid view of the new town. Lunch at a Tajik house. Our hostess displays a fascinating and unique collection of national costumes from the historical to the modern times and offers a unique local produce of crafts and  jewellery which is really a wonderful introduction to many local  customs and traditions After breakfast transfer to Marguzor Lakes. Accommodation in national home stay.
 
Day 4: Seven Lakes
Walking around lakes. Marguzor is the 7th of the famous 7 Lakes. Each distinctively different in co lour and character. We explore the lake and have an opportunity to meet local residents in nearby villages. Perhaps an opportunity sample local fruits and yoghurt. Dinner and overnight in home stay.
 
Day 5: Seven Lakes - Iskanderkul (265 km)
We follow in  the footsteps of Alexander the Great, to the legendary Iskanderkul Lake considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in Tajikistan. We have an opportunity to walk in the   fresh mountain air around the lake. And hear the legend of Alexander’s horse. Accommodation at the guest house.
 
Day 6: Iskanderkul - Dushanbe (165 km)
After breakfast drive to Dushanbe. Accommodation at the Hotel.
 
Day 7: Dushanbe - Hissar-Dushanbe (70 km)
After breakfast visit the Ethnography museum and the eastern  bazaar. Visit the Monument of Ismoil Somoni founder of the  first Tajik dynasty, monument and park named after Rudaki founder of  Tajik Literature. After lunch we visit the Madrassa &Mosque of Sariosiyo and also the Botanical garden. Drive to Hissor. Excursion the the 19th Century ruined Fortress and museum at Hissor. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 8: Dushanbe – Termez (70km)
After breakfast we drive to the border point at “Sarisoyo” where we cross over, into Uzbekistan and you are dropped of at Termez.

Services included:

• Hotel accommodation
• Transportation
• Excursion and entrance fees
• English speaking guide
• Full board tour