Day 01: Dushanbe
Arrival at Dushanbe Airport. Meet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant with folklore show.
Day 02: Dushanbe
Visit the monument of Ismail Samani, the founder of Samanid’s Kingdom in the IX century, the museum of National Antiquity, Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Sadriddin Aini. Enjoy the tour around local colorful bazaar and the popular tea house “Rohat”. Tea stops. Drive to Hissar Fortress, to see the remains of ancient caravanserai, the mausoleum and Medreseh. Photo opportunity at Pamir Nature Reserve.
Day 03: Dushanbe – Kulyab
Sightseeing day drive to Kulyab, one of the most ancient and beautiful cities of Central Asia, which was once the center of Silk Road. Photo opportunity at Nurek water reservoir and at mausoleums dating back 10th century. Arrival in Kulyab.
Accommodation. Dinner at the national restaurant.
Day 04: Kulyab – QuorghonTeppa – Dushanbe
Sightseeing tour: Visit the holy Mir Said Hamadoni complex and Kulyab memorial Complex. Drive to Guorghon Teppa to see the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple, the castle and the bazaar of local artisans. Meet the hospitable people of the village. Return back to Dushanbe.
Days 05-06: Dushanbe – Fann Mountains-Penjikent
Scenic drive to Penjikent via the Anzob Pass 3373 m above sea level. Accommodation at the Fan Mountains (Iskandar Kul Lake) to experience the incredible natural beauty of north-west Tajikistan. Picnic lunch. Revel in the fresh air, surrounded by snow –capped peaks and aquamarine lakes. Arrival in Penjikent.
Day 07: Penjikent (means Five villages)
Penjikent is one of the most important cultural and economic centers of Sogdian Empire. Explore the ancient ruins of Penjikent Citadel. During the excavations were found remains of temples, streets, shops, dwelling houses decorated with wall painting and ceramic items. Visit the museum of famous tajik poet Rudaki from the XI century.
Day 08: Penjikent – Istaravshan – Khodjand
After breakfast signtseeing drive to the Silk Road City Khodjand via Istaravshan, a journey of about 230 km. Explore ancient ruins of Istaravshan, a well preserved town located at 3378m in the Turkestan Mountains. Visit Mug Tepa, Khazrati Shoh architectural complex, Khazrati Shoh mausoleum; the grave of brother of Kusam ibn Abbas and Namozgoh Mosque. Then we shall enjoy shopping at the small and exotic bazaar of Istaravshan. Upon arrival in Khodjand you will be accommodated at the Grand Khodjand Hotel.
Day 09: Khodjand
Sightseeing tour around Khodjand: Visit Temurmalik fortress, the museum of Archeology and History, Friday Mosque and ancient Silk Road Bazaar.
Farewell dinner.
Day 10: Departure