Northern Tajikistan Tour
8 days Northern Tajikistan Tour
TOUR DETAILS
-
Period
All around the year -
Tour length
8 days -
Starting and Ending points
Start: Dushanbe / Tashkent -
Price from
$808 per person (group of 16 pax)
Northern Tajikistan Tour Highlights
Start on a captivating tour from Dushanbe to Tashkent, exploring Tajikistan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin with the vibrant capital, Dushanbe, where traditional music and dance set the tone for the adventure ahead. Journey through the breathtaking Varzob Valley to the iconic Iskanderkul Lake, and experience authentic village life with an overnight stay in Saratog. Discover the ancient city of Panjikent, wander through the legendary Seven Lakes, and dive into bustling bazaars in Khujand. Each day promises unique landscapes, immersive traditions, and unforgettable encounters across Central Asia.
NORTHERN TAJIKISTAN TOUR ITINERARY
Arrival in Dushanbe and transfer to Sirena Hotel. Free time until dinner. In the evening, we gather together for dinner accompanied by traditional folk music. Accommodation at Serena Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a day exploring the sights of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Lunch at the traditional Toka teahouse. Dinner at the Yakkachinar restaurant with traditional music and dance performances. Accommodation at Serena Hotel
Journey through the Varzob Valley to reach Saratog Lake. We will walk around the lake and spend the night in the Saratog village at the Shakhboz guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse.
After breakfast we drive toward Penjikent region. We reach Gazza village where we will have lunch at the guesthouse. On arrival to the village, you can rest at the guesthouse or walk and explore the village. Accommodation at the guesthouse.
Breakfast at homestay. Drive to Panjakent city. Today, we’ll spend an interesting day in Panjakent. Panjakent was a major city. Established in the 5th century AD by the Sogdians. We’ll visit the Rudaki Historic-ethnographic Museum, and the Ancient Panjakent settlement. We’ll visit the local bazaar and the mosque. After having lunch in a traditional Chaikhana, we will visit the ruins of the ancient city of Panjakent.
Our day trip will start with a bumpy ride into the mountains to explore the area of the Seven Lakes. This mountain valley is not far from Penjikent, but due to the bad road conditions, the trip takes a full day.
We will drive up the valley to the sixth lake. It is then a short and easy hike of about two hours (both ways) to the seventh and highest lake, Hazorchashma. There will be time to enjoy the scenery and wander along the lake shore before hiking back down to the sixth lake and returning by road to Penjikent. On the way down we will stop for a walk in a couple of villages and will have a lunch at a guesthouse in Noffin village.
Its time to leave the mountains behind and return to more urban life, in Khujand which is the capital of Northern Tajikistan. Khujand is situated by the Syr Darya River in the Fergana Valley.
Khujand is an ancient city with a history dating back to Cyrus the Greatn and Alexander the Great. On the way we will visit Istaravshan, a city founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC which recently celebrated its 2500th anniversary.
On the way we will pass Istaravshan, where artisans are highly regarded across Central Asia and the city is still well known in Tajikistan for its blacksmiths, who hand-craft knives of excellent quality. We will arrive in the evening and check in at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will visit Khujand’s main market, Panjshabe Bazaar, which is the largest market in Tajikistan. Our city tour will continue to the Maslihaddin Mosque, the Lenin Monument, and Arbob Cultural Palace, where we will also visit a small factory which produces traditional Tajik textiles.
We will have lunch at Anora, a house museum where you can
appreciate traditional design and experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tajik house. The friendly family members are always happy to welcome guests from different cultures and to exchange thoughts with
interested travelers.
After lunch we drive to our final attraction, to the women’s factory of Khujand atlas. Khujand Atlas was one of the leading textile factory that use silk for production of traditional Atlas textile. During our visit, we’ll get an inside look at the production process and learn about the history of the factory and its significance in the local economy. We’ll also have the opportunity to purchase some of the beautiful atlas products for souvenirs. Afterwards, we will departure to Tashkent which will take about 3 hours by car.
TOUR INFORMATION
INCLUDED
- Hotel 5*Sirena, Guest House Shakhboz, Gazza, Panchaket Plaza, Sughd Hotel
- Entrance tickets for the monuments noted in the basic program.
- The Guide
- All transportations 4×4 the air-conditioner
- Meals (breakfasts/lunches/dinners)
- The cook services.
NOT INCLUDED
- International Air flight from your country
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Consular visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- The Payment for a photo/video shooting on historical Objects.
- Tips for guide and driver
- Single supplementary rooms 40$
Price Per Group
| Group | Price |
| 2 pax | $2,934 (price per person $1,467) |
| 4 pax | $5,068 (price per person $,1267) |
| 6 pax | $6,294 (price per person $1,049) |
| 8 pax | $7,768 (price per person $971) |
| 10 pax | $9,230 (price per person $923) |
| 12 pax | $10,452 (price per person $871) |
| 14 pax | $11,676 (price per person $834) |
| 16 pax | $12,928 (price per person $808) |
CHECK VISA POLICY
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE
If you would like to customize your tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by our tour operators.
Tajikistan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
Tajikistan operates on the somoni (TJS) as its official currency, although dollars are accepted in some locations. However, the somoni is the primary currency for day-to-day transactions.
Cash withdrawals from ATMs can pose challenges, so it’s recommended to carry some cash to avoid any financial inconveniences. ATMs are accessible in cities such as Dushanbe, Penjikent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan, Kurgan-Tube, and even in smaller towns, excluding Murghab.
Eskhata Bank in Dushanbe is considered a reliable option for obtaining US dollars, with a generous withdrawal limit in somoni. However, be aware that ATMs may be less available on weekends. Finding an ATM that accepts Mastercard can be a bit tricky.
Both US dollars and euros are widely acknowledged across Tajikistan. In smaller areas lacking formal currency exchange services, people may prefer dollars over euros. It’s essential to note that engaging in currency exchange on the black market is illegal.
Safety
Safety
While the overall security situation is generally stable and Dushanbe is considered relatively safe, occasional incidents of robbery and petty crimes may occur. Individuals with financial resources, including foreigners, could be potential targets. Here are some further recommendations for Tajikistan:
- Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport, as authorities may request identification.
- Exercise caution by avoiding demonstrations or large gatherings, and maintain vigilance in public spaces.
- For your safety, do not leave your drinks unattended, decline beverages from strangers, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption.
- If you experience being followed or harassed at the airport, promptly report the incident to your tour agent or the consulate office at the airport.
- Show respect for local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times.
- Smoking is prohibited while walking on the streets.
- The possession and use of drugs are strictly illegal.
- Women traveling alone in Tajikistan may encounter unwanted attention, harassment, or gender-related difficulties.
- Photographing anything related to the military or security services may lead to complications with local authorities.
- Same-sex sexual relationships are not illegal according to Tajikistan’s legislation. However, conservative local views and levels of tolerance may vary, especially outside major cities.
- Transportation in Tajikistan often involves poorly maintained vehicles, and driving standards are basic. Gas stations outside cities are rare, and emergency services may not be readily available. Ensure you have all necessary supplies for your trip and anticipate potential delays.
- Roads outside major cities are in poor condition and may only be accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Conditions are particularly hazardous in spring due to the risk of avalanches and landslides.
- Tajikistan commonly experiences shortages of energy and water, along with frequent power outages, especially during winter and spring, mostly outside Dushanbe.
- Avoid traveling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the unstable security situation.
- Despite a ceasefire agreement, the security situation remains unstable following military clashes in the Sughd region (Northern Tajikistan), bordering Kyrgyzstan, in September 2022. Khujand is still safe to visit.
- Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and floods.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Starting from 2022, visitors from 52 countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Tajikistan. For comprehensive visa information, refer to this link. It is crucial to leave Tajikistan before your visa or visa-free entry expires to avoid penalties and the need for an exit visa.
For those planning to explore the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), obtaining permission is mandatory. Keep in mind that Tajikistan’s borders might close unexpectedly. Declare large amounts of imported funds upon arrival, and when departing, present the customs declaration form.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The ideal time for exploring Tajikistan is during the spring and autumn months, specifically in April, May, June, September, and October. Summers in Tajikistan are characterized by dry and intense heat, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C in the lowlands. Winters can be extremely cold, reaching -20°C in mountainous areas, and heavy snowfall in the western region may disrupt winter routes and close high-altitude mountain passes.
September stands out as perhaps the most favorable time for a journey to Tajikistan, as the heat subsides on the plains, and nearly all but the highest mountain passes remain accessible. Markets come alive with an abundance of delicious fresh produce, and the landscape transforms into a stunning golden autumn. The best time to visit Pamir is in August.
Health
Health
Before embarking on your journey, verify that your chosen destination can offer the required medical assistance you might need. Make sure you possess suitable travel insurance covering both on-site treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. If directed to a medical facility for treatment, promptly contact your insurance provider.
Tajikistan possesses limited medical facilities and faces shortages of essential medications. Medical establishments outside Dushanbe tend to be basic, with some areas having virtually no medical infrastructure.
Certain medications containing codeine are strictly prohibited in Tajikistan. If you intend to bring medications, ensure their legality and acquaint yourself with relevant regulations. Declare all medications and other restricted items upon your arrival.
Ticks are prevalent in forests and rural areas from spring to autumn. The improper disposal of uranium and pesticides in the northern Sughd region poses potential health hazards. It is advisable to get vaccinated at least against Hepatitis A, B and Tetanus at a minimum before your trip.
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Page updated 29.10.2024
