From Dushanbe to Tashkent via Iskanderkul Lake

This exciting historical and adventure tour introduces you to the most fascinating places of northern Tajikistan. You will visit the ancient cities of Khujand and Istaravshan, which witnessed the invasions of the Persian king Cyrus and Alexander the Great.
You will travel along the scenic Khujand–Dushanbe mountain highway, crossing the Turkestan and Zeravshan mountain ranges.
The highlight of the journey is an overnight stay at the legendary Iskanderkul Lake, the true pearl of the Fann Mountains.

Tour program

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Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Lake

In the morning, we leave the hospitable capital of Tajikistan and head toward the legendary Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains. Our route follows picturesque mountain roads and crosses the high Zeravshan Range, partially passing through the Anzob Tunnel.
Distance: 150 km
Travel time (with stops and excursions): 3–4 hours
Upon arrival at Iskanderkul Lake
we check into a small, cozy hotel located on the lakeshore. After lunch, we set off on an easy hiking excursion to the Karakul River valley. The trail passes through birch and juniper forests, mountain slopes, alpine flower meadows, and small bridges across the river. The walk takes about 4 hours. Dinner on the lakeshore after a breathtaking sunset will be the perfect conclusion to the day.

Iskanderkul Lake – Khujand

In the morning, we take a walk around the lake and visit the 40-meter waterfall “Fann Niagara”, after which we depart for Khujand, an ancient city on the banks of the Syr Darya River.
On the way, we stop in the small town of Istaravshan where we visit the local bazaar, a uniquely designed minaret, and the blacksmiths’ quarter. Here you can observe craftsmen at work and purchase authentic Tajik national knives with handles made from mountain goat horns.
Distance: 230 km
Travel time: 4–5 hours (with stops)
After lunch at a local café and hotel check-in, we begin a city tour of Khujand—one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and the second-largest city in Tajikistan. It is a green, welcoming city filled with parks, squares, and cultural landmarks.
Founded over 2,500 years ago and conquered by Alexander the Great, the city was named Alexandria Eschate (“the Farthest”). During the excursion, we visit:
The historic Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in Central Asia
The Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Mausoleum (11th–12th centuries)
The Museum of Archaeology and Fortification
TheArbob Palace Complex—a unique architectural site, a Tajik replica of the Peterhof Palace in Russia
We also take a stroll through Kamoli Khujandi Central Park.

Khujand – Tashkent

Today we bid farewell to hospitable Tajikistan and travel to the capital of Uzbekistan—Tashkent.
Distance: 180 km
Travel time (including the Tajik–Uzbek border crossing): 3.5–4 hours
You may book an additional tour in Uzbekistan with us. This tour can also be organized in reverse direction:
Tashkent – Khujand – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe