From Tashkent to Dushanbe via Iskanderkul

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

show all

Tashkent – Khujand (Tajikistan), City Tour

In the morning, we leave the hospitable capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, and head to Khujand, an ancient city on the banks of the Syr Darya River.
Distance: 180 km
Travel time (including the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border crossing): 3.5–4 hours
After lunch at a local café and hotel check-in, we begin a city tour. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and the second-largest city in Tajikistan—a cozy, green city with numerous parks, squares, and historical and cultural landmarks.
The city was conquered by Alexander the Great about 2,500 years ago and named Alexandria Eschate (“The Farthest”). During the excursion, we will 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
The Arbob Palace Complex—a unique architectural site, a Tajik replica of Russia’s Peterhof Palace
We will also take a walk through Kamoli Khujandi Central Park.

Khujand – Istaravshan – Iskanderkul Lake

Today we travel to the Zeravshan River valley and further into the Fann Mountains to the legendary mountain lake Iskanderkul.
Distance: 230 km
Travel time: 4–5 hours (with stops)
The route follows a picturesque mountain road. Along the way, we make a short stop in the small town of Istaravshan.
Here we visit the local bazaar, a uniquely designed minaret, and the blacksmiths’ quarter, where we can observe craftsmen at work and purchase authentic Tajik national knives with handles made from mountain goat horns.
We then pass through a tunnel crossing the high Turkestan Range and descend into the scenic Zeravshan River valley, carved deep into a canyon. Upon arrival at Iskanderkul Lake, we check into a small, cozy hotel on the lakeshore.
After lunch, we explore the surroundings of the lake and visit the 40-meter “Fann Niagara” waterfall and Snake Lake. Dinner on the lakeshore after a breathtaking sunset will be the perfect ending to the day.

Iskanderkul Lake – Dushanbe

Today we enjoy a scenic walk through the Karakul River valley. The trail passes through birch and juniper forests, mountain slopes, alpine flower meadows, and small bridges across the river. This easy hike takes about 4 hours.
After lunch with a Tajik family, we depart for the capital of Tajikistan—Dushanbe.
Distance: 150 km
Travel time (with stops and sightseeing): 3–4 hours
Upon arrival in Dushanbe, the tour concludes.
You may book an additional tour in Tajikistan with us (for example, along the Pamir Highway).
This tour can also be organized in reverse direction:
Dushanbe – Iskanderkul – Khujand – Tashkent