Northern Tajikistan

This exciting historical and adventure tour introduces you to the northern part of Tajikistan. You will visit the ancient cities of Khujand and Istaravshan, which witnessed the invasions of the Persian king Cyrus the Great and Alexander the Great, as well as ancient Penjikent — the capital of the powerful Sogdian Kingdom of the early Middle Ages, destroyed by Arab forces in the 7th century.
The historical program is complemented by a visit to Sarazm, an ancient proto-city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also cross the Turkestan Range, travel through the scenic Zeravshan Valley, visit a stunning chain of mountain lakes on the Shing River, and become acquainted with the culture and traditions of mountain villages nestled along the steep riverbanks.

Tour program

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Tashkent – Khujand (Tajikistan) | Sightseeing Tour

In the morning, we depart from the hospitable capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, and travel to Khujand, an ancient city located on the banks of the Syr Darya River.
Distance: 180 km
Travel time (including the Uzbek–Tajik border crossing): 3.5–4 hours
After lunch at a local café and hotel check-in, we begin a sightseeing tour of the city. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and the second-largest city in Tajikistan. It is a cozy, green city with numerous parks and squares, as well as a rich collection of historical and cultural landmarks.
The city was conquered by Alexander the Great about 2,500 years ago and was named Alexandria Eschata (“the Furthest”). During the sightseeing tour, 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; and the Arbob Palace Complex — a unique architectural ensemble, a Tajik interpretation of Russia’s Peterhof Palace, built by local collective farm workers. https://centralasia-adventures.com/ru/tajikistan/tajikistan_sights/arbob.htmlWe will also enjoy a walk through Kamoli Khujandi Central Park.

Khujand – Istaravshan – Penjikent

Today we travel to the Zeravshan River Valley, heading toward ancient Penjikent, the capital of early medieval Sogdiana.
Distance: 260 km
Travel time: 5–6 hours (with stops)Our route follows a scenic 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 traditional blacksmiths’ quarter, where we can observe craftsmen at work and purchase authentic Tajik national knives with handles made from mountain goat horn. We then pass through a tunnel, cross the high Turkestan Range, and descend into the picturesque Zeravshan River Valley, carved deep into a dramatic canyon.
Upon arrival in Penjikent, we have lunch at a traditional Tajik teahouse. After hotel check-in and a short rest, we visit the local historical museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including frescoes from the palace of ancient Penjikent. We also explore the ruins of ancient Penjikent.
From the 5th to the 8th centuries, Penjikent was a wealthy and flourishing Sogdian city. During the Arab invasion, it was almost completely destroyed and burned, which is why it is often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East.”

Penjikent – Marguzor Lakes – Sarazm – Samarkand

Today we travel to the Fan Mountains, where seven exceptionally beautiful lakesare hidden in the gorge of the Shing River.
.htmlWe enjoy a walk around the lakes and learn about the traditional lifestyle of local residents in a mountain village. After lunch with a Tajik family, we continue toward the Tajik–Uzbek border. Along the way, we visit ancient Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About 5,000 years ago, Sarazm emerged as a proto-city — one of the earliest urban settlements in Central Asia — featuring developed architecture, temples, and crafts.
After completing border formalities, we return to Uzbekistan and proceed to Samarkand, the legendary ancient city. Distance: 180 km. Travel time (including stops and sightseeing): 7–8 hours
Upon arrival in Samarkand, the tour concludes. You may book an additional tour in Uzbekistan starting from Samarkand. An alternative itinerary can also be arranged in the reverse direction: Samarkand – Penjikent – Khujand – Tashkent.