Discover Tajikistan with cultural and hiking tour

Price: 1,021$

Duration:8

Complexity:

Route

Description

Embark on an 8-day cultural and hiking adventure through the breathtaking Fan Mountains of Tajikistan.

This immersive journey begins and ends in Dushanbe, offering a unique opportunity to connect with local culture and explore stunning mountain landscapes.

Hike through picturesque valleys, alongside shimmering alpine lakes, and beneath towering peaks.

Tour is fully escorted by an experienced local guide, ensuring an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Explore the rich history of Panjakent ancient citY of the Silk Road;
Enjoy the exceptional Highland hospitality of the Tajik people during a guesthouse stay in a remote mountainous village;
Visit the ancient village of Bory and explore its unique architecture;
Hiking in the Fan mountains;

Tour program

Open All Day

day 1

Dushanbe

Dushanbe City Tour Summary
Arrival at the airport and sightseeing in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. 
The tour includes:

Museum of Antiquities – features the famous Buddha in Nirvana statue.

Navruz Palace – originally planned as a teahouse, now a grand palace with 12 uniquely decorated halls, intricate wood carvings, mosaics, and painted ceilings.

Hissar Fortress (30 km from Dushanbe) – an 18th-century fortress with madrassahs and a 16th-century mausoleum.

City Walk – visit Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park, National Library, Presidential Palace, and Flag Park.

The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

day 2

Dushanbe – Penjikent city 220km

After breakfast drive to Penjikent 220km which is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in the picturesque Zeravshan river valley. Historically, Penjikent was one of the most important cultural and craft centers of Sogdiana. It has even been called the “Pompeii of Central Asia.”

Visit:

Museum of Rudaki – Penjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, considered by many to be the father of Persian Poetry.
Ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in 5^th century and abandoned in the 8^th century by arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins.

Overnight in the hotel.

day 3

Penjikent city - Seven lakes 60km – Ghazza village

The journey to the Marguzor Lakes. These seven stunning lakes vary in altitude and size, with the highest, Hazorchashma, at 2400m above sea level. After exploring the lakes, the trip continues to Gazza village (1700m), a small, remote community in the Fan Mountains. Visitors can walk through the village and interact with locals. The tour then heads to Bory village (1900m), known for its 18th-19th century-style architecture. Guests will experience traditional Tajik hospitality, staying overnight in a local guesthouse.

day 4

Gazza village - Chukurak lake, hiking

Breakfast. Hiking via Zurmich valley and pass to Chukurak lake. Chukurak lake is one of the amazing lake in Fan mountains located in the altitude 2300m. Picnic on the way.

Dinner and overnight in the tent.

day 5

Chukurak lake – Kuli Kalon lakes, hiking

Breakfast. Trekking via Chukurak pass 3200m to Kuli Kalon lakes. It is situated at an altitude of 2,800m, and is the second largest lake (after Iskandarkul) in this area. The lake actually consists of two lakes: bolshoi (large) kulikalon and maly (smaller) kulikalon, which are connected by a channel. The northern shore of the lake is indented with large and small creeks separated by capes and crevices.

Dinner and overnight in the tent.

day 6

Kuli Kalon lakes – Artuch village – Iskandarkul lake – Saritag village

Breakfast. Trekking down to Artuch village. Drive by car to Iskandarkul lake.

Drive to famous lakes of Fan mountains – Iskandakul the treasure of Tyan-Shan, a scenic Iskandarkul lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tajikistan. Having emerald green and blue color. A fast flouring Iskandar-darya river flows from the lake, forming a marvelous and gorgeous waterfall, so called the “Fan Niagara” that falls from the height 38 meters.

Walking near the lake. Short hiking to see waterfall.

Drive to Saritag village. Dinner and overnight in the quest house.

day 7

Saritag village - Iskandarkul lake – Dushanbe

Breakfast. Drive back to Dushanbe. Lunch. Free time.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

day 8

Dushanbe – flight back

Transfer to the airport.

Tour conditions

What's included

Transportation
Twin/double Accommodation
English speaking escort mountain guide
meals as per itinerary
All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees

What's excluded

Single supplement
Camera and Video charges during sightseeing
Tips
personal expences
visa and visa issues

Route

What to Pack for the Tour?

As you will be traveling through remote areas, high-altitude passes, and varying climates, proper packing is essential.

✔ Personal Documents – Passport, visa printouts, travel insurance.
✔ Clothing – Layered clothing, a warm jacket (for high altitudes), comfortable hiking shoes, a hat & gloves (for cold regions), and a rainproof jacket.
✔ Sun Protection – Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat.
✔ Health & Medication – Personal medications, altitude sickness pills (if needed), first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
✔ Cash – Credit cards are not widely accepted in remote areas, so bring enough cash (USD or local currency) for personal expenses.
✔ Snacks & Water Bottle – While meals are provided, having extra snacks, nuts, and a reusable water bottle is recommended.
✔ Electronics – Power bank, universal adapter, flashlight (headlamp), and extra camera memory cards.

Additional Travel Tips

✅ Altitude Awareness – Some areas, especially in Tajikistan, exceed 4,000m (13,000ft), so take it easy to acclimatize.
✅ Road Conditions – Expect bumpy and unpaved roads in mountain regions, so be prepared for a true adventure!
✅ Cultural Respect – Both countries have conservative traditions; dress modestly in villages and respect local customs.
✅ Limited Connectivity – Mobile signal and Wi-Fi may be weak or unavailable in remote areas.

Get in touch

Tour Dates:

Seasonality:
Summer

Group:

2 pax

Complexity:

4 out of 5

Price from: 1,021$