Tajikistan – a Country of a Thousand Lakes – 12 days
Tajikistan is a country where magnificent mountain landscapes of the Central Asia can be admired during the journey. The majestic peaks of Pamir, mountain lakes, glaciers and rivers create magical sceneries which will remain in our memory for a long time. But Tajikistan is much more than its mountains and rich nature – it is also a country of extraordinary history that dates back to the beginnings of civilisation in Central Asia.
Numerous historical sites are evidence of extensive trade contacts and the richness and power of ancient kingdoms and sultanates. During our journey, we will try to present in detail the very interesting and rich history of this unique mountain land at the heart of Asia, and also get to know its inhabitants.
itinerary
Flights to the capital of Tajikistan usually arrive at night or early in the morning. After arrival, visa formalities. Transfer to the hotel and, after a short rest, breakfast and an introductory meeting. To start with, we will drive 20 km from the centre of Dushanbe – to the Gissar Valley – to visit the fortress located there, whose history dates back to the ancient Persia. The current architecture dates back to the times of the Emirate of Bukhara (16th – 19th century). In Gissar, we will also visit a madrasa together with a mosque and a caravanserai. We will return to Dushanbe and visit the Kohi Navruz Palace, and then the National Museum and the park with a national flag monument. Dinner in one of local restaurants. Night rest in Dushanbe.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will leave the Tajikistan capital and head north-east through the Fann Mountains. On this day we will see the jewel of Tajikistan, which is the mountain lake Iskanderkul named after Alexander the Great who is believed to stay at it while conquering Sogdiana. We will also visit the Fann Niagara Waterfall that is over 43 metres high and the Cave of Alexander the Great. In the afternoon, we will also stop at a small Ziemnoye lake, in which numerous snakes live because of the high temperature of water. Drive to the town of Sarytag for dinner and night rest. We will have an optional bonfire in the evening.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, we will head to the Fann Mountains where we will visit Seven Lakes (Haftkul) near the town of Marghuzar. It is a truly enchanting place in a mountain scenery, where the colours of the individual lakes change depending on the time of day and the chemical composition of water. During our stay, we will see each of the seven lakes. There will also be time for a walk through the nearby hills. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner and night rest.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will start a short hike to the seventh lake – Marghuzar. Then we will go to have dinner and in the afternoon we will visit the archaeological site Sarzam. The history of this place dates back to more than 5,500 years. It was one of the first urban centres in the region, belonging to the culture of the first Indo-Iranian settlers. The archaeological findings prove extensive trade contacts that reached from the coast of the Indian Ocean to the western part of Asia. In the afternoon, a drive to Panjakent, a stroll in the town, dinner and night rest at the hotel.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for the city of Khujand whose history dates back to more than 2,500 years. This town, founded near Syr-daria, was located at the crossing of the most important trade routes of Central Asia. In the town, we will visit the fortress that was the largest stronghold of this region in the 16th and 17th century. We will also see the Arbob Palace and go to the oldest part of the city with its vibrant bazaar and mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihaddin, a poet and ruler of Khujand in 12th century. In the afternoon, we will drive to the Kayrakkum Reservoir – a man-made lake that was created after a hydroelectric power station was built there in the 1950s. It is called the “Tajik Sea”. In the evening, return to the centre of Khujand and an optional walk. Dinner in one of local restaurants.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we start our visit of Khujand. We will go to the National Museum located in an ancient fortress and the Park of Kamal Khujandi, a thirteenth-century poet and Sufi mystic. Then we will set off for Istaravshan. There we will visit the ancient Mug-Teppam fortress whose construction was started in the 13th century. We will also go to the local market. After the visit and some rest, we will continue our drive to Dushanbe. We will arrive in the Tajikistan capital in the evening. We will have dinner in one of local restaurants
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will start to head south, towards the border with Afghanistan. On our way we will stop for rest and to visit a fortress in the town of Hulbuk, an important centre during the rule of the Ghaznavid dynasty between the 9th and 12th centuries. Then we will drive through Kulob and then head to the Darvaz Mountains which are the north-western part of Pamirs. We have our dinner and overnight stay planned in one of the villages at the border river called Panj. Evening stroll in the neighbourhood. Dinner and night rest in one of bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
B.L.D.
In the morning, we will set off through the majestic mountain ranges of northern Pamirs. The first place we will visit on this day will be the small town of Rushan with the remnants of the Vomar Fortress. We will also see second highest located botanical garden in the world, at 2320 m above sea level. Evening stroll in the neighbourhood. Dinner and night rest in one of bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for a whole-day trip to Ishkashim. We will take a road at the river that marks the border with Afghanistan. In Ishkashim we will see ruins of the Kalakala fortress whose history dates back to more than 2,200 years. The ruins of the fortress are located on a hill with an exceptional panorama of the Tajik part of the Pamirs and the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. There will be an optional hike around the nearby mountains. We will have lunch at the border Panj River. In the afternoon, return to Khorugh for dinner and night rest.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will start our return journey to the north. Whole-day drive with stops to recuperate, eat and take photos at the most spectacular beauty spots along the route. We will stop for lunch in a small town called Rushan. In the evening, we will arrive in one of the villages at the border river called Panj. Dinner and night rest in one of bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
B.L.D.
After breakfast, we will set off for the capital of Tajikistan. We will stop in Kulob to have lunch and take some rest. In the evening, we will arrive in Dushanbe. Dinner and well-deserved rest in our hotel.
B.L.D.
Flights from Dushanbe usually depart early in the morning.
B.
Practical information
- the length of the tour : 12 days in Tadjikistan;
- start of the trip: Dushanbe;
- end of the trip: Dushanbe;
- the highlights of this expedition Tajikistan is a country of spectacular mountain landscapes that we will see in abundance during our trip, when we will visit the villages and small towns located in picturesque mountain valleys. We will also see the towns and archaeological sites of the current Tajikistan that are most interesting from the historical and cultural point of view. We will take the famous road at the Panj River that marks the natural border with Afghanistan. During the trip, we will have an opportunity to meet the inhabitants of this exceptional Central Asian country where the local culture was shaped by multiple civilisations, religions and traditions.
. Because of the special nature of the visited places and of the expedition features, the travellers are required to be physically and mentally fit. Long drives on mountain roads, frequent changes of altitude and considerable temperature fluctuations during the day may cause fatigue and discomfort. Accommodation is planned in hotels of different standards, depending on location. The drives during our tour will be on minibuses and off-road vehicles. Short hikes are planned during the tour, which may be very tiring because of the high altitudes. The itinerary was designed to enable best possible viewing of the places away from mass tourism routes, while meeting safety standards and ensuring comfort to the travellers. Bear in mind that Tajikistan is mostly inhabited by Sunni Muslims, which means the need to respect cultural differences and to adhere to the appropriate dress code.
Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travellers’ safety, the tour may be cancelled. We will keep you updated as to whether the expedition is possible.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned end of the tour.
Before departure, you must obtain a tourist visa online https://www.evisa.tj/index.evisa.html or at diplomatic posts of Tadjikistan.
Furthermore, you should take with you for the trip a photocopy of your passport (the photo page) and an additional ID document.
- Before departure, we recommend a consultation with a family physician and a tropical medicine specialist.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended but an infection is rather unlikely because of the climate, the trip dates and the itinerary of the planned tour.
- Vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, viral hepatitis A and B and typhus is recommended.
- There is a risk of tuberculosis.
- We recommend visiting https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.
- During our expedition, we will drink only bottled water. You should avoid ice in your beverages and eating raw or undercooked foods.
- At the visited places, only private healthcare exists (a visit cost is approximately USD 50).
- Because of difficult travelling and accommodation conditions and particularities of the country, good general health is necessary. Please take with you a first aid kit and a sufficient supply of your regular (prescription) medicines, if any. Some useful contents of the first aid kit:
Tajikistan is a country with relative political stability but there are still some armed conflicts in certain regions. This applies in particular to some regions at the borders with Afghanistan. Moreover, there is a small but existing threat of terrorist attacks and a risk related to an unstable political situation.
However, trips to Tadjikistan are possible and safe when conducted with the adequate precautions.
Owing to the good relations we have with local contractors, we keep following the news to be aware of any potential threats and safety risks. We also recommend you to read the latest news on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
During the tour, please take seriously the instructions of our contractors, guides and tour leader.
It is very important to respect local customs and abide by local laws and regulations. You will receive the necessary information on an on-going-basis from your local guides and the tour leader.
The official currency in Tajikistan is the Tajik Somoni (SM). Currency exchange is possible at the airport, in banks, in some hotels and at foreign exchange points in the street. During the exchange, you must thoroughly calculate the received money and make sure what exchange rate is used. Using payment cards is not always possible. The best foreign exchange rate is for US dollars and euros. Please note that dollars should be printed after 2006.
For current foreign exchange rates see www.xe.com or install xe.com on your phone.
The official languages in the Republic of Tajikistan are Tajiki and Russian. Several dozen local languages are also spoken within the Tajikistan territory. In the case of a group tour, the tour leader will speak English or Russian. For self-guided tours, you must speak basic English or Russian hire a local guide with a command of English or Russian.
The Republic of Tajikistan is a multi-ethnic country where Sunni Muslims constitute a vast majority. Because of cultural considerations and for safety reasons, it is advisable to learn about the recommended dress code. Women are not required to wear headscarves at public places but it will be necessary during visits in mosques and orthodox churches. Clothes that reveal too much flesh are frowned upon – both in men and women. Discussions about political subjects should be avoided.
It is very important to respect local customs and abide by local laws. You will receive the relevant information from your local guide or the tour leader.
The proposed tour dates fall in the periods of of the best possible weather conditions at the sites included in the itinerary. The best time for trips is the period between May and October. In most of the places we will visit, temperatures during the day range from +24 to +35°C. At night, temperatures may drop to about +10°C. There may be some occasional showers between May and October.
For detailed information see https://www.meteoblue.com/en.
Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and villages. However, it may not be present in many mountain regions and during our rides from town to town. It is possible to purchase a local SIM-card with an Internet package. To avoid a nasty surprise, we recommend disabling mobile data usage.
- Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants.
- Power sockets of type C, E . Voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz.
- Additionally, we recommend taking a capacious power bank.
For climatic and cultural reasons, loose garments will be most appropriate: long trousers, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, which can be easily washed and will quickly dry. The most comfortable footwear for the tour will be lightweight boots. Palladium brand boots are recommended. Wearing open sandals is possible. Light hiking boots may prove useful.
The following are worth taking:
- aluminium sleeping pad or light self-inflating mat and thin summer sleeping bag; we provide a mattress during the trip but taking your own pad or mat will improve your sleeping comfort
- sachet for documents and money
- lightweight sleeping bag
- wet wipes for body cleaning and antibacterial gels
- polar fleece jacket or warmer blouse, especially useful at evening and night times in northern areas of Pakistan
- head cover and sunglasses – mandatory, the sun is no joke!
- comfortable summer clothes, useful during practically the whole trip
- light T-shirts/shirts
- useful odds and ends: torch, Swiss Army knife, sewing kit (usually is not needed but is not heavy and does not take much place), chargers, mug (for special occasions); inflatable neck pillow, useful on the plane and during car rides; small wallet for the local currency; books to pass the time on flights and car rides
Price
Price: £ 1990 p/p
During the expedition, we will travel by minibuses and off-road vehicles. Depending on the daily agenda in the itinerary and the current situation as regards traveller safety, we will spend 4 to 10 hours travelling every day.The speed and transfer times depend on the road surface conditions, terrain characteristics and number and length of stops.
We are not able to guarantee a uniform accommodation standard at each of the planned sites during the stay in Tajikistan. Our priorities are your comfort, safety and appropriate location. We always place emphasis on the support of local community when selecting the sites for our accommodation. In general, rooms will be assigned on the assumption of two people sharing a twin room (rooms with individual bathrooms). The surcharges for single rooms are quoted in the “Price” section.
Two overnight stays in hotels approximately corresponding to the 3 and 4-star standard are planned during the tour.
In mountain regions in the south of Tajikistan, accommodation will be provided in private bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
Meals are included in the tour price, as specified in the itinerary. B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner. Breakfasts will usually be offered in hotels. We will go for lunches and dinners to local restaurants. The Tajikistan cuisine is varied, similarly as the culture and history of this exceptional country.
For information about the local costs of living see https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/.
Services of a tour guide, local and special guides in National Parks
All entrance fees and permits to visit national parks and reserves in the itinerary
The price includes the cost of tips and porters’ fees.
Trip preparation, visa mediation, the invitation necessary to obtain a visa
Costs of the main flight to and from Dushanbe
Costs of flight tickets are not covered by the tour price. BTP Adventure does not directly arrange and buy tickets for international flights. However, we may suggest the best connections and airlines. For this purpose, contact us by e-mail or call us.
Visa for the Republic of Tajikistan visa online https://www.evisa.tj/index.evisa.html or at diplomatic posts of Tadjikistan.
Insurance is not covered by the tour price. Having valid insurance is a condition for taking part in the trip. We recommend taking out insurance that will be appropriate for the planned itinerary and for your individual state of health and needs. Please send us the proof of your insurance contract.
You can purchase insurance on your own on the website of Axa or any other insurance company: https://www.axa.co.uk/travel-insurance/.
BTP Adventure may help you obtain adequate insurance cover. If you want our help, please contact us.
Meals other than those listed in the final itinerary.
Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Surcharge for a single room: 200 £
supplementary payment for the additional accommodation In the case of arrival or departure on a different date,
We will keep updating the detailed information on the safety and final itinerary of the tour. Before you decide to submit the booking form, please learn about the current political and sanitary situation in Tajikistan.
The planned expedition is an exclusive proposal prepared on the basis of our experience and knowledge of the local peculiarities and major sightseeing attractions of Tajikistan.
We are committed to ensure the best possible and safe and, as far as feasible, comfortable travelling through this little-frequented and extremely interesting country with a fascinating history.
Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travellers’ safety, the tour may be cancelled. We will keep you updated as to whether the expedition is possible.
We can arrange a self-guided tour – if you are interested, please contact the office.
It is possible to combine this tour with trips to Turkmenistan, Iran, or Pakistan.
With any questions please contact BTP ADVENTURE
1990 £ Per Person
- We can arrange a self-guided tour – if you are interested, please contact the office.
- It is possible to combine this tour with trips to Turkmenistan, Iran, or Pakistan.
