Holidays with Downtown

Located in the heart of Central Asia, this country little known to tourists is yet one of the most extraordinary sites in the world. Dotted with mountains, each more impressive than the next, Tajikistan is one of the regions steeped in history which it is up to you to discover. Surprising with its culture and traditions, its climate and its verdant geography with multiple gorges and valleys, it will plunge you into the heart of a civilization that will amaze you with its beauty and grandeur. Set off with us in the direction of cities and their irreplaceable welcoming inhabitants! Come and experience exceptional moments during your trip to Tajikistan.

A word on Tajik weather

During the winter months, extremely low temperatures and high volume of rain make conditions for travel very difficult and quite dangerous, especially in the Pamir where the passes are impracticable. During the Summer months, the temperatures can be very uncomfortable if you have heath conditions. Spring and Fall are the best time to travel to Tajikistan,

Day 1: Dushanbe

After clearing Immigration and Customs at Dushanbe airport our guide will pick you up and escort you to your hotel in the capital.

Day 2: Dushanbe (Hisor)

The morning will be devoted to discovering the capital, the largest city in the country. We will stop at the city center in front of the impressive monument of Amir Ismaїl Samani, the founder of the Samanid dynasty, before heading to the verdant Rudaki Park and the National Museum of Antiquity. Later we will move on to the green market, which is full of spicy flavors of all kinds and Tajik condiments. After lunch, we will leave for the town of Hisor, stopping for a visit to the city fortress, the former residence of the bek or governor general of the country before visiting the Museum of History, the old 16th century Madrasa and the town's craft house. Return to Dushanbe for dinner in a local restaurant an overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 3: Dushanbe, Aïni, Panjakent

Morning trip through the Anzob Pass, at 11,063 feet of altitude, where the snow remains present even in the middle of summer. Let yourself be surprised by the surrounding mountainous landscape! Lunch in Aïni, in a local chayhana (tea house) in the city. Then, continue to the city of Panjakent, an ancient Sogdian city dating from the 5th century, located in the picturesque Zerafshan Valley and site of impressive ruins. Archaeologists found evidence that Panjakent was founded around the year 400 and was abandoned by the end of 800. Year 722 marked the arrival of Arab conquerors, which prompted the abandonment of the city and the introduction of the Islamic religion in the region. Unlike most other ancient settlements in central Asia, Ancient Panjakent was abandoned in haste and never built over by subsequent dwellers. One of the most remarkable findings in Ancient Panjakent were the frescoes, some of which were remarkably well preserved and show revealing aspects of life and religious beliefs from the era. In the evening, enjoy a delicious pilaf dish typical of Panjakent. And spend the night with a host family. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Panjakent, Istaravshan

After breakfast, take a tour of Panjakent. Stopping first at the Rudaki Historical and Regional Museum which preserves the oldest cultural values ​​of the indigenous population including some frescoes of the ancient city. Continue to the ancient fortress and Rudaki’s mausoleum, a famous poet and founder of the twentieth century classical Tajik poetry. Later, discover of the remains of the town of Sarazm, which means “where the land begins”, an archaeological site bearing testimony to the development of human settlements in Central Asia, from the 4th millennium BCE to the end of the 3rd millennium BCE. Lunch in a chayhana (tea house) before leaving for the city of Istaravshan via the Shakhristan pass at an elevation of 11,03 feet. Visit of the Sogdian archaeological site of Bunjikath from the 5th-8th centuries that was the capital of the kingdom of Ushrushana. It is noteworthy for a famous Sogdian mural depicting a wolf suckling twins, a clear echo of the Roman legend of Romulus and Remus that is repeated in statues across the country. Evening free for individual discoveries. Dinner in a local restaurant and accommodation in a guest house. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Istaravshan, Khujand

We will take the road north on our way to the museum city of Istaravshan, in the province of Sughd. Visit the remains of Mug Teppe, a dwelling back to the 2^nd through the 7th centuries. The trip will continue with the discovery of the fabulous 15th century blue mosque of Kok Gumbaz. Then, meet a woodworker who will show us around his workshop. In the afternoon, departure to Khujand, a city dating from the 7^th centuries BC, one of the oldest in Central Asia. Visit the fortress of Timur Malik known to have been the seat of the Tajik people’s liberation during a battle against Genghis Khan. Visit of the municipal museum, religious dwellings renowned for their historic mulberry trees, as well as the monument of Amir Ismaïl Samani, built in 1999. In the evening, dinner by the Sirdari river and overnight n the hotel in Khujand. [B/L/D]

Day 6: Khujand (Isfara)

This morning, visit a gold craftsman in Khujand. Then, discover the Sa'dabad Complex, initially built and inhabited by the Qajar dynasty of monarchs in the 19th century. After the visit, walk to the carpet market and admire the craftmanship of the local weavers. After lunch at a local restaurant, departure to the town of Isfara, located on the border with Kyrgyzstan. Take a tour of the city punctuated by stops at the Sino National Salon, the Khazrati-Shokh Mausoleum - one of the oldest complexes in the country -, the city park and other sights. In the evening, return to Khujand for dinner an overnight with a host family. [B/L/D]

Day 7: Khujand, Dushanbe

Return to the capital via the Shakhristan and Anzob passes stopping for lunch en-route. Arrive in Dushanbe late afternoon in time for an early farewell dinner in the local restaurant "Chayana Rohat". Departure preparations and rest at the hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 8: Dushanbe, USA

Around mid-night be ready for your transfer to the airport to board your flight back home.

[B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner