Bespoke route · Tajikistan
Northern Tajikistan: Khujand, Istaravshan and Penjikent — 3 days / 2 nights
Discover the cultural treasures and scenic landscapes of Northern Tajikistan. Explore ancient cities, UNESCO heritage sites and the breathtaking Fann Mountains on a memorable journey from Oybek to Samarkand.
ABOUT THE ROUTE
Discover Northern Tajikistan
Explore the fascinating history, cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Northern Tajikistan on this 3-day journey from Oybek to Samarkand.
Discover Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, explore the historic streets of Istaravshan, and visit ancient Penjikent, once an important center of the Sogdian civilization. Discover Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 5,500 years, and explore the remarkable archaeological remains of the ancient Silk Road.
The journey also takes you into the spectacular Fann Mountains to the famous Seven Lakes (Haftkul), where turquoise alpine waters and dramatic mountain scenery create unforgettable views. Enjoy a relaxing walk to the Third Lake and a traditional lunch at a lakeside chaikhana.
Combining ancient history, authentic local culture and beautiful mountain scenery, this tour offers a wonderful introduction to Northern Tajikistan before continuing to Samarkand.
Quotation
Price: TJS 4,850 per person (based on a minimum of 10 paying guests)
TRIP PROGRAMME
Day-by-day itinerary
Distance: ~80 km | Driving: 2 hrs
09:00 – After completing immigration and customs formalities at the Oybek Land Border, meet your English-speaking guide and private driver and continue to Khujand, the second-largest city of Tajikistan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, dating back more than 2,500 years.
Upon arrival, begin a sightseeing tour of Khujand, where history, culture, and modern city life come together.
The tour includes visits to:
- Pushkin Square
- Kamoli Khujandi Square, dedicated to the famous Persian-Tajik poet
- Timur Malik Fortress, overlooking the Syr Darya River
- Sughd Historical Museum, showcasing the rich history of Northern Tajikistan
- Muslihiddin Memorial Complex, one of the city's most important religious and architectural landmarks
13:00 – Lunch at a traditional Tajik chaikhana, where guests can enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Continue exploring the city's historical center and vibrant atmosphere.
17:00 – Check-in at the hotel and time to relax.
19:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant followed by a pleasant evening walk through the beautifully illuminated streets and riverside promenade of Khujand.
Overnight: Khujand
Distance: ~320 km | Driving: 6–7 hrs
09:00 – After breakfast, depart for Penjikent, traveling through the picturesque mountain landscapes of northern Tajikistan.
The first stop is the ancient city of Istaravshan, one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia and an important center of craftsmanship and Islamic architecture.
Visit:
- Mazori Sharif Mausoleum
- Kok Gumbaz Madrasa, one of Tajikistan's finest examples of medieval Islamic architecture
Take time to stroll through the old quarter and experience the authentic atmosphere of this historic Silk Road city.
12:30 – Lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 – Continue the scenic drive to Penjikent, often referred to as the "Pompeii of Central Asia."
Upon arrival, visit:
- Ancient Settlement of Sarazm (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — a remarkable archaeological site dating back over 5,500 years, recognized as one of the earliest urban settlements in Central Asia.
- Ancient Penjikent Archaeological Site, the remains of a flourishing Sogdian city from the 5th–8th centuries, famous for its temples, residential quarters, and fascinating history along the Silk Road.
19:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant.
20:00 – Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight: Penjikent
Distance: ~170 km (Tajikistan) | Driving: 4–5 hrs
07:00 – Early breakfast and departure towards the breathtaking Seven Lakes (Haftkul / Marguzor Lakes), one of Tajikistan's most spectacular natural attractions.
On the way, enjoy another opportunity to admire the ancient surroundings of Sarazm, whose history spans more than 5,500 years, making it the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tajikistan and one of the earliest centers of civilization in Central Asia.
Continue into the Fann Mountains, where seven crystal-clear alpine lakes are scattered through a dramatic mountain valley. Each lake is famous for its unique shade of blue and turquoise, changing with the sunlight and season.
12:00 – Arrive at the Seven Lakes region.
Enjoy a leisurely walk to the Third Lake, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and peaceful villages. The route is easy and suitable for most travelers.
Lunch will be served at a traditional lakeside chaikhana overlooking the beautiful mountain landscape.
After lunch, enjoy free time for relaxation, photography, and taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Fann Mountains.
15:00 – Transfer to the Jartepa Land Border.
After completing border formalities, bid farewell to your Tajik guide and driver before continuing your journey to Samarkand with your Uzbekistan team.
The order and content of days may be adjusted to departure dates and weather.
CONDITIONS
What’s included
- English-speaking professional tour guide and tour escort throughout the entire program in Tajikistan.
- Private Mercedes Sprinter with a professional mountain driver (non-English speaking), suitable for mountain roads and comfortable long-distance travel.
- 1 night at Sugdiyon Hotel, Khujand in 5 Standard Twin Rooms.
- 1 night at Sarazm Plaza Hotel, Penjikent in 5 Standard Double Rooms.
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- All lunches and dinners as per the itinerary.
- All sightseeing and excursions according to the program.
- Meet & greet service at the Oybek Land Border.
- Transfer to the Jartepa Land Border at the end of the program.
- Bottled drinking water during the tour.
- 24/7 local assistance and operational support throughout the journey.
What’s not included
- International flights and transportation to the Oybek Border and after the tour.
- Visa fees and expenses for obtaining necessary travel permits, if applicable.
- Personal expenses, tips, additional drinks and personal purchases.
TRAVELLER REVIEWS
How it went
AL
★★★★★
Anna Levchenko, Moscow
The best trip of our lives. The Sayohat team thought of every detail — from the airport pickup in Dushanbe to sunsets over the Pamirs. We simply enjoyed ourselves while everything else was taken care of for us.
DS
★★★★★
Dmitry Sokolov, Saint Petersburg
The Pamir Highway is another planet. Our guide Farrukh knew every pass and every legend. The vehicles were reliable and the guesthouse stays were heartfelt.
EM
★★★★★
Ekaterina Morozova, Kazan
Samarkand exceeded all expectations. The Registan at dawn gave us goosebumps. Transfers, hotels and the guide worked flawlessly, without a single hitch.
BEFORE YOU GO
Before you go
SEE ALSO
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Q&A
Questions and answers
Where does the Northern Tajikistan tour start and end?
The tour starts at the Oybek Land Border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. After exploring Northern Tajikistan and visiting the Seven Lakes, the journey ends at the Jartepa Land Border. From there, guests continue to Samarkand with their Uzbekistan team.
What are the main attractions included in this tour?
The itinerary includes Khujand, Istaravshan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarazm, Ancient Penjikent and the spectacular Seven Lakes (Haftkul) in the Fann Mountains. Guests also visit the Third Lake and enjoy a traditional lakeside lunch.
Is the tour suitable for travelers who prefer a comfortable journey?
Yes. The tour is organized with private Mercedes Sprinter transportation, an experienced mountain driver, hotel accommodation, daily meals and a professional English-speaking guide. The walk to the Third Lake is relatively easy and suitable for most travelers.
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