Central Asia

Essential Tajikistan

Photo credit: Yuriy Kim

Duration
8 Days
Price
From $3,295
Trip Type
Private
Group Size
Your choice
Activity Level
12345
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Flexible Private Trip — Book Your Dates for You & Yours

Mountains & Markets

Overview

A trip to secluded Tajikistan is as pure a taste of Central Asia as you’re likely to find anywhere. In its ancient cities and beautiful mountain-wreathed countryside, international tourists are largely a novelty, welcomed with wonder at bustling colorful bazaars, historic mosques and madrassahs, and rustic country guesthouses. On this itinerary, authentic adventure and genuine cultural exchange aren’t just easy to find – they’re hard to avoid.

Travels to: Tajikistan

Map

Essential Tajikistan Map

Itinerary

  • Days 1-2: Dushanbe

    In Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, tour the lively Shohmansur Bazaar; the large, modern National Museum of Tajikistan; the small but fascinating Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments; and, outside of town, the 18th century Hissar Fortress.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Dushanbe’s covered Shohmansur Bazaar, which exemplifies the city’s traditional role as a market town
    • Exuberant performances by the staff at the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments
    • The imposing towers of Hissar Fortress
  • Days 3-4: Iskanderkul, Penjikent

    Journey overland through plunging Varzob Gorge and over 11,000-foot Anzob Pass to lovely turquoise Iskanderkul (Alexander Lake). Continue to the town of Penjikent, the site of a major archaeological dig.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Gusgarf Waterfall in deep Varzob Gorge
    • Iskanderkul, a high-altitude lake ringed by craggy mountain peaks
    • The early medieval remains of a citadel, private homes, and two Zoroastrian temples at Penjikent’s archaeological site
    • Penjikent’s Rudaki Museum of History and Regional Studies, which holds frescoes from the archaeological site
  • Days 5-8: Istaravshan, Khujand, Dushanbe

    Cross the Shahriston Pass on the way to the 2,500-year-old town of Istaravshan. Stroll its winding alleys and visit Kuk Gumbaz, a beautiful 16th century mosque and madrassah. Continue to Khujand, Tajikistan’s second-largest city, located in the lush Fergana Valley. A square in its Old Town is home to the historic Muslihiddin Memorial Complex and Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric markets. Fly back to Dushanbe for a final night and a farewell dinner.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • The classic blue dome and intricate tile work of Kuk Gumbaz, Tajikistan’s only example of Timurid architecture – the style that predominates in Samarkand
    • The famed knife makers of Istaravshan, whose wares are for sale in the local bazaar
    • Muslihiddin Memorial Complex, which includes a 16th century mosque, a 19th century minaret, and the 12th century mausoleum of revered leader and poet Muslihiddin Khunjandi
    • Pink-painted Panjshanbe Bazaar, a large, lively covered market

Dates & Prices

Please note:

  • Private trip prices vary by season and are subject to hotel availability for your travel dates.
  • Listed prices below are based on double occupancy and a 2-traveler minimum.
  • Hotel upgrades, additional nights, and solo traveler prices are available on request.

Land tour price, per person, starting from:

  • 2024 Dates
    Available: April - October
    Tour, double occupancy
    $3,295
    Plus internal airfare
    $125
    Single supplement
    $495

What's Included

  • Tour Includes
    • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary.
    • Meals, as noted in the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
    • Restaurant tips for included meals.
    • One arrival and one departure airport transfer. (Additional arrival and departure transfers available at additional cost.) MIR will arrange for travelers to be met upon arrival and seen off on departure, whether we make your air arrangements or not.
    • Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private vehicle (size of vehicle depends on number of travelers in your group).
    • Evening cultural performances per the itinerary.
    • Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
    • Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers, and other staff.
    • Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
    • Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).
    • Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
  • Not Included
    • Internal airfare (internal airfare is quoted separately and is subject to change by airlines).
    • International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
    • Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
    • Single supplement charge, if requested or required.
    • Baggage handling.
    • Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
    • Gratuities to local guides and drivers.
    • Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees.
    • Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
    • Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Activity Level

Level 3: Medium, but Customizable

This ‘Essential’ itinerary designed for private travel features long days walking and standing, some rustic accommodations, some long days of overland travel, some stair climbing, unpaved sidewalks and streets, uneven surfaces and steps, absent handrails, and lack of elevators. While some of these challenges are inherent in the destinations and sites, as one of our Essential Series programs this trip can be modified as needed for those travelers who are looking for a less challenging (or more challenging) program.

There is a significant amount of touring on foot, and those travelers planning to take the program as written should be able to walk one to two miles a day comfortably. Footing can be an issue and travelers should be able to negotiate streets of packed dirt, cobblestones, uneven surfaces (possibly steep and/or wet), and deal with situations without handrails or ramps. Accommodations in rustic guesthouses and/or homestays may feature shared outdoor WC facilities, and may not offer showers. The accommodations at Lake Iskander Kul are listed as “Tourist Bungalow,” but are not freestanding private buildings – the usual configuration is more akin to a ground-level motel, with a line of adjacent private rooms each accessed directly from outdoors. Some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases. Museums and hotels rarely have elevators.

Past travelers have encountered challenges with bureaucratic service, road conditions, plumbing, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms. Accommodations in the basic program will vary from tourist class hotels to more basic homestays and/or guesthouses. Upgrades may be available in some cities, please call for details. Air-conditioning is a luxury and may not be available.

 

Traveler Reviews

  • "Amazing trip – good guides, good driver. Just amazing."

    R. & E. Ringgenberg

    West Chester, OH

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