Dushanbe

Welcome to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan! Our guide and the driver will pick you up at the airport and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day is fully scheduled.

First, accompanied by your private guide, visit the National Museum of Antiquities. It was originally dedicated to archaeological study and now displays over 5,000 pieces of cultural relics.

Afterward, tour the scenic Botanical Garden, where lush vegetation from all over the world provides a habitat for rare migratory birds.

Victory Park

Then, pay homage to the deceased soldiers of the Eastern Front War (1941-1945) in the Victory Park. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Hisor Fortress

★ Trace Back Trading Days of Ancient Silk Road After breakfast, we’ll first have an excursion to the 2,500-year-old Hisor Fortress, which was once a flourishing settlement on the ancient Silk Road that connected the East and the West.

Rudaki Park

After the historic exploration, soak up the relaxed ambience and fresh air mingled with a faint fragrance of flowers in Rudaki Park.

National Library of Tajikistan

Then, tick off a series of Soviet-style buildings from the exterior: the magnificent National Library, the Palace of Nations, the Stele with the Emblem of Tajikistan, the Parliament, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Dushanbe Flagpole, which is the world’s second-tallest flagpole, 165 meters (541 feet) in height! We’ll also admire the Statue of Ismoil Somoni, which is in memory of the "Father of the Tajik Nation."

National Museum of Tajikistan

Afterward, visit the National Museum, showing an overall history of the country with more than 50,000 artifacts.

Navruz Palace

Next, head to the opulent Navruz Palace, decorated with magnificent wood carvings, mosaics, murals, crystals, etc. Finally, experience the local market life in the bustling Asian Bazaar.

Nurek Dam

Today, we’ll drive for around 1.5 hours to Nurek City and admire the Nurek Dam, the world's second-highest dam, around 300 meters (984 feet) high. We’ll stop by a viewing platform for panoramic views of the grand dam nestled on the Vakhsh River, one of the main rivers in Tajikistan, and the Nurek Reservoir, whose vast green waters stretch far away, surrounded by red mountains. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Dushanbe, and the rest of the day is at your command.

Iskanderkul Lake

Today, say farewell to Dushanbe and explore Iskanderkul Lake. We’ll head north along the M34 Highway and drive through the Anzob Pass. After about 3 hours, arrive at the triangle-shaped Iskanderkul Lake. Later, enjoy a 40-minute hike along the riverbank until you reach the Iskanderkul Waterfall, which cascades down from a height of around 40 meters (131 feet). We’ll also cross a small hill overlooking Iskanderkul Lake to admire the Snake Lake, locally known as Kulimoron. At noon, return to Iskanderkul Lake, and we’ll leave the rest of the day for you to explore the area at your own pace.

Today, we’ll drive through Zarafshan Valley and Alauddin Lakes, which feature unrealistically highly saturated hues, and arrive at Panjakent in 5 hours, a prosperous settlement on the ancient Silk Road.

First, we will visit the ancient city of Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has a history of 5,500 years. Sarazm means "the beginning of the world".

Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki

Then, learn more about Sogdians in the Republican Museum of History and Local Lore of Rudaki, which displays exhibits unearthed from the ancient city, including pottery, wood carvings, elaborate traditional jewelry, and murals, as well as the diverse domestic and foreign coins.

Ancient Town of Panjakent

Afterward, head to the outskirts to visit the Ancient Town of Panjakent, one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in Central Asia. Today’s tour ends at a less commercialized but authentic bazaar. At last, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

Seven Lakes

Today, your private guide will accompany you 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Panjakent to explore Seven Lakes, a chain of high-altitude glacial lakes taking on varied hues of emerald, turquoise and dark blue. Our first stop will be the 4th lake, Nofin, where we’ll enjoy a short hike. After the hike, hop in the car and pass by the 5th lake, Khurdak, the smallest of the seven. Continue driving until we reach the 6th lake, Marguzor, regarded as the largest and most impressive, from which we’ll hike to the 7th lake, Hazorchasma. En route, cross a small gravel hill, atop which you won’t miss marvelous bird’s-eye views of the lakes and the valley. After visit, we’ll drive back to Panjakent.

Dushanbe

After breakfast, we will drive back to Dushanbe along the M34 Highway, which connects the capital and Khujand. About 3 hours later, we’ll pass through the 5,000-meter (16,404-foot) long Anzob Tunnel, also called the "Tunnel of Death," for its lack of lighting and ventilation facilities and numerous hidden pits. However, have faith in our skilled local driver who is so familiar with the road conditions, and fully immerse yourself in the excitement and stunning scenery! Out of the tunnel, keep on driving for around 2 hours. After arriving in Dushanbe and completing the check-in procedure, enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Dushanbe

Your Tajikistan private tours will come to an end today. Our guide and the driver will send you to the airport and see you off.