City of five villages tour

Tour 7: City of five villages tour
Duration: 7 days
In short: Dushanbe – Hissor – Dushanbe – Khujand – Istaravshan – Penjakent – Dushanbe

Day 1: Dushanbe
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver at the airport. They will accompany you to Dushanbe. You will get in touch with the biggest Dushanbe sights during the guided city tour. You will walk along Rudake Park, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Another interesting object is the Flagpole, main national attribute in Tajikistan. It is located in the center of Dushanbe, to the left of the Nation Palace during your travel. This Flagpole entered the Guinness Book of Records as the Highest Flagpole in the world. For the acquaintance of history and culture of the country you will visit Central Museum and Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments. The tour will be completed with the visit to loval bazaar. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Dushanbe – Hissor – Dushanbe
Today you will drive to Hissor fortress dating back to VII–XVII centuries. The fort is located 35 km out of Dushanbe, along the Khanaka River. The current fort is not a straightforward task, as different buildings were added at different times. Recently, a wedding ceremony building was erected inside the fortress. The oldest surviving part of Hisor Fort is the arched gate, which is probably from around the year 500.  Madrasa I Kuhna and the Mahdumi Azam Mausoleum are some additions to the Old Mosque. One of the latest additions next to the fort is a caravanserai from 1808. After the excursion you will arrive to Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan. You will have a walk in Botanical garden and get the panoramic view of the city at the Victory Park.

Day 3: Dushanbe – Khujand
In the morning you will head over Khujand. The city is situated at the entrance of the Fergana Valley mostly on the left bank of Syr Darya to have a tour. It is the capital of Sughd province and the second largest city of Tajikistan. As a thousand years ago, today Khujand still has  significant transport importance. The shortest road from Central Uzbekistan to the Ferghana Valley passes through the city. Upon arrival you will travel the Cultural Palace of Khujant. The palace witnessed the first president election of the country. Then you will see the Central Mosque. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 4: Khudjand – Istaravshan – Khudjand
After the breakfast you will drive to old city Istaravshan. It is situated in the northern foothills of the Turkistan Range. The history of the city is dating back to II-VI centuries BC. In Persian literature it was mentioned as Kurukuda. It was famous in the past for its handicrafts, particularly carving, glazed pottery, embroidery, and gold and silver ornaments, but now has an economy based on fruit processing and wine making, though some crafts survive. In the center of the city you will see the 16th-century tiled Kok-Gumbez Mosque. Also, you will visit Mugtepa and a colorful oriental bazaar. After the tour you will drive back to Khujand. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Khujand – Penjakent
Today you will explore Penjakent, the town of five settlements. The road to Penjakent goes via Shahriston mountain pass. The city is lying at the entrance to Zeravshan Valley, famous in Tajikistan. The remains of old Sogdian Empire are just out of the city, on a hill overlooking the valley. Once it was the important cultural and crafts center during your travel. The ruins of the city were only found in the last century. Unlike most other ancient settlements it was never built over by subsequent dwellers. Today archaeologists have unearthed two Zoroastrian temples, modest dwellings, the necropolis and workshops, the citadel, which includes a large palace and fortified walls. The remains of the pre-Islamic and Zoroastrian civilizations are contrasting with the modern city. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Penjakent – Dushanbe
Today you will have a long drive from Penjakent to Dushanbe. The road lies along the magnificent mountains and includes a lot of passes, as well as Anzob pass and the Isticlol Tunnel. You will enjoy the picturesque valleys along the mountain rivers and capture amazing photos. In the evening you will arrive to Dushanbe. The transfer will take you to the hotel.

Day 7: Dushanbe – Airport
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport.

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 075 $
04 pax – 655 $
06 pax – 700 $
08 pax – 580 $
10 pax – 625 $
Single – 150 $

Early check-in – 35 $
Single early check-in – 55 $ 

Half board – 95 $
Full board – 185 $ 

English speaking guide – 600 $ per group

Transport:

02-04 pax – Hyundai Starex

06-08 pax – 2 cars: Hyundai Starex

10 pax – 3 cars: Hyundai Starex 

Service includes:
- Driver with a car
- Hotels:
      Dushanbe – “Meridians” Hotel 3*
      Khujand – “Firuz” Hotel 4*
      Penjakent – “Umariyon” Hotel 3*
- Entrance fees to all museums
- Bottled water during the tour                                            

Service does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- GBAO permit
- Travel insurance
- Guide with the competence of English language.