Yagnob valley and Fann mountains in one tour
Tour Description
It is clear to all visitors who want to come to Tajikistan that Fann mountains is the best place to trek over ,especially for trekkers. We can't imagine the trekking of Tajikistan without Fann mountains. Here located some of the highest peaks of Central Asia. For instance, one of them is Chimtarga peak(5489m above sea level). It is not the last also there exists one of the pearls of the world history with the name of Yagnob valley. There are situated the most historical and ancient villages of Central Asia in Yagnob valley. Here live the remaining representatives of Sogdian nationality. Amount of this type of nation decreasing day by day. Their amount is about 4000 now. They live in the altitudes of more than 3500m above sea level in too bad conditions. It is very impressive to observe their lifestyle, strange traditions and cultures. You have to see it by yourself, by your own eyes,certainly with the best services of our company which make your journey more unforgettable and memorable.
Description of the itinerary:
DAY 1 PANJAKENT
DAY 2 PANJAKENT - SEVEN LAKES
DAY 3 SEVEN LAKES - VORU VILLAGE
DAY 4 VORU VILLAGE - MOUNTAI VILLAG OF KHUMORIGUNG- RUKNOBOD
DAY 5 RUKNOBO - ISKANDARKUL
DAY 6 ISKANDARKUL- MARGHEB
DAY 7 MARGEB - BIDEV - SHOVITA
DAY 8 SHOVITA- PISKON
DAY 9 PISKON- ISTARVSHAN
DAY 10 ISTARAVSHAN- KHUJAND
DAY 11 KHUJAND - DUSHANBE
DAY 12 DUSHANBE
Day 1 Samarkand - Panjakent
Uzbekista - Tajikistan border crossing (that takes approximatel 1 hour in the morning ) . After crossing the border going for hotel accommodation. And now, let's go to discover Panjakent city!
Panjakent: an ancient welcome to Tajikistan
Panjakent was once the capital of the Sogdian Empire, a Zoroastrian civilization well predating Islam in the region. There are several ancient sites in the area worth visiting on your way to the mountains.
Places to visit around Panjakent:
Sarazm: A stone’s throw away from the border crossing are the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm. More than 5,000 years old, they’re remains of the first agricultural society in Central Asia. A remarkably tall human skeleton, dubbed the “Princess of Sarazm”, was found here with some of her ornaments. Archaeologists also found artifacts indicating ancient trading routes stretching as far as modern day Iran and Pakistan.
Panjakent Bazaar: This bazaar has a beautiful central building ringed by brick archways. It’s a good place to stock up on trekking snacks like nuts and dried fruits, or get your first taste of Tajik hospitality.
Old Panjakent: The 1,500+ year old ruins of ancient Panjakent are outside the city, accessible by taxi or hitchhiking. The hilltop site spans several kilometers; roam through it at your leisure. Here archaeologists found remarkably well-preserved frescoes. They’ve since been relocated to the Rudaki Museum in Panjakent, the National Museum in Dushanbe, and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia. You can see copies in the small museum at the Old Panjakent entrance. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 Panjakent- Seven Lakes( Haftkul)
Haft Kul: teary lakes
Seven small lakes make up the Haft Kul, “ lakes”, in northwest Tajikistan. Legend says they’re the tears of the daughters of a missing man. Science says they were created after earthquakes altered the Shing River’s course.Whichever version you prefer, the Haft Kul road is one of Tajikistan’s most accessible treks; the perfect introduction to Tajikistan’s natural beauty.
To the lakes! Getting to the Haft Kul can be as easy or as strenuous as you like—you decide how far to trek. Aside from the azure lakes, there are plenty of villages to wander through, with many kind locals happy invite travelers for tea.
The final lake of Haft Kul: Hazor Chashma, thousand springs.The slope is gentle, the altitude low (the the lake is around 2,400 m/7870 ft). Overnight in Homestay.
Day 3 Seven Lakes - Voru village
After having breakfast driving to Voru village.This village located on the altitude more tha 3000m above sea level . It's name is VORU . Also the village is considered to be one of the most ancient villages not only in Tajikistan but also in Central Asia . But still the village is not excavated by scientists in depth. The main thing which amaze every visitors is the location of the houses . Voru differ from other village for his strange and various traditions and cultures. It seems like a grandiose multistorey in the heart of skyscraper mountains . Here just WOWW . Be ready , you are not going to visit just a village you are in the Stone Age. Dinner in the guesthouse .Overnight in traditional Guesthouse.
Day 4 Voru village - Mountain village of Khumorigun - Ruknobod
Breakfast and we will continue the path to Khumorigung village. Now you may be surprised but you will not find any foreign footprints here. The interesting thing is the population and the living condition of them. Especially their homes that seem more like caves. Afternoon we will continue towards Ruknobod. . And this day you have a good opportunit to rest and try tastes of some tajik national meals. Overnight in a traditional house.
Day 5 Ruknobod - Iskandarkul ( Alexander the Great lake)
Iskanderkul is a mountain lake of glacial origin in Tajikistan's Sughd Province. It lies at an altitude of 2,195 metres (7,201 ft) on the northern slopes of the Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains. Triangular in shape, it has a surface area of 3.4 square kilometres (1.3 sq mi) and is up to 72 metres (236 ft) deep. Formed by a landslide that blocks the Saratogh river, the outflow of the lake is called the Iskander Darya, which joins the Yaghnob River to form the Fan Darya, a major left tributary of the Zeravshan River.
Iskanderkul a milky-blue lake with numerous green treetops in the foreground and multiple steep-sided mountains in the background. According to the legend, the Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Lunch at the traditional homestay "Dilovar". After, you will stroll around the lake, explore five springs and Zmeinoe (Snake) Lake, walk to 38 m high waterfall that local people compare to Niagara and call Fanskaya Niagara (Niagara of Fann). Overnight in Homestay.
Day 6 Iskandarkul- Margheb
Transfer from Iskandarkul to Yagnob -Margeb village. Arriving Margeb you will feel the real smell of natural odours . This village is very expiring start of trip. Walking around village, meeting guide & porters. Lunch & Dinner at the homestay. Overnight at the homestay.
Day 7 Margheb – Bidev – Shovita
After breakfast trekking to Bidev – Shovita. In Yagnob it is still possible to hear the Sogdian language being spoken. Such a possibility will be in Bidev, which is located 22 km from Margheb. Although here are a further 22 km of finished road, it would be great joy to undertake the walk along the Yagnob River. The hiking will lead west along Yagnob Gorge, till Shovita, where the remains of an old mill could be found. The hike is not technically difficult. Breakfast at the homestay, Lunch – picnic, Dinner at the camp. Overnight: Camping
Day 8 Shovita- Piskon.
Passage along the Yagnob River and coming to the heart of Yagnob Gorge – the settlements of Pscon and Naumetcan. Hike to Piskon. We are in the heart of Yagnob Valley. It is supposed to be the core zone of the future ethnographical park, where no external impact is supposed to be allowed. Trekking distance 12km; approx 5 – 6hrs. The hike is not technically difficult. Breakfast at the camp. Lunch – picnic. Dinner at the homestay. Overnight at the homestay.
Day 9 Piskon- Istaravshan
Today is your last day in Yagnob valley. After in the morning driving toward istaravshan through shakhristan tunnel. Visit a local bazaar, Hazrati Shah architectural complex, which consists of Hazrat Shah mausoleum, the grave of brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, Khudayar Valami mausoleum, and Namazgah mosque dating back to 19th century. Continue to Mug teppe, one of the ancient settlements in Istaravshan. The city is believed to be founded by king Cyrus in the north-east boundary of his empire. Overnight in the homestay .
Day 10 Istaravshan- Khujand
Breakfast. at 10:00, after sightseeing in khujand: Republican historical-ethnographic museum, Timur-malik fortress, archaeological museum, mosque and madrasah of Sheikh Muslihiddin, Payshanba bazaar and a lot of significant sights . Overnight in the hotel.
Day 11 Khujand - Dushanbe
Dushanbe
Dushanbe as the capital of Tajikistan considered to be one of the most safest cities in Asia. For it's good security Dushanbe was awarded with reward of "The city of independence " by UNESCO in 2004 . And again by increasing of security stage in Dushanbe this reward was given to the city again. Nowadays Dushanbe is acknowledged as cultural, historical and modern city with fully significant sights. Here also located the highest flag in the world.
Dushanbe: a perfectly pleasant city!
Places to visit in Dushanbe for today:
National Museum: the museum has some interesting collections you will enjoy: some of the frescoes from Old Panjakent, and an entire top floor with unique artworks from Tajik artists.
Rudaki Park: Dushanbe’s prettiest park is next to the National Museum. Its tree-lined ways contain everything from Palace of Nations (where the president works) to eccentricities like the second tallest flagpole in the world. Visit after a trip to the museum, but know the park really comes alive at night.
Rohat Chaikhana: Massive teahouse on Rudaki Avenue. Beautifully decorated and a pleasant place to have an affordable nice lunch outside. You can sit in a columned open hall, or an elaborate wooden interior.
Museum of Antiquities: I know, I know, museums. But wait: it contains the bones of the Princess of Sarazm (creepy, but cool), plus an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
Mehrgon Bazaar: Grand bazaar in the north of the city where you can buy everything from freshly diced carrots to stuffed dried dates.
Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre: Here you can see operas or ballets in a grand theater for unbeatable prices. Pop in to see if any shows are on!
Sim Sim brewery: Tajikistan’s favorite beer is brewed here in Dushanbe. You can enjoy two varieties of local brew on its rooftop terrace, or in the restaurant. Food and regional bar snacks are on offer
Botanical Garden: A short walk from Chatr Café, stroll in this sprawling garden where couples and families enjoy days out. However, if you’re not already at the cafe I don’t think it’s worth a trip—there are other parks in Dushanbe. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12 Dushanbe
After breakfast driving to Dushanbe. This day you have enough time to visit to most famous sights of the city and walk enough . Dushanbe would be a good final city . You can rest and enjoy this final day drinking some kinds of local beers.
Places to visit for today :
Kurutobhona Olim: Kurutob is one of the few Central Asian dishes that will excite you. Strips of bread, yogurt, salad, and herbs make up this curious but delicious dish (one of the few decent vegetarian options in Tajikistan!). Olim restaurant, outside the city center, is a popular local lunch spot.
Navruz Palace: Kokhi Navruz is an attractive palace on the water that’s been converted to a place for events and entertainment. Its grand halls overflow with woodwork, ceiling frescoes, and tiled mosaics. Visit its interior and/or dine at one of the teahouses by its entrance.
Chavonon Gardens: Lining a lake and beachfront behind Navruz Palace, these small gardens are a popular hangout spot in afternoons and evenings. There’s a small cafe on the water where you can sit and people watch.
Driving to Airport for departure. End of tour.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
-All transfers and transport;
-All accommodation. Hotel,Guest houses and Home stays.
-All meals (B.L.D.)
-All entrance and sightseeing fees;
-1L bottled water per day for each
-Guide service;
-VAT Tax and Profit of organization;
-Eco Tax;
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
-Visa, international flight;
-Photo and video charges;
-All personal expenses (extra luggage fee, room service, medical expenses/insurance, etc.)
-Fees for extra service (folklore performance, meetings);
-Tips to the guides, drivers and donkey men;
single accommodation
-Alcoholic beverages
