Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Tajikistan — Fann Mountains Alpine Trek & Silk Road |
| Price From | $1,595 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Trekking / Alpine Lakes & Cultural Heritage |
| Data Source | Asia Odyssey Travel — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Dushanbe to Iskanderkul Lake
Drive from Dushanbe into the Fann Mountains. Arrive at Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great (Iskander in Persian) who supposedly passed through. This stunning alpine lake at 2,195m is surrounded by 5,000m peaks. Visit the waterfall at the lake’s outlet. Overnight at a lakeside guesthouse.
Day 2: Iskanderkul to Seven Lakes
Drive to the Marguzor Lakes (Seven Lakes), each a different color — deep blue, turquoise, emerald green, milky white — formed by mineral content and depth. Hike between the lakes through juniper forests. Overnight at a homestay in the village.
Day 3: Seven Lakes to Penjikent
Morning hike to the upper lakes. Afternoon drive to Penjikent, the “Pompeii of Central Asia” — the ruins of a 5th-8th century Sogdian city that rivaled Samarkand. Frescoes from noble houses show scenes of the Sogdian elite. Museum visit. Overnight in Penjikent.
Day 4: Penjikent to Khujand via Istaravshan
Drive through the Zeravshan Valley via Istaravshan (ancient Cyropol, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC). Visit the colorful bazaar and the massive 15th-century Kok Gumbaz Mosque. Continue to Khujand, Tajikistan’s second city. Overnight in Khujand.
Day 5: Khujand — Alexander’s City
Full day exploring Khujand (ancient Alexandria Eschate — “Alexandria the Farthest,” founded by Alexander the Great in 329 BC as his northernmost city). Visit the Khujand Fortress (reconstructed on its original site), the Panjshanbe Bazaar (Tajikistan’s largest), the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque, and the Arbob Palace (a Soviet-era masterpiece). Overnight in Khujand.
Day 6: Khujand to Dushanbe — Mountain Crossing
Drive through the stunning Shahristan Pass (3,378m) and the 5km Anzob Tunnel (the “Tunnel of Death” — an adventurous ride!). Arrive in Dushanbe. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Day 7: Dushanbe & Hissar Fortress
Morning visit to the Hissar Fortress (18th century) with its twin madrasas. Afternoon: Dushanbe city tour. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Day 8: Depart Dushanbe
Transfer to airport.
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast + 5 dinners
- All transport (4×4 vehicle)
- Seven Lakes hiking (2 days)
- Iskanderkul Lake stay
- Penjikent archaeological site
- Khujand fortress and bazaar
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking guide
Why Tajikistan
- Seven Lakes — each a different impossible color in the heart of the Fann Mountains
- Penjikent — the Pompeii of Central Asia, 1,500-year-old frescoes in a lost Sogdian city
- Iskanderkul — Alexander the Great’s lake at the foot of 5,000m peaks
- Khujand — Alexandria the Farthest, founded by Alexander himself in 329 BC
