• Overall

  Travel to Tajikistan over the Nowruz Persian New Year and experience Buzkashi ('goat-pulling' on horseback sport), ancient history, and breathtaking scenery.

  As a crossroads of Central Asia and the Silk Road, Tajikistan has a rich and vibrant culture bringing together Persian, Greek, Turkic, Mongol, Russian, and Soviet cultures throughout the ages.

  We'll explore southern Tajikistan from the capital Dushanbe, the centre of modern Tajik culture and set out across the countryside to find Buzkashi - goat pulling. Watch as hundreds of horse riders work in teams and as individuals to pull a goat carcass through a goal. Dubbed the 'world's most dangerous sport', Buzkashi is a sight to behold!

  We'll then head north over the beautiful and rugged Fann Mountains in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Babur, the first Mughal emperor, on the way stopping at the large Khoja Obi Garm Soviet sanatorium - a gigantic Bond villain-like hideout - and the crystal clear waters of Lake Alexander. You'll then pass through the 5 km long Anzob tunnel before reaching the Sughd region, once ancient Sogdia at the mouth of the Fergana Valley.

  This tour will be led by expert tour leader Rich Beal, who has extensive experience planning and leading tours throughout Tajikistan and Central Asia. Because of Rich's close connection to the country, his fellow Tajik guides and friends joke that Tajikistan is his third home (China and Mongolia being first and second)!

  Looking to travel the Pamir Highway? See Koryo Tours' Pamir Highway Mountain Crossroads Tour in August from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the M41 Highway through the Pamir Mountains.

  Please see below for the Buzkashi and Persian New Year Tour highlights, itinerary, and additional information.

  Highlights

  • Travel north across the stunning landscape of the Fann Mountains.
  • Experience Buzkashi (goat-pulling), Central Asia's most dangerous sport.
  • Explore the ancient Sogdian culture and the history of the Fergana Valley, the crossroads of the world and once the farthest outpost in Alexander the Great’s empire.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 10

  1. March 18 | Thursday

     Arrival Day

     Flights to Dushanbe

     • Fly to Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) from a few international destinations (Istanbul, Dubai, and Almaty offering the best worldwide connections). Let us know when and where you are flying from, and we will arrange your pick-up!
        
     • The morning is for you to settle in and acclimatise at your own pace. With the tour group arriving on various flights throughout the morning, this time is yours to explore the local area or rest before the scheduled itinerary begins.

     Hissar Fortress

     • Afternoon Briefing | An initial pre-tour meeting to discuss the itinerary and logistics.
        
     • Hissar Fortress | A visit to this massive site, which dates back to the era of Cyrus the Great (600 BCE). The restored fortress houses a museum that provides a clear introduction to the country's history and serves as a popular gathering spot for locals.
        
     • Lenin Statue | A stop at a local school in Dushanbe to view and photograph an impressive statue of Lenin.
        
     • Welcome Group Dinner | A group dinner in the evening, providing the first formal opportunity for everyone to meet and dine together. You will have the chance to sample local food, including traditional kebabs, salads, and fresh bread.

     
     Accommodation | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

     A new hotel located within 5 minutes walk of the central city. This comfortable hotel has beautiful rooms located on a designated floor. It has free laundry facilities, a kitchen area and a reading room. Breakfast is provided. (Buffet-style in the main restaurant area).

     Included Meals | Lunch and Dinner

  2. March 19 | Friday

     Dushanbe City Tour

     • Victory Park | This memorial complex was constructed to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945). It bestows its visitors with the best views over the capital. It is also a tranquil spot from where to enjoy a nice shaded walk.
        
     • Rudaki Avenue | Formerly Lenin Street, this road runs north from Dushanbe Train Station, past many of the city sites and highlights. For many visitors, this is not only a walk through the capital but a walk back through the history of Dushanbe. The Avenue shaded by beautiful trees incorporates a central tree-lined boulevard perfect for cover on those hot summer days.
        
     • Park of the Flag of Tajikistan | The flag of Tajikistan weighs 700 kilograms and flies on a flagpole that once was the tallest in the world. With its 'mere' 165 meters, today it only ranks no. 4. The flagpole was erected for the anniversary of Tajik independence in 2011.
        
     • Monument of Ismaili Somoni | The statue of the former amir of the Sadamik Empire and Tajik national hero is situated on the site of the old Lenin statue.
        
     • Rudaki Park | A scenic, meticulously landscaped garden area featuring fountains, statues, manicured lawns, trees from across the globe, and a plethora of stunning flowers.
        
     • National Museum | Here we will learn a little more about the beautiful country we have been visiting.
        
     • Victory Tank Monument | After lunch, we will drive to this monument known by locals as Oslinie Ushi which translates to “The donkey ears" and visit the botanical gardens.
        
     • World’s Largest Tea House | We finish our day with a visit to the world’s largest tea house with its amazingly decadent interior.

     Accommodation | Hotel Vatan

     Included Meals | Breakfast and Lunch

  3. March 20 | Saturday

     Anzob Village and the Varzob Valley

     Drive to the Varzob Valley

     • After breakfast, we drive out of Dushanbe following the Varzob River north to the stunning Varzob Valley. Along the way, we pass scenic lakes, stunning geological formations, and the unique palatial residences of the Tajik elite.
        
     • The morning is for joining friends for traditional Tajik hospitality at their home in the small village of Anzob. For those who wish to, there is an option to hike into the mountains for expansive views of the surrounding valley.
        
     • Anzob Village | Experience local hospitality in a traditional home setting.
        
     • Mountain Hike | An optional trek into the nearby peaks for views of the Varzob Valley.

     Back to Dushanbe

     • Local Holiday Events | Upon our return to Dushanbe, we will stop to enjoy any local celebrations taking place, such as holiday wrestling, dancing, or singing.
        
     • Free Time | Late afternoon is yours for independent exploration. The city will be decorated for the holidays, and a lively weekend atmosphere is expected.

     Accommodation | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

     Included Meals | Breakfast and Lunch

  4. March 21 | Sunday

     The Buzkashi: Central Asia's Most Exciting Sport

     Buzkashi

     • Today, we head out to witness the most remarkable sporting event imaginable: Buzkashi. Please note that we may have a long drive, as the location of this spectacular event changes annually. The aim is to arrive as the competitors gather and the game begins its setup.
        
     • The day is dedicated to experiencing the intensity of the matches. We will stay until the conclusion of the event to make the best use of our time for photography and to soak in the atmosphere.
        
     • Buzkashi | A flamboyantly aggressive game played by hundreds of men on horseback, wrestling over a goat carcass.
        
     • Spectator Experience | Spend the day at the sports fields for world-class photography, mingling, and people-watching.

     Afternoon Festivities

     • Local Celebrations | In addition to Buzkashi, there may be traditional wrestling and dancing. Local snacks and drinks are often available for sale on-site. Use the opportunity to interact with the locals, who are considered some of the friendliest people in Central Asia.

     Accommodation | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

     Included Meals | Breakfast and Lunch

  5. March 22 | Monday

     The Fann Mountains and the Surreal Khoja Obi Garm Spa

     Drive to the Sanatorium

     • After a later start today, we drive through the mountains until we reach our destination: Khoja Obi Garm. This massive sanatorium is built directly into the mountainside above natural hot springs, resembling a James Bond villain’s lair crossed with the hotel from The Shining.
        
     • The afternoon is dedicated to experiencing this authentic relic of the USSR. You can explore the sprawling, surreal complex or take advantage of the various on-site health facilities.

     Khoja Obi Garm

     • Khoja Obi Garm | An iconic Soviet-era mountain spa and architectural marvel.
        
     • Spa Treatments | Enjoy a full range of traditional treatments, from radon baths and massages to swimming or even leeches.

     Evening at the Complex

     • Free Time | Use the late afternoon and evening to explore the hallways and grounds of this massive building. The atmosphere is unique and hard to find in the modern world.

     Accommodation | Khoja Obi Garm Spa, Fann Mountains (Basic but comfortable Soviet-era rooms)

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  6. March 23 | Tuesday

     Khujand: The Farthest Extent of Alexander the Great's Empire

     Drive to the Fergana Valley

     • This morning, we bid farewell to our villain's lair and drive north toward Khujand. The route through the Hissar Mountains is an adventure in itself, featuring a passage through the 5 km-long Iranian-built Anzob Tunnel.
        
     • Iskander Kul | Also known as Alexander Lake, the historic spot where Alexander the Great is said to have stopped for lunch during his advance through Central Asia. A stunning mountain lake steeped in ancient Macedonian history.
        
     • Fergana Valley | Cross into the ancient crossroads of the Silk Road and continental trade.

     Khujand

     • Lenin Statue | Upon arriving in Khujand (formerly Leninabad), we will visit a massive statue of Lenin located at a local hydroelectric dam, a true example of "Communism personified."
        
     • Free Time | Spend the evening settling into the northern capital, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.

     Accommodation | Local hotel, Khujand

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  7. March 24 | Wednesday

     Exploring Khujand: Silk Road Fortresses and Soviet Curiosities

     • Panjshanbe Market | We begin our day at the traditional Panjshanbe Market, one of the largest in Central Asia. We’ll immerse ourselves in local life, hunting for bargains ranging from local snacks to Soviet memorabilia. A bustling hub of local trade and one of Central Asia’s premier markets.
        
     • Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum and Mosque | Here we will admire the 16^th-century carpentry and learn about the history of Islam in the region.
        
     • Khujand Fortress | a Silk Road fortification that has stood for over 2,500 years. The onsite museum provides a deep dive into the history of the entire region.
        
     • Arbob Cultural Palace | A 1950s recreation of the St. Petersburg Winter Palace, originally built as a Soviet collective farm headquarters.

     Accommodation | Local hotel, Khujand

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  8. March 25 | Thursday

     Ancient Panjikent: The Birthplace of Persian Poetry

     Drive Through the Fann Mountains

     • Departing Khujand, we retrace our steps over the Fann Mountains, following a stunning river valley toward Panjikent. The drive is a visual treat, with apricot blossoms dotting the countryside and enormous geological formations dwarfing our path.
        
     • Tomb and Museum of Rudaki | A tribute to the 9th-century poet Abu Abdullah Rudaki, widely considered the father of Persian poetry, in his ancestral homeland.

     Sogdian Ruins

     • Ancient Panjikent | A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Sogdian ruins. We will explore the 5th-century foundations of houses, the citadel, the city bazaar, and Zoroastrian fire temples.
        
     • Dinner | Tonight’s dinner is served in a traditional style in a beautiful local home, offering an authentic taste of Tajik life.

     Accommodation | Sugd Hotel, Panjikent

     A charming, locally-run guesthouse known for its friendly owner.

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  9. March 26 | Friday

     Return to Dushanbe: Cognac and Capital Exploration

     Markets and Soviet Relics

     • This morning, we bid farewell to Panjikent.
        
     • Panjikent Market | A final chance to experience the vibrant local trade of the region.
        
     • Soviet Cognac Factory | A photography session and tasting at a sprawling, historic industrial site.

     Return to the Capital

     • Free Time | Arriving back in Dushanbe by mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is yours. You may choose to visit a history museum, browse unique Soviet-era antique shops, or finish your holiday shopping.
        
     • Farewell Dinner | We gather for our final included dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our journey through Tajikistan.

     Accommodation | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  10. March 27 | Saturday

      Departure day

      • Flights leave from Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) to Istanbul, Dubai, and Almaty, offering the best worldwide connections. Let us know when and where you are going, and we will get you there on time!
         
      • Extensions are possible to other regions of Tajikistan and beyond. Please speak to your Tour Manager to discuss options.

      Included Meals | Breakfast

      End of Tour

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • English-speaking local guides and Koryo Tours Tour Leader
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation
  • All entry fees for attractions and sights
  • All transportation in the country
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at the start and end of the tour (on arrival and departure day)

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to Tajikistan
  • Single room supplement unless otherwise specified (US $50 per night)
  • Early check-in US $50 per night
  • Spending money on drinks and souvenirs
  • Tajikistan visa fees at other embassies vary
  • Tip for the guides (approx. US $15 per day)
  • Not all meals are covered, but we will make recommendations if needed
  • Occasional extra performances
  • Airport Transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) 30 USD

• Notes

  **This tour will be accompanied by a Koryo Tours tour leader if there are over five passengers booked**

  VISA APPLICATION TO TAJIKISTAN

  It is now possible to purchase your visa online, making our visit to Tajikistan much easier. Please see here for more information. Upon booking, we will help should further information be required.

  IMPORTANT NOTE TO TOURISTS

  This tour is a group trip designed to have a good amount of free time. We will give you ideas if you want to go out exploring or just take it easy at a café.

  Please be on time and return to the hotel in the evening.

  Please note we will be driving relatively long distances, and seats can be hard. So we suggest bringing a travel pillow/neck support. The view and experience more than make up for a little discomfort, though.

  Khoja Obi Garm Spa

  Please note this is a Radon spa which has radioactive properties. There are various thoughts on whether this is good for you or not!

  Please read up beforehand and make your own decision.

  The different types of treatment with steam sauna and water jets, massage etc. It is in a beautiful mountain area and worthwhile even for those not taking the spa treatments. The Russians built the spa over a religious shrine. For those of you not taking a sauna go pop out and try and find it in this beautiful mountainscape. Massage is 60 somoni for head body arms. You just need to wear pants, and towels are provided. (Radon shower included if you want!).

  More on Khoja Obi Spa here.

  Carry a colour photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

  USEFUL TIPS

  Taxis

  In 2017 most journeys cost around 20-30 somoni but make sure you agree to a price beforehand.

  Internet

  Segafroid Café in Dushanbe is a good place for internet, and Western food- open for billiards and ten-pin bowling cost 120 somonis per hour.

  The Segafroid Café is about a 20 somoni taxi ride from the Hotel Lotus. Dushanbe has the world’s largest tea house open for billiards, and ten-pin bowling costs 120 per hour.

  Weather

  Bring sun protection cream. Bring hand sanitiser and toilet paper.

  Early Spring weather so bring a light jumper and jacket. However, we will be heading into the mountains so have some warm clothing also as there will be snow.

  If fewer than 6 to 7 passengers are booked, this tour will be led by a local leader only.

Please apply by 18th February, 2027.