See the Buzkashi, Central Asia’s 'most
dangerous sport', and travel to Tajikistan
over the Nowruz Persian New Year.
From 2,200 USD per person
Travel to Tajikistan over the Nowruz Persian New Year and see the Buzkashi (goat-pulling on horseback), 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 culture throughout the ages.
Beginning from the capital Dushanbe, centre of modern Tajik culture, we’ll explore southern Tajikistan and set out across the countryside to find the Buzkashi. Watch as hundreds of horsemen work in teams and as individuals to pull a goat carcass though 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 colossal Khoja Obi Garm Soviet sanatorium - a gigantic Bond villain-like hideout - and the crystal clear waters of Lake Alexander, and 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 like to joke the country is basically 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.
VISA APPLICATION TO TAJIKISTAN
It is now possible to purchase your visa online, which makes our visit to Tajikistan a lot easier.
Please see the following link for more information: https://www.evisa.tj
Upon booking we will help should any further information be required.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO TOURISTS
This tour is a group trip but 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 that 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 Gharm 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 various 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 spa was built by the Russians over a religious shrine – for those of you not taking a sauna go pop out and try and find it in this beautiful mountain scape. Massage is 60 somoni head body arms, just need to wear pants or towel provided (radon shower included if you want! )
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 a price beforehand.
Segafroid Café in Dushanbe is a good place for internet and Western food- open for billiards and ten pin bowling cost 120 somoni per hour. The Segafroid Café is about a 20 somoni taxi ride from the Hotel Lotus.
Dushanbe has the the world’s largest tea house is open for billiards and ten-pin bowling cost 120 per hour.
Bring sun protection cream.
Bring hand sanitiser and toilet paper.
WEATHER
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.
Please apply by 9th March, 2019.
My next tour will be to:
info@koryogroup.com | + 86 10 6416 7544
27 Bei Sanlitun Nan (East Courtyard).
Chaoyang District. Beijing 100027. P.R China
中国北京市朝阳区北三里屯南 27 号 (东侧院),
邮编:100027
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