• Overall

  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.

  Highlights

  • Travel north across the stunning landscape of the Fann Mountains.
  • Drive through the infamous 5-km Anzob Tunnel.
  • Experience Buzkashi (goat-pulling), Central Asia's most dangerous sport
  • Explore the ancient Sogdian culture and the history of the Fergana Valley, crossroads of the world and once the farthest outpost in Alexander the Great’s empire.
  • Get a taste of Czarist Russia at the Arbob Palace, a recreation of St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace in the heart of Central Asia.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 10

  1. Thursday 21 March

     Arrival day in Dushanbe
     
     AM
     • This morning is a free morning for settling in, exploring and acclimatizing whilst we wait for the whole tour group to arrive on different flights.
     PM
     
     • After our initial pre-tour meeting and briefing, we drive to the Hissar fortress. This large fort is said to date back to Cyrus the Great (600BC) and to have been captured 21 times by invading forces. Much of this area has been restored, but it has a lovely museum that offers a nice introduction to this fascinating country - a great chance to learn about the country's history and catch up with local people.
     • Upon our return to Dushanbe we will stop by a local school to photograph an interesting statue of Lenin. 
       
     
     Meals | Lunch and Welcome Dinner in Dushanbe.
     
     Overnight | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe. A new hotel located within 5 minutes walk of the main city. This comfortable hotel has beautiful rooms located on a designated floor with free laundry facilities, kitchen area and reading room. Breakfast provided buffet style in the main restaurant area.

  2. Friday 22 March

     Dushanbe City Tour

     AM

     • We begin our day with a morning walking tour of Dushanbe both by car and by foot, visiting the following locations: 
       
       
     • Victory Park | Built in 1975 commemorating the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, this Soviet built monument offers great views of Dushanbe. 
     • Rudaki & Somoni Avenues | The two main streets in Dushanbe formally known as Lenin street and Putovskiy street. These grand avenues were renamed in the early 1990s after the poet Rudaki and the ancient king Ismail Somoni. Lined with a mixture of past Soviet architecture and modern Tajik grand buildings.
     • Rudaki Park | A beautifully laid out park with a grand statue of the poet Rudaki, located opposite the brilliant national library building. 
     • Ismaili Somoni Monument | This amazing statue of the the ancient king stands on the former site of Lenin. it is said that Somoni's crown contains 10 kilograms of Tajik gold. 
     • Mehrgon market building | With many of the cities old market places now closed in Dushanbe's drive for modernization we visit one of the new areas where local people travel to buy fruit and vegetables as well as other necessities. 
       
     PM
     
     • National Museum of Antiquities | this museum gives us a more in-depth look at the complicated history of Tajikistan and the surrounding countries.
     • Botanical Gardens | Popular for wedding groups as well as housing a vast range of Central Asian flora.
     • National Tea house | For end-of-day relaxation this was once the largest tea house in the world, but it has now been remodeled as an entertainment facility for local people. now holding a cinema, bowling alleys and various shops. we can still visit to view the amazingly intricate work carried out in its construction.  
       
     
     Meals | Breakfast and Lunch.
     
     Overnight |  Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe. 
     

  3. Saturday 23 March

     Anzob Village and the Varzob Valley

     AM

     • 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 bizarre palatial residences of the Tajik elite. 
     • Our destination for the morning is the the small village of Anzob, where we join our friends for some traditional Tajik hospitality at their home. For those whom wish to we can hike into the mountains for amazing views of the surrounding valley.
     PM
     
     • Upon our return to Dushanbe, if there are any local events such as holiday wrestling, dancing or singing we will stop making the most of our time.
     • Late afternoon is left to free time for your own explorations and adventures in Dushanbe - holiday decorations would be up by now and a lively atmosphere on the weekend can be expected.
       
     
     Meals | Breakfast and Lunch.
     
     Overnight | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe. 

  4. Sunday March 24

     The Buzkashi, Tajikistan and Central Asia's most exciting and dangerous sport

     AM

     • Today we go to see the most remarkable sporting event imaginable – Buzkashi! This is a flamboyantly violent and aggressive game played by hundreds of men on horseback, wrestling over a goat carcass to try to score ‘goals’ with it. It simply has to be seen to be believed, the photos you will get will blow the mind of anyone you show them to! Please note that we may have a long drive as the location of this spectacular event does change from year to year. The aim is to arrive when the event is in the throes of setting up watching the competitors arrive. We will stay until the end so as to make the best use of our time for photography and enjoyment.

     PM

     • The day will be spent at the sports fields, in addition to Buzkashi there may be wrestling and dancing giving us the opportunity for mingling and people-watching considered to be the friendliest people in all of Central Asia. Snacks and drinks are often available for sale. As well as an incredible day is assured.
     Meals | Breakfast and Lunch.
     
     Overnight | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe.
     

  5. Monday 25 March

     The Fann Mountains and the surreal Khoja Obi Garm Spa
     

     AM

     • After a later start today we will drive through the mountains until we reach our destination; the Khoja Obi Garm Spa, a vast sanatorium built into the side of a mountain above natural hot springs – like a James Bond villain’s lair meets the hotel from The Shining! A true relic of the USSR days.

     PM

     • Once settled in a full range of ‘treatments’ can be enjoyed here, from radon baths to massages, leeches to swimming, or simply explore and relax. This is one of those great Soviet-era buildings that are hard to find these days, you will love this experience!
       
     
     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
     
     

     Overnight | Khoja Obi Garm Spa, Fann Mountains. The rooms in this Soviet monster are a little more basic and older, although warm and comfortable. Use of many of the health facilities is included whilst also giving us to opportunity to explore this surreal complex late into the evening (if you’re brave enough.)
     

  6. Tuesday 26  March 

     Drive to Khujand, farthest extent of Alexander the Great's empire

     AM

     • This morning we bid farewell to our villains lair and drive onwards to the northern city of Khujand, passing over and through the Hissar Mountains the route itself is part of the adventure including a drive into the 5km long Iranian-built Anzob Tunnel. On the way we will stop at Iskander Kul – Alexander Lake –where Alexander the Great himself stopped for lunch during his advance through Central Asia.

     PM

     • We continue on and cross into the Fergana Valley – the ancient crossroads of cross-continental trade and home to some of the great cities of the Silk Road, Arriving in Khujand (previously known as Leninabad) we’ll stop at a giant Lenin statue at a hydro-electric dam. Communism personified!
       
     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  
     
     

     Overnight | Bahoriston Hotel, Qayraqqum. A hotel resort located around 15 mins drive from Khujand. Nestled on the banks of the Kayrakum reservoir the hotel is a comfortable yet bizarre option, combining pseudo-Romanesque architecture whilst reliving the cult seventies.

  7. Wednesday 27 March

     Explore Khujand

     AM

     • A day of exploration today as we first stop by the traditional Panjshanbe Market one of the largest in Central Asia. We immerse ourselves in local life whilst trying to pick up a bargain or two buying everything from local snacks to Soviet memorabilia.
     • Opposite the market sits the beautiful Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum and Mosque. This complex was erected on the Tomb of Muslihiddin Khudjandi the sixteenth century building allows us to learn a little more about Islam in central Asia whilst also marveling at the ancient carpentry from inside the main prayer hall.  
     • Before lunch, we have one more stop to visit the Khujand fortress, this Silk Road fortification has been in situ for over 2500 years in its many forms. Its current build includes a fascinating museum looking at the history of not only the area but the whole region.

     PM

     • After a local lunch we continue the tour of the city by visiting the giant statue of Lenin (the biggest in Central Asia,) and on to the bizarre Arbob Cultural Palace originally housing the former headquarters of a Soviet collective farm. It was designed as a recreation of the St. Petersburg Winter Palace and built during the Soviet 1950's. This is a fantastic local curiosity.
       
     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 
     
     Overnight | Bahoriston Hotel, Qayraqqum.

  8. Thursday 28 March

     Drive to ancient Panjikent
     

     AM

     • Departing Khujand, we retrace some of our route back over the Fann Mountains before following a stunning river valley on to the ancient city of Panjikent. The drive is a real treat as apricot blossoms dot the countryside our only other distraction as we’re dwarfed by the huge geological features evident in this part of the world. 
     • We will make a detour en route to visit the tomb and Museum of Rudaki – (Panjikent is the birthplace of Abu Abdullah Rudaki, considered by many to be the father of Persian poetry)

     PM

     • This afternoon we have a historical tour of ancient Panjikent, viewing ruins of the Sogdian town founded in the 5th century and finally abandoned in the 8th century by the Arabs after their conquest of the region. Foundations of houses, a citadel city bazaar, and Zoroastrian fire temples are all visible as we walk around this UNESCO listed site. Dinner tonight will be a traditional style in a beautiful local home.
       
     
     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
     

     Overnight | Sugd Hotel, Panjikent. This locally owned and run hotel is a small guest house with comfortable rooms, beds and warm showers. The owner is always happy to engage guests in conversation, often sharing his travel stories of his visits to Europe. 

  9. Friday 29 March

     Return to Dushanbe

     AM

     • This morning we bid farewell to Panjikent but not before a stop as its interesting and colourful local market. Driving out back to the Fann Mountains we will visit an old Soviet Cognac factory we have the opportunity to sample its produce and photograph this large partially abandoned site.

     PM

     • By mid afternoon, we arrive back into Dushanbe where you can make the use of your free afternoon for some last minute sightseeing into one of the history museums, local shopping or browsing one of the unique Soviet-era antique shops. 
     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
     

     Overnight | Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe. 

  10. Saturday 30 April

      Departure day 
      
      • All group members will be taken to the airport for their individual flights as we bid each other a fond goodbye after this eventful epic journey!

      Extensions are possible to other regions of Tajikistan and beyond– please speak to your Tour Manager to discuss options.
      

      End of Tour

• What is / is not included?

  • Included

    Airport pick up and drop off to and from Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe.

    Hotel accommodation

    Tajiki tour guides

    A driver per group

    A member or Koryo Tours

    All transportation in the country

    All entry fees for attractions and sights

  • Not included

    Flights to Tajikistan

    Single room supplement unless otherwise specified (US $50 per night)

    Early check-in US $50 per night.

    Spending money for 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

    We occasionally have the opportunity to visit a performance which is extra

• Notes

  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.