• 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 culture throughout the ages. Beginning from the capital Dushanbe, the centre of modern Tajik culture, we'll explore southern Tajikistan 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 like to 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, 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. Thursday 21st March

     Arrival day in Dushanbe
     
     AM

     • This morning is a free morning for settling in, exploring and acclimatising while 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 massive fort is said to date back to Cyrus the Great (600BC) and to have been captured 21 times by invading forces. The restoration may be a little excessive, but it has a lovely museum that offers a gentle 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 impressive statue of Lenin. 

     Meals | Lunch and Dinner.
     
     Overnight | 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 with free laundry facilities, kitchen area and reading room. Breakfast provided a buffet-style in the main restaurant area.

  2. Friday 22nd March

     Dushanbe City Tour

     AM

     • We begin our day with a morning 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 excellent views of Dushanbe. 
     • Rudaki & Somoni Avenues | are two main streets in Dushanbe which were 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 | is a beautifully laid out park with a grand statue of the poet Rudaki, located opposite the brilliant national library building. 
     • Ismaili Somoni Monument | This fantastic statue of the ancient king stands on the former site of Lenin. Somoni's crown atop this impressive monument contains 10 kilograms of Tajik gold making it even more attractive. 
     • 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, now been remodelled as an entertainment facility for local people. it houses 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 23rd 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 small village of Anzob, where we join our friends for some traditional Tajik hospitality at their home. For those who 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 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 24th March 

     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! 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 merely 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 game is in the throes of setting up watching the competitors arrive. We will stay until the end 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 25th 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 massive sanatorium built into the mountainside above natural hot springs – like a James Bond villain’s lair meets the hotel from The Shining! An authentic 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. One of those large 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 included along with some free time to explore this surreal complex late into the evening (if you’re brave enough.)

  6. Tuesday 26th March 

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

     AM

     • This morning we bid farewell to our villain's lair and drive onwards to the northern city of Khujand, passing over. 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 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 | local hotel in the city.

  7. Wednesday 27th 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 while 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 erected on the Tomb of Muslihiddin Khudjandi the sixteenth-century building allows us to learn a little more about Islam in central Asia while also marvelling 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 1950s; is a fantastic local curiosity.

     Meals | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 
     
     Overnight | Local hotel.

  8. Thursday 28th March

     Drive to ancient Panjikent

     AM

     • Departing Khujand, we retrace some of our steps 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 enormous 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 historic 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 the travel stories of his visits to Europe. 

  9. Friday 29th March

     Return to Dushanbe

     AM

     • This morning we bid farewell to Panjikent but not before a stop as its exciting 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 30th March

      Departure day 

      • All group members will be taken to the airport for their 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 of 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

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

  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 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 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 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 to 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 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 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.

   

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

Please apply by 21st February, 2024.

• Overall

  Incredible yet relatively unknown, Tajikistan indeed an astonishing country that should be visited.

  Sitting in Central Asia, it not only has a fascinating history as a former Soviet bloc country but the friendliest people you will ever meet and the most incredible breathtaking scenery.

  This tour will not only get you there to experience all of this, but to also join in the local Tajik celebrations for their 'Day of the City' running in the 2024 Dushanbe International Half Marathon - an AIMS certified race. Learn more about the marathon and Tajikistan at www.rundushanbe.com

  This tour will be led by one of our most experienced tour leaders, Rich Beal. Rich has led tours all over the world since 2004 and has personally designed and researched all our Tajikistan tours. Because of his close connection to the country, his fellow Tajik guides and friends like to joke that Tajikistan is his third home (China and Mongolia being first and second)!

  Highlights

  • Participate in the little known Dushanbe half marathon, as the streets are lined with locals cheering you on
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of ancient Panjikent Journey across the beautiful snow-capped Fan mountains
  • Camp on the shores of stunning glacial Lake Alexander 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 8

  1. Thursday 18th April

     AM

     The tour group meets at 13.30 in the hotel reception for an orientation & introduction meeting.

      

     PM

     We'll meet the marathon preparation committee operatingh under the City Mayor of Dushanbe in the Olympic committee of Tajikistan, sportsmen and Olympic games participants. Our special guests will include an Olympic champion and the first female boxer from Tajikistan who brought the country home an Olympic medal!

     Overnight | Hotel Vatan – newly built and with an excellent location. This comfortable hotel has beautiful rooms located on a designated floor with free laundry facilities, kitchen area, and a reading room. Breakfast provided a buffet-style in the main restaurant area.

  2. Friday 19th April

     AM

     We begin with a half-day walking tour of the sleepy capital of Dushanbe, including Victory Park, Rudaki Street, Dushanbe Flag, Monument of Ismaili Somoni. We will also follow the route of the Dushanbe Marathon. Along this route, we will learn about the development of the city over the years. From its ancient origins to the Soviet-era (when it was called Frunze), to modern-day Dushanbe

      

     PM

     This afternoon is free for further exploration or training for tomorrow’s big event; we have secured the use of Dushanbe’s premier gym should you wish to work out and get ready for the adventure ahead!

     Overnight: Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

  3. Saturday 20th April

     AM

     Today is our main event! We make an early start to arrive in time for the surreal yet great Dushanbe International Half Marathon! This race gives an excellent opportunity to run with local athletes and amateurs, winding through the city, this event will be unique – medals and prizes for finishers and winners!

      

     PM

     After the morning’s exertions, you deserve some rest! Therefore the afternoon will be free for relaxation or further exploration with your tour leader visiting the nearby local market for some local flavours and experiences.

     We also expect celebrations in some local parks to mark the City Day Holiday. So we will find them and join in, the most welcoming people in the world will show you a good time on this occasion – be ready for some socialising and great photo opportunities too!

     Overnight: Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

  4. Sunday 21st April

     AM

     The tour continues as we depart Dushanbe and follow the Varzob river into the mountains, driving up through the Varzob Valley where we will stop on the way for photos of this scenic area.

     Our goal for this morning the small village of Takob. Upon arrival, we will hike for 30 minutes through this hamlet where we will visit a local family whose home has fantastic views of the surrounding area

      

     PM

     We will have lunch given to us in the local Tajik way; sitting on the floor. You will lose count of the number of courses!

     We continue our drive through the mountains until we reach our destination;  the Khoja Obi Garm Spa, a massive sanatorium built into the mountainside above natural hot springs – like a James Bond villain’s lair meets the hotel from The Shining! An authentic relic of the USSR days.

     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 large Soviet-era buildings that are hard to find these days; you will love this experience!

     Overnight | Khoja Obi Garm Spa - the rooms in this Soviet monster are a little more basic and older, although warm and comfortable. Included are many of the health treatments along with enough free time to explore this surreal complex late into the evening (if you’re brave enough.)

  5. Monday 22nd April

     AM

     We begin with a long drive from the health resort over mountain roads out across the Fan Mountains working our way up through the ‘Tunnel of Death’ – an Iranian-built long road tunnel burrowing under he mountains, the nickname overstates the danger. Still, it can be nerve-wracking, although it is very safe in reality.

     We stop along the way from breathtaking shots of this beautiful mountain range. Our destination is Panjikent. 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 historic 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.

     Overnight | Sugd Hotel - 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 the travel stories of his visits to Europe.

  6. Tuesday 23rd April

     AM

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

      

     PM

     We drive along small mountain roads past local villages, abandoned factories, and past stunning views. We eventually arrive at the remote and secluded Iskanderkul (Alexander Lake – named after Alexander the Great).

     We have the option of hiking or relaxing by its beautiful shores. The lake sits at an altitude of 2195 metres; a stunning turquoise gem in the heart of the Fann Mountains.

     Overnight | Local village homestay - we stay in a small village house at the base of one of the soaring mountains. there will be some time for light hiking or exploration (recommended!)

  7. Wednesday 24th April
     
     AM

     After a relaxing morning for photos, further hiking or sleeping, we return over the mountain pass to Dushanbe.

      

     PM

     We should arrive back into the capital mid-afternoon. 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 remaining Soviet-era antique shops.

     Overnight: Hotel Vatan, Dushanbe

  8. Thursday 25th April

     End of tour. All group members will be taken to the airport for their flights as we bid each other a fond goodbye after this eventful epic journey!

     Extensions are possible – please speak to your Tour Manager to discuss options.

• Extras

  • Insurance (7 to 9 nights)

    We're unable to take you on one of our tours if you do not have medical insurance that covers the destination in question. Issues of isolation and infrastructure where we go mean it would be irresponsible of us to do so. We can provide this if you do not have it — or you can use your own.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Airport pick up and drop off to and from Vatan, Dushanbe
  • Hotel accommodation
  • A Koryo Tours leader, Tajiki tour guides and a driver per group
  • Warm-up in Dushanbe's no 1 Gym pre-marathon
  • All transportation in the country All entry fees for attractions and sights
  • All meals on the tour

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to Tajikistan
  • Single room supplement (unless otherwise specified, US $50 per night)
  • Spending money for drinks and souvenirs
  • Tajikistan visa (visa fees vary at different embassies) Tip for the guides (approx. $15 per day)
  • We occasionally have the opportunity to visit a performance - this is to be paid on the spot

Please apply by 1st April, 2024.