Welcome to Dushanbe
With a rural hinterland of grassy pastures and snow-capped mountains visible from down town, Dushanbe (ДУШАНБЕ) is a delightful city built around parks, lakes and fountains. With the frenetic building project of the past decade mostly complete, there is a palpable air of satisfaction about the city centre. Its grand plane tree boulevard, Rudaki, threads past pastel-hued remnants of the Soviet era and just as proudly past the modern icons of statehood. Chief of these is the golden statue of 10th-century Ismoil Somoni presiding over Friendship Square, representative of the sense of renaissance that marks the current era, both in Dushanbe and Tajikistan as a whole.
Top experiences in Dushanbe
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Dushanbe activities
Osh to Dushanbe on Pamir Highway in 7 days
ITINERARY: Osh city – Sarymogol – Lenin Peak Base Camp – Karakul lake – Murgab – Alichur – Wakhan valley – Ishkashim – Khorog city – Darvoz (Kalaikhum) district – Dushanbe cityDAY 1. OSH – SARYMOGOL VILLAGE – TULPARKOL LAKE AT LENIN PEAK BASE CAMP, 5 – 6 HRBreakfast. Drive to Sarymogol village, 4hr. Arrival at Tulparkol lake (3500 m) next to Lenin Peak Base Camp, 1hr. Enjoy the beauty of snowcapped mountains. Walk around this turquoise alpine lake Tulparkol. Overnight & dinner in a yurt.DAY 2. TULPARKOL LAKE – BORDER CROSSINGS – KARAKUL LAKE – 5 – 6 HRBreakfast. Take a day hike to the Traveler’s pass at 4130 meters, 3 hrs. Back to your yurts, 2 hrs. Lunch in a yurt. Drive to the checkpoint, 2hr. Cross the borders and travel to Karakul lake in Tajikistan, 2 hrs. Be accommodated in a guesthouse.DAY 3. KARAKUL LAKE - MURGAB VILLAGE – OBSERVATORY HILL – ALICHUR VILLAGE, 6-7 HRBreakfast. Drive to Murgab via the highest pass Akbaital (4655 m) 3hr. Lunch in Murgab. Head on to Alichur village, 3 hrs. On the way, visit Observatory Hill. Back to the main road and drive to Alichur. Overnight in a guesthouse.DAY 4. BULUNGKUL LAKE – KARGUSH PASS – WAKHAN VALLEY - LANGAR VILLAGE, 5-6 HRBreakfast. Visit alpine Bulunkul & Yashylkul lakes with nice hot springs. After head up to the Kargush pass (4 344m) and do 3-4 hrs trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. After drive through Wakhan corridor with a chance to see nomadic Afghan Kyrgyz caravans. Overnight and dinner in a homestay.DAY 5. LANGAR VILLAGE – YAMCHUN FORTRESS - ISHKASHIM VILLAGE – KHOROG CITY, 5-6 HRBreakfast. Visit 12th century Yamchun Fortress. See an amazing view of Wakhan valley. Further up the hillside are located the hot springs of Bibi Fatima. Back to the main road. Another fortress Khaaka comes up along the way at Namadgut village when you get closer to Ishkashim village. It is worth a 10 minutes stop. Continue to driving to Khorog city. Afternoon, visit the interesting Regional Museum and Central Park of Khorog city. Evening hike in a Botanical Garden that has various plants and trees to explore. Dinner at a cafe. Night in a hotel.DAY 6. KHOROG TO DARVOZ (KALAIKHUM), 5–6 HRBreakfast. Travel to Darvoz district. Road continues along the Afghan border up to Kalaikhum village. Arrival in Kalaikhum village. Overnight in guesthouse.DAY 7. KALAIKHUM TO DUSHANBE, 5–6 HRBreakfast. Travel to Dushanbe along the Panj river. Lunch in a Chaikana (local cafes). Visit 11th century Hulbuk Palace on the way and enjoy the views of world’s highest hydro power station Nurek in a distance. Arrival in Dushanbe. Drop off in your hotel.
Pamir and Tien Shan tour in Kyrgyzstan and Tadjikistan
ItineraryDay 1: International Airport - BishkekStop At: Bishkek-City, BishkekWe will start our excursion from Frunze Statue and visit train station. As well as in our program one of main sightseeings as Ala-Too square, Panfilov Park and Victory square. Our last destination in Bishkek will be Osh bazar, where we buy products and drive to village to cook Kyrgyz meal in local house with local family Duration: 1 hourMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Bridges 4* hotel or similarDay 2: Bishkek- Cholpon - AtaStop At: Issyk-Kul Lake, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceToday you will visit one of famous sightseeing in Kyrgyzstan “Burana Tower”. Your morning will start from transfer to Burana Tower. After visiting Burana Tower we are going to Cholpon - Ata.Duration: 3 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Raduga 3* hotel or similarDay 3: Cholpon - Ata - Karakol Stop At: Karakol Cattle Market, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceOur day will start from transfer to Karakol. En route we will stop to visit house of woman that make kyrgyz traditional carpet from felt for long period of time. She will share knowledge of making felt carpet and show master class to us.Today we also we are going to visit Rukh -Ordo. One of best open-air cultural centre in Kyrgyzstan. Continue to drive to Karakol and visit Hippodrom en route. By arrival to Karakol take a rest and have a dinner in one of the most popular restaurant "Dastorkon", where you have a chance try ice-cream from mare's fermented milk. Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Green Yard 3* or similarDay 4: Karakol-Bokonbaevo (Full day of fascinating nature) Stop At: Issyk-Kul Lake, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceToday we are going to Bokonbaevo. En route we will visit Barskoon gorge and have a lovely picnic. After some time we are going to go to Bokonbaevo and have a chance to speak with eagle owner and take a photo with eagle. Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Local houseDay 5: Bokonbaevo- Kochkor Stop At: Eki-Naryn Valley, Naryn, Naryn ProvinceToday we are going to Kochkor. After arrival to Kochkor tour around Kochkor. Walking tour in Kochkor. Overnight in local houseDuration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Local HouseDay 6: Kochkor - Suusamur valleyStop At: Suusamyr Valley, Suusamyr, Chuy ProvinceAfter breakfast drive to Suusamyr. Try kymyz(mare’s fermented milk). Walking in Suusamur valley. Seeing real life of nomad people.Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Guest HouseDay 7: Suusamur - Kok BelStop At: Toktogul Lake, Toktogul, Jalal-Abad ProvinceAfter breakfast drive to Kok- Bel guest house that is situated near Toltogul reservoir that is one of the biggest reservoir in Kyrgyzstan. Duration: 2 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 8: Kok - Bel - OshStop At: Jayma Bazaar Osh, OshDrive to Osh. En route visit Uzgen minaret. By arrival visit Sulaiman - Too (sacred place that is situated on mountains)Duration: 2 hoursMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Sun Rise or similarDay 9: Osh - Kyzyl Art pass - KarakulPass By: Jayma Bazaar Osh, OshDrive to Kyzyl -Art Pass. Kyzyl-Art pass – MurgabMeeting at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. After border crossing drive to Murgab through AkBaital pass (the highest pass in our tour with the altitude of 4655 meters). Murgab is the capital of Murghob District in the Pamir Mountains. The modern town was constructed during the Soviet period as a rest stop along the Pamir Highway. Murghab is expected to become a major center for trade between Xinjiang and central Asia.There is a Yak house in Murgab handycraft center, which you will be able to visit. Due to its altitude, the sunrise in Murgab is especially beautiful. You can make incredibly beautiful shots.Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Murgab hotel “Ibragim”Day 10: Murgab – LangarPass By: Bishkek-City, BishkekIn the morning, leave Murgab. The beautiful scenery attracts tourists to this area. Later you will join the Pamir High Way(PHW), Langar is the final destination of today’s drive. The road will take you via Alichur valley and Khargush Pass (4344 m) , where you can stop and do some photo shots of spectacular view. As you enter the Wakhan, there are amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right. Straight ahead, there is a peak of Karl Marx (6,723 m). Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Langar Guest House “Edgor”Day 11: Langar – KhorogPass By: Khorog City Park, Khorog, Karotegin ProvinceIn the morning, leave Langar and drive to Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). In Khorog visit to Local Bazaar, Khorog Regional History Museum, city park and handicraft souvenir center. After lunch drive to the Pamir Botanical Garden, second highest park in the world, based just 4 km away and over from Khorog. Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: “Lal inn"Day 12: Khorog – Kalai-khumbPass By: Pamir Stadium, DushanbeIn the morning, you will start driving to Kalai-Khumb, along the Panj River. You will be able to enjoy the spectacular view of mountains; on the other side of the river, you will have a chance to see the lifestyle of Afghans. From Khorog, the road joins the river Panj, which forms Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan. This is a fascinating drive. On the Tajik side of the river, the road is asphalted and buildings have electricity and are constructed using metal and glass. On the Afghan side – only about 100 m distant – the road is a donkey track and buildings are built of mud and wood. Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Kalai-Khumb hotel “Pamir Express"Day 13: Kalai-khumb- Kulob - Kurgan-Tyube-Ajina-TepaPass By: Pamir Stadium, DushanbeDrive from Kalai-Khumb to Kulob. Throughout its history, Kulob was known by the name Khatlān or Khatlon in modern Tajik, with its modern name only about 250 years old. Part of the Khanate of Bukhara since the 16th century (the Emirate of Bukhara since the 18th century), the city changed its name from Khatlon to Kulob in 1750. Following the Russian conquest of Central Asia and the creation of the Tajik Soviet Socialist republic within the USSR in 1929, Kulob became one of the largest cities in the republic. Continue drive to Ajina-Tepa, which is situated at a distance of 12 km east from the city of Kurgan-Tyube. Ajina-Tepa is the ancient Buddhist monastery, where the largest Buddha in Nirvana was found. It came out as a surprise when archeological excavations, which started in 1961, resulted in 500,000 artifacts: sculptures, reliefs, wall painting fragments of a uniform complex of dwelling and cult rooms belonging to the 7th-8th century Buddhist monastery. However, the most sensational finding in Ajina-Tepa became a huge clay statue of the Buddha in Nirvana found in 1966 in one of the monastery corridors. Today the sculpture of Budda is exhibited at the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan in Dushanbe. That is the biggest sculpture of the Buddha found on the territory of modern Central Asia. The site is being considered to be put on the World Heritage list of sites that have "outstanding universal value" to the world.Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Kurgan Tyube hotel “Ramz"Day 14: Kurgan-Tyube-Ajina-Tepa – Hissar – DushanbePass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, Dushanbe Breakfast in the hotel.Drive from Kurgan Tyube to Hissar Fortress - the remains of the Bukhara Emirate Beck’s palace. Its thick walls once guarded a pool, garden, and palace, while the fortress itself opposed a noisy market and caravanserai. What remains today is a peace of wall and gate towers which represent the 18th and 19th century style. The place is famous for its center of commerce during the Silk Road. You will also be able to visit the Old Medressa (Madrasai Kuhna) of 16-17th century with a museum inside, the new Medressa of 17-18 cenery. Continue to Dushanbe Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: hotel “Meridian 3* Vatan 4* or Atlas 4*"Day 15: Dushanbe Pass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, DushanbeAfter Breakfast City tour in Dushanbe Visit the Tajik National Museum of Antiquities with Tajik pride – the biggest Buddha in Nirvana. Continue to explore the sightseeing of Dushanbe. Tajik flagpole-the World tallest flagpole. The 165-meter flagpole entered the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the world’s tallest in August 2011, in time for the country’s 20th anniversary of independence. Having visited the flagpole, continue our excursion to the main square of Dushanbe. The Monument of Ismoili Somoni-the ancestor of Tajik Nation located on the main square. A 40-metre high monument built to the memory of Ismaili Saman-Khuda, founder of the Samanid dynasty in the X century. The base contains a permanent exhibition on the Samanids and is paved in granite slabs. The upper part of the statue is coated with gold. Than visit Mehrgon bazaar – one of the biggest bazaar of Dushanbe.The market reflects Dushanbe's historical ties to local trade bazaar. Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: “Meridian 3* Vatan 4* or Atlas 4*"Day 16: Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Pass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, DushanbeAfter breakfast we will drive from Dushanbe to Iskanderkul over Anzob pass (2900m) and Anzob tunnel, Varzob gorge. Arrive to Iskanderkul, enjoy the view of the purl of Fan Mountains – Iskanderkul Lake (Alexander Lake) (2195m). Excursion and hike to the waterfall (45 m) and Snake Lake. Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Iskanderkul “Cottage"Day 17: Iskanderkul – Penjikent Pass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, DushanbeAfter breakfast we will drive from Iskanderkul to Penjikent Arrive to Penjikent City tour in Penjikent-a city in the Sugd province of Tajikistan on Zeravshan River, with a population of 33,000 (2000 census). It was once an ancient town in Sogdiana. The ruins of the old town are on the outskirts of the modern city. The Sarazm Important Bird Area (UNESCO World Heritage) lies downstream of the city on the tugay-vegetated floodplain of the river. The archaeological site of the ruins of old Penjikent - a walled inter-city which stood 2500-years ago - was once a Sogdian trading city on the Silk Road. Today, only ruins are left owing to the fact that the main construction material was clay-bricks. Overnight in Penjikent “Sugd 3*"Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: Penjikent “Sugd 3*"Day 18: Penjikent – Dushanbe Pass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, DushanbeAfter breakfast we will drive from Penjikent to Dushanbe over Anzob pass (2900m) and Anzob tunnel, Varzob gorge. Meals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: “Meridian 3* Vatan 4* or Atlas 4*"Day 19: DushanbePass By: Children's City Park Dushanbe, DushanbeTransfer to the internationl airport in Dushanbe, departureMeals included: • BreakfastAccommodation included: NO
Trekking in Fann Mountains, Tajikistan
ItineraryDay 1: Dushanbe - Artuch Stop At: DushanbeYou will be picked up from your hotel in Dushanbe and drive to the start point of the trek – Artuch Guest house. 4 hours drive through Anzob pass. Lunch on the way and stop at the Rudaki Mausoleum, On arrival to Artuch you will have some time to explore village and get familiar with country side lifestyle. Altitude: 1800mAccommodation: GuesthouseDuration: 4 hoursMeals included: • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Artuch guesthouse Day 2: Artuch - BibijanatStop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceThe donkeys arrive in the morning to carry the luggage. After having a breakfast and short instruction by the mountain guide, we start 4 hours trekking. Overnight at shore of Bibijanat lake in the 2 persons tent. 2800. Accommodation: tentDuration: 4 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Camping at the shore of the Bibijanat LakeDay 3: BibijanatStop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceToday you can explore the surrounding of Kulikalon area or just relax and enjoy the view of magnificent mountains. Altitude: 2770m. Accommodation: tentDuration: 5 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Camping at the shore of the Bibijanat LakeDay 4: Bibijanat - Alauddin lakeStop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceIn the morning, we start ascend to Alaudin pass (3860 m, 10 km, ~6 hrs, +960 m). The beautiful panorama of the surrounding peaks and lakes will be seen from the top of pass. Descend to a campsite by the first Alaudin lake. Altitude: 2770m. Accommodation: tentDuration: 6 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Camping at the shore of the lakeDay 5: Alauddin lakeStop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceAfter breakfast in the Alaudin lake, we slowly start ascend to the Mutnoe lake (3520m) which takes about 4 hours. On the way, we enjoy the view to the peaks and small but very beautiful lake – Piala where we stop for the picnic. Accommodation: tentDuration: 6 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Camping Day 6: Alauddin lake - Iskanderkul lake Stop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceIn the morning, we drive to Iskanderkul (150 km, 3-4 h.). According to the legend, the Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. It is considered as one of the most beautiful lake in Tajikistan. A short hike to the snake lake and waterfall. Further we drive to Saratog village where you will overnight at guesthouse.Duration: 4 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Guesthouse in Saratog Day 7: Iskanderkul lakeStop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceToday you will enjoy the view of mountains where you can do a short hike around the village or hike to the top of Alexander’s hat.Accommodation at guesthouseDuration: 6 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Guesthouse in Saratog Day 8: Iskanderkul lake - Dushanbe Stop At: Fann Mountains, Ayni, Sughd ProvinceIn the morning, you meet your driver and will be transferred to Dushanbe. On the way you will have a lunch in Sarvoda or VarzobDuration: 4 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • LunchNo accommodation included on this day.
Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Dushanbe Airport
Just as you arrive to Dushanbe International Airport, your driver will greet you with a name plate and transfer to your hotel in Dushanbe city center. This is a private transfer which means that you will not share a car with anyone apart from your booking. The cars used for this service are less than 5 years old. Private transfers can make your stay much more simple and enjoyable. Don't go through all the stress of taking a taxi or facing long shuttle queues and make the best of your journey from the moment you arrive to the capital of Tajikistan. The driver is well trained and will make sure that you have a smooth ride from door to door.
Highlights of Tajikistan
Need a quick getaway to somewhere truly different? Here's a six-day whirlwind excursion to the culturally distinct Tajikistan. Start in the capital city of Dushanbe before continuing through the most scenic and beautiful parts of the country, staying at unique homestays and roaming through the Tajik countryside. Finish up in the "Stone City" of Tashkent and start planning your return because six days is just enough time to fall in love with the region.
Central Asia – Multi-Stan Adventure
With their reputation for welcoming visitors and their unique cultural footprint, the countries of Central Asia will remind you why you travel. This comprehensive 23-day tour will take you through all the 'Stans we visit, offering a fascinating glimpse at a beautiful part of the world most travellers miss. Stay at unique homestays, sleep in traditional yurts, discover the breathtaking mountain and desert scenery, enjoy free time in the Uzbek city of Tashkent, and roam gorgeous buildings built centuries ago. See Central Asia with a group of like-minded adventurers and an expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and cross off an entire and unexpected region of the world from your must-see list.