The Lilt of Paradise

Program’s name: The Lilt of Paradise

Quantity of the days: 5 days

Day 1: Dushanbe
Driver will pick you up in the airport and transfer to Dushanbe. The tour “The lilt of Paradise” starts in Dushanbe. The capital appeared on the site of a small settlement at a crossroads where a large market was organized on Mondays, hence the name of the city ("Dushanbe" in Tajik — Monday).You will have a chance to visit the highlights of the city. During the tour you will discover Rudake Park that in the center of the Park is a green alley that stretches to the main facade of the building of the Palace of Nations, National library, White House, National state seal, and House of parliament. Then you will marvel National park, shoot there some photos of Ministry of Inner Affairs and overlook the biggest National Flag in the world. The height of the flagpole is 165 m, weight is 420 kg, and the area of the flag cloth is 1800 m. You will also visit Central Museum. After you will explore Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments, that situated in the center of the city. If you want immerse in real life of Tajik people you should visit Asian bazar. As all bazaars it has colorful goods, fresh fruits and delicious vegetables. Today you will contemplate the remarkable sights of Dushanbe and you some interesting facts about Tajik people. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Dushanbe – Hissar – Dushanbe
The tour truly begins with transferring 35 km to visit Hissar fortress (VII–XVII centuries). This historical site has fortified areas and citadel. Hissar fortress-one of the most famous historical monuments of Tajikistan, was built to protect the local population and trade caravans from the raids of nomads, is one of the oldest and largest architectural monuments in Central Asia. In former times, the fortress was the Palace of the Bek of Bukhara Emir, the gates of the 16th century have been preserved, even in our time, and they look quite impressive and monumental. Their appearance is laconic and simple, a large Lancet opening in the middle of a thick wall, and two powerful watchtowers on the sides, crowned with shooting platforms with a high parapet, cut through by loopholes. Hissar include other wonderful sights: the recently restored monuments of “Madrasa I Kuhna” (new school of 16th-17th centuries), mosque; the mausoleum of “Mahdumi Azam” (16th century). After coming back to Dushanbe. After you will discover Botanical garden and Victory Park with a panorama view on the city. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Dushanbe – Khujand
You will transfer today to Khujand city. Khujand is surrounded by beautiful gardens, of which there are a great many. All these orchards are fruit-bearing, and the fruits grow here in amazing abundance and are supplied by the surrounding towns. Since ancient times, Khujand, located at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, was one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Transoxiana. In the afternoon you will explore a Cultural Palace of Khujant. At this palace the first president of Tajikistan was elected. In tour you will observe Central Mosque that is located in the center of the city. Night will be in the hotel.
 
Day 4: Khudjand – Istaravshan – Khudjand
This day you will head on straight 100 km to Istaravshan old city. Istaravshan is it was founded on may 11, 1936 and is one of the largest and at the same time the oldest cities in Tajikistan, located in the Northern part of the country in the geographical center of the Sugd Region. Local residents were known as professional artisans, whose skills are almost impossible to surpass. They were mainly engaged in the manufacture of shoes, dishes, fabrics and knives, which were decorated with carvings. It is really a museum city with its history dating back to II-VI cc BC. You will discover Mugtepa, the fifteenth century Kuk Gumbaz Mosque and local bazaar. In course of the tour you will enjoy feeling the atmosphere of a wonderful oriental bazaars, explore magnificent fortresses, and admire architecture of mosques and mausoleums. In the end of the tour to Istaravshan we come back to Khujand. Night is in the hotel.

Day 5: Khujand – Penjakent
Today you are going to direct to Penjakent via pass Shahriston (3 378 m). Penjakent is located in the valley of the Zeravshan river, 68 km South-East of Samarkand and 320 km South-West of Khujand. Numerous pottery, metalworking and other handicrafts were found in Penjakent, as well as several thousand bronze, silver Arab and Sogdian coins. The architectural composition of the local palaces and temples, according to researchers, is unique and has no analogues either in Central Asia or in other Eastern countries. On the hill of the Ancient city, surrounded by fortress walls, the Palace of the rulers was located. The remains of this ancient city were found only in the last century. Today the tourists can see the ruins of dwelling houses and office buildings, the citadel with the palace, the house of craftsmen, and fire worshipers church. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 6: Penjakent – Dushanbe
You will transfer in the morning to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3 372 m) and tunnel of Isticlol. The road will go over a outstanding mountain passes, breathtaking landscapes and you will have many photo stops. Arrival to Dushanbe. Night is spent in a hotel.

Day 7: Dushanbe – Airport
In the morning is transfer to airport.