Starting in Samarkand, cross over the Uzbekistan/Tajikistan border to Penjikent and drive to the stunning, turquoise Seven Lakes on the west of the Fann Mountains. Visit the glacial lake named after Alexander the Great, Iskanderkul lake, which is arguably the most beautiful lake in these mountains. Drive to Yagnob valley which is named "Paradise on Earth" by the locals, and explore the surrounding villages. This extension can also start from Dushanbe.
Penjikent - Sarazm - Iskanderkul Lake - Sarytag - Dushanbe - Yagnob Valley
Depart Samarkand in the morning and cross over the Uzbekistan/Tajikistan border at Jartepa. After border formalities you will change transport and guide, and proceed to Penjikent. Arrive in the afternoon with time to visit the Rudaki Historic-ethnographic museum and the Ancient Penjikent settlement. You will also see the local bazaar and mosque. Overnight in Penjikent.
Overnight in Hotel Sughd, Penjikent
Meal plan: n/a
Drive to Seven Lakes via the settlement of Sarazm. Overnight in Penjikent.
Note: In order to reach the last lake "Hazorchashma" you will need to hike for about 30 minutes as the road is too narrow and it's dangerous getting vehicles through.
Overnight in Hotel Sughd, Penjikent
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, drive to the famous Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great. Spend some time walking around the lake; a 25 minute walk will take you to a 40m high waterfall called "Fan Niagra" which flows out of the lake. Then continue to the remote mountain village of Sarytag to have lunch with a local family in their traditional Tajik house. The rest of the day is at your leisure and you have time to explore more of the village.
Overnight in Dilovar's Homestay, Sarytag
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Drive through the mountain valleys to the Yagnob Valley. Named "paradise on Earth" by the locals, Yagnob Valley is home to the descendants of the ancient Sogdians. Take an easy walk along the Yagnob river, crossing a few bridges and passing by three local villages. You will have an opportunity to get familiar with the local traditions of the Yagnobi and the life of a remote community. One of the local villages, Margib, is dramatically surrounded by jagged peaks and the Zamin-Karor rock wall. Enjoy lunch with a local family then proceed to Dushanbe. Overnight in Dushanbe.
Overnight in Hotel Atlas, Dushanbe
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Depart Dushanbe for your onwards flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Hotel Sughd offers clean, modern and nicely sized rooms. Rooms have air conditioning, a small fridge and WiFi. There's a small market across the road to pick up necessities.Â
A local, friendly, and comfortable homestay in Sarytag, just a short distance from Iskanderkul and the perfect base from which to enjoy the Fann Mountains.
The Hotel Atlas has a wonderful atmosphere. It is located in the city centre with great connection to tourist destinations, it is also steps away from supermarkets, banks and exchange facilities. Staff are available 24 hours and will cater to your every need. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles, WiFi, and a spa and indoor pool.Â
Village walks around the Fann Mountains
Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'
History and landscapes of the Stans beyond Uzbekistan
Desert Highways & Mountain Lakes.
Lose yourself in Tajikistan's unique charms
Anthony Twohig , Journey Through the 4 Stans & Central Asia extensionA fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.
Julie Crank , Journey Through the 4 StansI would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !
Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.
Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five StansTravel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!
Brendan Fitzgerald , Journey Through the StansJust back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.
Caryll Sefton , Tajikistan OdysseyOur guide was very helpful and understanding and the driver was careful on very bad roads. The accommodation was better than I expected and I enjoyed the home stays. I found Tajikistan stunning and one of the most interesting countries I have visited. Kyrzygstan was very different and our trip was basically travelling from a to b. but it was a great geographic contrast to Tajikistan. So green after the desert environment on the other side of the Pamirs. I hope to travel with your company again.