Day 1 Samarkand border- Panjakent- Rudaki Mausoleum- Voru village
Meeting at Jartepa border and you will head to Panjakent to start the tour.
Panjakent: an ancient welcome to Tajikistan
Panjakent was once the capital of the Sogdian Empire, a Zoroastrian civilisation well predating Islam in the region.
Places to visit around Panjakent:
• Sarazm: A stone’s throw away from the border crossing are the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm. More than 5,000 years old, they’re remains of the first agricultural society in Central Asia. A remarkably tall human skeleton, dubbed the “Princess of Sarazm”, was found here with some of her ornaments. Archaeologists also found artefacts indicating ancient trading routes stretching as far as modern day Iran and Pakistan.
• Panjakent Bazaar: This bazaar has a beautiful central building ringed by brick archways. It’s a good place to get your first taste of Tajik hospitality.
• Old Panjakent: The 1,500+ year old ruins of ancient Panjaken .The hilltop site spans several kilometres; roam through it at your leisure. Here archaeologists found remarkably well-preserved frescoes.
Then driving towards a quite strange place of the country, to the heart of the Fann Mountains! Now it is all about history, nature and people that speak quite different language and live totally strange (Stone Age village). It's name is Voru. The main thing which amaze every visitors is the location of the houses. Voru differ from other village for his strange and various traditions and cultures. It seems like a grandiose multistorey in the heart of skyscraper mountains. It is one of that villages that here lives representative of Sogdian nationality, nation that were followers of Zoroaster. Here just WOWW . Dinner in the guesthouse. Overnight at traditional Guesthouse - Familystay.
Day 2 Voru village - Seven Lakes - Samarkand border
Seven Lakes (Haft Kul): 7 teary lakes
Seven small lakes make up the Haft Kul, “ lakes”, in northwest Tajikistan. Legend says they’re the tears of the daughters of a missing man. Science says they were created after earthquakes altered the Shing River’s course.Whichever version you prefer, the Haft Kul road is one of Tajikistan’s most accessible treks; the perfect introduction to Tajikistan’s natural beauty.
To the lakes! Aside from the azure lakes, there are plenty of villages to wander through, with many kind locals happy invite travellers for tea. After exploring the lakes, afternoon drive to Samarkand border for departure. End of the tour.