Book this two-day tour from Samarkand to spend a little more time at the natural and cultural sights of this corner of Tajikistan. Spend a day in Penjikent, an ancient city well known for its ruins and for being the birthplace of Rudaki, a famous poet. The ruins are all that remains of the older city, which was abandoned after Arab conquerors moved the population in the 8th century. The modern town is nearby, with its bustling bazaar and mosque, plus a beautiful mausoleum for Rudaki.
Take the second day to explore the Seven Lakes. The short drive takes you through Sarazm, which was the first site in Tajikistan to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sarazm is all that remains of a settlement that is at least 3,500 years old, and shows high levels of development for the time. The Seven Lakes, just a little further out, are nestled among the Fann Mountains. Each lake has its own unique color and picturesque aura. Enjoy a picnic next to one of the lakes before heading back to Samarkand. For a trip that covers both the cultural and natural sights of Tajikistan, look no further than this best tour to Penjikent and the Seven Lakes from Samarkand.
Tour itinerary:
Early morning transfer to the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border crossing at Jartepa (50 km, 1 h). Upon arrival at the customs and passport control on both sides, kindly proceed to the exit of the border control area. At that point, our guide/driver will be waiting for you with the sign with your name. Meet Tajik local guide and driver and drive to Penjikent via the settlement of Sarazm, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (20 km).
Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch drive to the ruins of ancient Penjikent located within 5 minutes drive from modern Penjikent. Panjikent a major Sogdian city is dating back to 5th century and was destroyed with Arab conquerors in 8th century.
Start sightseeing tour in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar and mosque. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch drive to the ruins of ancient Penjikent located within 5 minutes drive from modern Penjikent. Panjikent a major Sogdian city is dating back to 5th century and was destroyed with Arab conquerors in 8th century.
After breakfast drive to Seven Lakes (80 km) . The Seven Lakes are located in the west of Fann mountains; each of them has its own colour which varies from calming turquoise to mesmerizing purple. At the last lake of Khoazorchashma you will enjoy a picnic.
Late in the afternoon return to the Jartepa border crossing (130 km), customs and passport control, continue to Uzbekistan. Meet your driver and transfer to Samarkand. Arrive in Samarkand, transfer to the hotel/private residence. End of the 2-day Tour to Penjikent and the Seven Lakes from Samarkand.
Late in the afternoon return to the Jartepa border crossing (130 km), customs and passport control, continue to Uzbekistan. Meet your driver and transfer to Samarkand. Arrive in Samarkand, transfer to the hotel/private residence. End of the 2-day Tour to Penjikent and the Seven Lakes from Samarkand.
Price includes:
- All transfers: Uzbekistan part all transfers - 1-3 pax by sedan type car; 4-8 pax by van type car; 9-14 pax by 20 seat bus; Tajikistan part all transfers - 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-7 pax by van type car; 8-13 pax by 20 seat bus;
- Accommodation;
- English speaking tour leader;
- Sightseeing tour;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Full board (2 lunches and 1 dinner).
Price doesn't include:
- Consular fees for Tajikistan tourist visa;
- Visa support letter for Tajikistan tourist visa;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
- Travel insurance.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
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Penjikent and the Seven Lakes from Samarkand Reviews
Author: Susan | Rating: 531 October 2022
We very much enjoyed the short trip into Tajikistan and our driver Murat and guide, Boz were first class. They also took us to simple but very pleasing restaurants for lunch and dinner both of which we enjoyed. One suggestion is before clients undertake this two day excursion please suggest they bring small toys, sweets, coloring books and pencils, dinky cars etc to give to the children in the villages. All we had to give were bananas and even these were gratefully received.
Visited October 2022
Visited October 2022
