DUSHANBE: CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Tour Description: Modern Dushanbe is a city with the breath of the fabulous East and the cultural, economic and political center of the country. Located in the center of the Hissar Valley at an altitude of over 930 meters above sea level, the city is surrounded by the foothills of the Hissar Range to the north and east, and bordered by the Kafirnigan River to the south.
Dushanbe was named Stalinabad from 1929 to 1961. Its first mention dates back to the end of 1676. The city is located in the largest agricultural oasis of the republic and occupies the territory on both banks of the Varzob River (called Dushanbinka within the city), which is fed by the waters of snowfields and glaciers of the Hissar Range – part of the giant mountain system of Pamir-Alai. In the upper part of the Varzob River there are up to 120 glaciers that create a favorable microclimate.
Thanks to this, citizens can enjoy a milder climate than in other regions, and the Varzob River provides drinking water and irrigates gardens and fields. Dushanbe, founded on the site of a village a hundred years ago, today fully meets the requirements of modern urbanized life.
Одной из главных артерий города является проспект имени Рудаки, названный в честь классика таджикской литературы. Протянувшись с юга на север на 12 километров, этот проспект позволяет жителям и гостям города познакомиться с множеством достопримечательностей, архитектурных ансамблей, административных и культурных учреждений, учебных заведений, театров, гостиниц и ресторанов.
One of the main arteries of the city is Rudaki Avenue, named in honor of the classic of Tajik literature. From south to north reaching 12 kilometers, this avenue allows residents and guests of the city to get acquainted with many sights, architectural ensembles, administrative and cultural institutions, educational institutions, theaters, hotels and restaurants.
The central square of the city is decorated with the Memorial Complex dedicated to the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid State with the image of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the first state of Tajiks in the IX-X centuries.
Tour duration: 8 hours.
Meals: lunch
Clothing: casual
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group gathering place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater of Dushanbe until 09:15.
Tour schedule:
09:30-13:00 Start of the tour in Dushanbe city, with sightseeing:
Dushanbe Main Square and Ismoil Somoni Monument. 40-meter monument in honor of Ismail and Saman-Khud, the founder of the Samanid dynasty; Flagpole, one of the highest in the world (165 meters), on which the flag of the country proudly flies; National Museum of Tajikistan, where numerous halls present collections of historical artifacts from ancient times, the Middle Ages to exhibits of modern history. Especially highlighted is the largest exhibit of world significance from the museum’s collection – the statue of Buddha in Nirvana;
13:00-14:00 -Lunch at Markazi Osh restaurant.
14:00-17:00 – visit “Kohi Navruz”, Siyoma Soft Drinks Enterprise, Mehrgon Bazaar; Victory Park, which offers a panoramic view of the city, especially beautiful in the sunset hours.
17:15 -Transfer to the hotel.
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
EXCURSION TO THE HISSAR FORTRESS
Tour description: Hissar fortress is the summer residence of Bukhara emirs, erected in XVII and completed in XIX centuries. During the civil war of 1918- 1933 the fortress was almost completely destroyed. It was partially rebuilt in 1982 and restored in 2002. Gissar fortress has 3000 years of history and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fortress is located 20 kilometers from Dushanbe.
The fortress with walls 1 meter thick, with loopholes for rifles and cannons, stood on the slope of a high hill and was guarded by guards. Inside there was a swimming pool and a garden. Opposite the fortress was a bustling market square with a caravanserai and many shops. Large staircases and terraces covered with bricks led to the main entrance. Unfortunately, they have not survived to our days, as well as the whole building of the palace. The only thing left from the fortress is a monumental gate made of burnt brick with two cylindrical towers, between which there is a lancet arch, as most of the gates of Bukhara of XVIII-XIX centuries were built. Nevertheless, even this fragment today looks very majestic and impressive.
At the end of the eighties of the XX century a unique historical and cultural reserve was created in Gissar, including Gissar fortress with an arch (2500 years old), Registan (square in front of the fortress), Old Madrasah (XVI century), New Madrasah, Caravanserai (hotel), Mosque “Chashmai Mohiyon” (VIII century), Mosque “Sangin”, Mausoleum “Makhdumi A’zam” (XVI century), Historical Museum, located in the building of the Old Madrasah. Unique monuments and exhibits (more than 3200) found during excavations on the territory of Gissar city and beyond.
Tour duration: 6 hours.
Meals: Lunch
Clothes: casual
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group meeting place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater in Dushanbe until 09:15.
Tour schedule:
Departure at 09.30: Dushanbe – sanatorium “Shambari” – Gissar fortress – 50 km, travel time one hour 10.00-11.20: Excursion around the territory of the sanatorium and familiarization with the infrastructure and main types of sanatorium treatment (mud therapy, various types of massage, physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy, inhalations, etc.).
12.00-14.00: Lunch at the Sharshara restaurant
14.15-16.15: Visit to the Gissar fortress,
16:30-17.00: Return to Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
TRIP TO NUREK
Tour description: Nurek is a city located 70 km southeast of Dushanbe with a population of about 29 thousand people. It was founded in 1960 on the site of Nurek village at the same time with the construction of the Nurek dam.
Surrounded on all sides by mountains, this small town of power engineers strikes with its beauty, especially when in the evening numerous lights from the windows of houses in a flash illuminate the gorge between the mountains. The main attraction of Nurek is the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Plant, with the world’s highest dam and among the 30 most powerful hydroelectric power plants on the planet.
The reservoir formed by the dam is a delight for visitors. Boating on the Nurek reservoir, you will admire the indescribable beauty of the mountainous landscape, in the middle of which a magnificent miracle has been created – a giant reservoir with an area of 98 square kilometers and a length of more than 70 kilometers.
Nature and man create real masterpieces that one wants to return to again and again. The Nurek hydroelectric power station – the most powerful hydroelectric power station in Central Asia, whose record height rises 304 meters above sea level, putting the dam in the Guinness Book of Records.
The lake formed behind the dam has become popular among the tourists due to the opportunity to take boat trips and enjoy beautiful views of the gorge surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Although there are no sandy beaches, floating cabins can be found along the shores of the reservoir, offering the convenience of swimming.
Tour duration: 8 hours.
Meals: lunch
Clothing: casual
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group gathering place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater of Dushanbe until 09:15.
Tour schedule:
Departure at 09.30: Dushanbe – Nurek city – 71 km, travel time 1.5 hours
11.00-12.30: Visit Nurek dam and observation deck
13.00-15.00: Lunch
15.00-16.30: Return to Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
Hiking along the gorge of the Siyoma River, the upper reaches of the Varzob gorge
Siyoma Gorge, located in the picturesque Varzob Valley of the Fan Mountains of Tajikistan, is a real paradise for nature lovers. The Siyoma River, churning among rocky peaks, creates a stunning contrast with the lush meadows that line its banks.
Visitors can choose their route from a variety of trails that wind along the river or lead into the mountains. For those looking for adventure, multi-day hikes are available with overnight stays under the stars and breathtaking panoramic views.
Siyoma Gorge also attracts rock climbers, offering many routes of varying difficulty on granite rocks. The richness of the flora of the gorge is amazing: deciduous trees coexist with wildflowers that bloom in the warm season, and at altitude they are replaced by coniferous forests.
Siyoma Gorge is a real paradise for ornithologists: here you can meet eagles, falcons and other birds of prey. In the more remote corners of the gorge, wildlife lovers will find mountain goats, marmots, wolves, and, if you’re lucky, even the elusive snow leopard.
The Siyoma gorge is located 54 kilometers along the Varzob highway. The river begins at an altitude of 1782 meters above sea level (from the confluence with the Varzob River) and rises to 3000-3200 meters in the upper reaches.
Local residents value Siyoma Gorge as a place to relax from the bustle of the city, where they can find peace in the embrace of nature.
Whether you prefer a short hike or a multi-day journey, a challenging climb or just a walk through the forest, the Siyoma Gorge will give you an unforgettable experience of the natural beauty of Tajikistan and allow you to immerse yourself in its fascinating world of wildlife.
Tour duration: 7-8 hours.
Meal: lunch
Clothing: Bring a light jacket or raincoat in case of sudden precipitation. Sturdy shoes, especially in the rain are necessary.
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group gathering place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater of Dushanbe until 09:15.
Tour schedule:
Departure at 09.30: Dushanbe – Siyoma river gorge to the bridge – 54 km, travel time 1 hour
10.30-12.00: Cross the bridge and hike 6 km one-way (The trail runs along the riverbed, but sometimes you have to climb the slope. It is quiet and well traveled)
12.00-14.00: Lunch and rest in nature
14.00-15.30: Hike back to the bridge
15.30-16.30: Return to Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
TOUR TO ROGUN
Tour Description: Rogun is a city located in the valley of the Vakhsh River. Its total area is 661 km², bordering Faizabad district, Vahdat city, Nurabad and Baljuvan districts. The distance from the city center to Dushanbe is 110 km. Rogun occupies 0.5% of the total territory of the republic and includes three jamoats: Obigarm settlement, Kadiob village and Sicharog village. The city has rich resources and developed infrastructure. Among the key objects of the tourist industry are the sanatorium “Obi Garm”, the Central Museum of Rogun and the healing spring Mulloshaykh. Geographically, the city has 41 beautiful mountain peaks, 150 natural springs, 11 clean rivers and 4 freshwater lakes. There are more than 30 attractive tourist sites on its territory, including the Rogun hydroelectric power station reservoir.
Rogun HPP is a hydropower plant under construction on the Vakhsh River, which is part of the Vakhsh Cascade and is its upper stage. Upon completion of the project, the 335-meter-high dam of the Rogun HPP will be the highest in the world, and the plant will reach a capacity of 3,600 MW (compared to 2,700 MW at the Nurek HPP), becoming the largest hydroelectric power plant in Central Asia.
Tour duration: 8 hours
Meals: lunch
Clothing: casual
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group gathering place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater of Dushanbe until 09:15.
Tour schedule:
Departure at 09.30: Dushanbe – Rogun city -100 km, travel time almost 2 hours
11.30-13.30: Excursion to Rogun hydroelectric power station under construction.
13.30-15.30: Lunch
15:30-17:30: Return to Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
TOUR TO THE RAMMIT GORGE
Tour description: Romit Gorge, which has numerous recreation areas, hot springs, protected forests and picturesque mountain rivers, starts 45 km northeast of Dushanbe. Traveling from Dushanbe to the gorge towards the Vahdat city and passing 37 km from the capital, we turn left at the fork and continue driving along the right bank of the Kafirnigan River, which is 387 km long. Its left source, the Sorbo River, originates in the glaciers and snowfields of the Karategin Range, and its right source, the Sardai-Miyona River, comes from the Hissar Range. South of the village of Shaartuz, in Tajikistan, the Kafirnigan River flows into the Amudarya River.
Many plants and animals of the Romit Gorge depend on these waterways. At the confluence of the rivers Sardai-Miyona and Sorbo, at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, the Romit village is located, and opposite to it, on the other side of the river, begins the territory of the Romit Reserve, founded in 1959 on an area of more than 16 thousand hectares to protect the natural complexes of the middle and high mountains of the Gissar Range. The reserve is famous for its forests: mountain slopes are covered with birch, poplar, willow, maple, mulberry, as well as wild apple, pear, cherry, cherry, walnut, buckthorn, barberry, hawthorn, quince, pistachio, almond, rosehip, juniper and even some trees of eastern biota, such as thuja.
The rivers and numerous streams are home to the “king fish” – trout, as well as marinka and Turkestan catfish. The locals call trout “gulmokhi”, which translates to “flower fish”. Sometimes it is possible to observe how trout literally soar above the water surface, overcoming waterfalls, or, like snakes, jump on a rock, barely covered by a thin film of flowing water, and glide upwards. This spectacle leaves unforgettable impressions!
Tour duration: 6-7 hours.
Meals: lunch
Clothes: casual
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group meeting place: square near the Opera and Ballet Theater in Dushanbe
Tour schedule:
Departure at 09.30: Dushanbe – Ramit Gorge (Tourist complex ” Arhu “) – 50 km, travel time 1 hour.
10.30 -11.00: Inspection of fish farms where trout and other varieties of fish are bred.
11.00-13.00: Hiking in the mountains, exploring local attractions and recreational opportunities
13.00-15.00: Lunch
15:00-16.30: Return to Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
Excursion to Safed-Dara Ski Resort
Tour description: Safed-Dara, with its lofty mountain peaks and fresh air, is a true gem of Tajikistan. It is a place where pure snow and breathtaking scenery merge into one.
The Safed-Dara ski resort began its history in 1976 providing sports, tourism and ski services. The resort is located 50 kilometers from Dushanbe. The name “Safed-Dara” translated from Tajik means “White Gorge”, symbolizing its beauty and purity.
The resort is located on a hilly plateau, rising at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. Thanks to clear sunny weather and fresh mountain breezes, this place is ideal for active holidays at any time of the year. The mesmerizing mountain scenery and deep blue sky leave a lasting impression on everyone who has ever visited Safed Dara.
Since 2016, the resort started its work in a new format, offering a variety of services on an area of 60 hectares, capable of accommodating up to 1000 visitors at a time. Here you will find everything you need for a comfortable vacation: a high-level hotel, elevators, ski and snowmobile tracks, cafes and much more.
Safed Dara is famous for its winter activities, offering guests a wide range of activities, from alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice-skating and snowmobiling. Additional activities such as zip lining, paintball and spa make the stay even more exciting. Regardless of the season, Safed Dara can offer an unforgettable vacation in an enchanting environment of nature and comfort.
Tour duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Lunch
Clothing: Sturdy shoes with sturdy soles, sunscreen.
Number of participants: from 10 people.
Group gathering place: at 9:00 at the square near the Opera and Ballet Theater in Dushanbe.
Tour schedule:
09:30 Departure from Dushanbe
11:00-11:30: Arrival in Safed Daru, tour of the complex and surroundings.
12:00-12:20: Climbing by cable car to the height of 2590 meters, photo session.
12:40 Climbing on the cable car “Safed-Dara 2” to the height of 3020 meters.
13:30 Lunch, rest, socializing.
15:00 Departure from Safed-Dara
16:20 Arrival in Dushanbe
If you are interested in this option, please register at the following link: Registration
