Tajikistan | Small Group Tour

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Central Asia and beyond including Tajikistan. We explore Tajikistan's natural beauty, its ancient heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Tajikistan, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.

On this Tajikistan small group tour, we explore the Central Asian country's astonishing scenery and monuments, as well as its history and culture. Tajikistan is the smallest of the 5 'Stans and it is also the most mountainous, with 90% of land being upland. With incredible peaks scattered with villages and bright blue, shimmering lakes, Tajikistan is home to some of the most striking landscapes in Central Asia. On our tour, designed specifically for mature travellers to enjoy, we encounter remote communities and spectacular mountain ranges that reach well over 3,000 metres above sea level. This is one of the reasons Tajikistan is sometimes referred to as 'the Roof of the World'.

The country is set between China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan with the Uzbekistan border to the west and the Afghan border to south.  Tajiks also lay claim to areas of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which these countries reject.

The country remains economically poor by Western standards. A large percentage of the adult population work overseas, mainly in Russia, and many traditional village communities have struggled to adapt to a changing world. However, Tajiks are renowned for the hospitality and their unfailing cheerfulness despite the difficulties they might face. This is one the reasons, Tajikistan makes such a unique and fascinating travel experience.

One of the countries main resources is water, and although they cannot sell water, they do produce hydro-electricity for sale in neighbouring countries. This is seen as a future solution to a current lack of supplies of electricity in Tajikistan, particularly in its rural areas during winter. In the future, it is hoped that this hydro power will assist the long term economic development of the country.

Highlights of Odyssey Traveller's Tajikistan Tour

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to see the amazing mountain ranges that make Tajikistan the unique travel destination it is. The north is home to the Trans-Alay range, while the east and centre are home to the Tien Shan (Turkestan Mountains). Finally, the southeast is occupied by the icy peaks of the Pamir Mountains. We will see these ranges on our tour and also some of the most magnificent alpine lakes, including Iskander Lake.

Near Iskander lake is Penjikent, home to the Museum of Rudaki, devoted to Abu Abdullah Rudaki, which you will also have the chance to explore. Rudaki, born in Penjikent in 885, is considered to be the ‘father of Persian poetry’ and a Tajik national hero. The museum’s scope is broader than that – make sure to visit the frescoes from the ancient city of Penjikent, depicting a banquet, a battle, and daily life scenes. Other archaeological remains include statues of Zoroastrian divinities and exhibits from Sarazm, a Neolithic site recently found nearby, including the richly decorated remains of a young woman believed to be the ‘princess of Sarazm.’

We will also visit the ruins of ancient Penjikent, which are preserved nearby. The city was founded by the Sogdians in the 5^th century, but abandoned after the 8^th century Arab conquest. Foundations of houses, a number of Zoroastrian fire temples, and the city bazaar are visible among the excavated ruins. We will spend time at the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification, which is in the middle of the northern part of Khodjent  set within a 7th C to 8th C enclosed fortress. It was destroyed several times by various conquerors and the last reconstruction was in the 18th C. Khodjent is also home to the biggest oriental bazaar of Central Asia, known as the Payshanba Bazaar. This is sure to be one of the most interesting experiences of your trip, with the bazaar attracting all kinds of people with various languages and tastes.

Of course, we spend some time in the capital city, Dushanbe with a full day of sightseeing. This begins with the Tajikistan United Museum, which includes exhibits on history, natural history, and art, as well as a stroll around the city, which is framed by mountains.

Tourists who have made it to Tajikistan have commented that the hospitality of the Tajik people is one of the highlights any visit. Outside of Dushanbe, hotels are rare and tourists frequently homestay, giving an unparalleled insight into the traditional culture of the region. High mountains and valleys are home to remote towns where life has been largely untouched by the Soviets, or by the opening up of Tajikistan to the West.

There is an optional 23 day tour to Central Asia & the Stans prior to this tour. This program provides another incredible and compelling insight into this often misunderstood region. Odyssey's groups continually praise the friendliness of the local communities visited as well as their hospitality as you explore Tajikistan. You can learn more about Tajikistan with our country profile.

For more details about  the Tajikistan small group tour please click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.