01 May 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
Escorted tour
Tajikistan & Uzbekistan: Fann Mountains, Samarkand & Bukhara – 11 Days
Tajikistan's Fann Mountains, Iskanderkul and the Seven Lakes, then Samarkand and Bukhara, in a small group of up to 16.
11 days
From £3,049
Tour overview
This 11-day small-group trip links two very different sides of Central Asia: the high valleys and villages of Tajikistan and the great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan. Groups have 4 to 16 travellers aged 16 and over, with a local Tajik leader in Tajikistan and a local Uzbek leader after the border. You travel by private bus and minibus, and stay in locally owned hotels, with two simpler stays in the mountains. Breakfast is included daily, along with 3 lunches and 5 dinners, several of them home-cooked with local families. Group arrival and departure transfers are included, and the trip is land-only, starting in Dushanbe and ending in Bukhara.
The trip begins in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's leafy capital, with the Ismail Somoni monument, the statue of the poet Rudaki and the National Museum of Antiquities, home to a giant reclining Buddha. Next morning you visit Hisor Fortress, a stronghold on the old Silk Road, before driving into the Fann Mountains to Iskanderkul, a turquoise lake beneath rocky peaks, with time for a swim and a walk to a nearby waterfall.
Read more
The following days are about village life. You walk through Saratog, take a gentle riverside walk in the Arg Valley and join a suzani embroidery masterclass in Panjakent. A longer hike of about 9.5 km leads to Voru, a village of terraced houses stacked into the mountainside, and the day ends with a home-cooked dinner with a Panjakent family. Early next morning you drive to the Seven Lakes of Marguzor, a chain of alpine lakes that change colour from one to the next, before crossing into Uzbekistan at Jarteppa.
Samarkand shows the grandeur of the Timurid Empire: the vast Bibi Khanum Mosque, Gur-Emir, the tomb of Tamerlane, and the Registan, three madrasas facing a single square. On the way to Bukhara you stop at the ruined caravanserai of Rabat-i-Malik and share lunch with a family of master potters in Gijduvan. Two full days in Bukhara take in the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Ark, the Kukeldash and Nadir Devonbegi madrasas, the Magok-i-Attari Mosque and the old trading domes.
The physical rating is medium, with city walking, uneven village paths and one longer mountain hike. Single rooms are available except at Iskanderkul. This trip suits curious travellers who want Uzbekistan's famous monuments together with the mountains and rural life of Tajikistan, which few tours include.
Trip highlights
-
Dushanbe's museums and Hisor Fortress (Days 2–3)
-
Iskanderkul, a turquoise lake in the Fann Mountains (Day 3)
-
A suzani embroidery masterclass in Panjakent (Day 4)
-
The hike to Voru's terraced village and a family dinner (Day 5)
-
The Seven Lakes of Marguzor (Day 6)
-
Samarkand's Registan and Bukhara's old town (Days 7–10)
Your route
9 stops from Dushanbe to Bukhara
- Dushanbe Days 1–2
- Hisor Fortress Day 3
- Iskanderkul Day 3
- Saratog Day 4
- Panjakent Days 4–5
- Seven Lakes of Marguzor Day 6
- Samarkand Days 6–7
- Gijduvan Day 8
- Bukhara Days 8–10
Why choose this tour
Combines Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities with Tajikistan's mountains and villages, a pairing few tours offer. Local leaders in each country and several home-cooked meals with families bring you close to everyday life.
Best suited to
- Travellers who have seen the classic sights and want somewhere less visited
- Walkers who enjoy mountain scenery without technical hiking
- Anyone interested in crafts, from embroidery to ceramics
- Travellers keen on Islamic architecture and Silk Road history
Day-by-day itinerary
11 days from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Bukhara, Uzbekistan
-
Day 1 · Dushanbe Arrive in Dushanbe
Arrive in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, set along the Varzob River beneath the Hissar Range. Most international flights land late at night or early on Day 2, so an extra night before the trip is worth considering.
- Hotel
- Atlas Hotel or Rumi Hotel, or similar
-
Day 2 · Dushanbe, National Museum of Antiquities Discover Dushanbe
Meet your leader at 9am, then explore the capital: the Ismail Somoni monument, the statue of the poet Rudaki, the National Flagpole and the Museum of Antiquities, home to a giant reclining Buddha. End with an evening stroll along Rudaki Avenue.
- Hotel
- Atlas Hotel or Rumi Hotel, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 3 · Hisor Fortress, Iskanderkul Hisor Fortress and Iskanderkul
Drive 45 minutes to Hisor Fortress, a Silk Road stronghold, then return to Dushanbe for lunch before a scenic four-hour drive into the Fann Mountains. At Iskanderkul there is time for a dip, a walk to a nearby waterfall and Snake Lake, or an optional boat ride.
- Hotel
- Zumrad Camp or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 4 · Saratog, Arg Valley, Panjakent Saratog and Panjakent
Drive through mountain passes, stopping at the Panjchashma springs, to the village of Saratog for a walk and a gentle riverside stroll in the Arg Valley. Continue to Panjakent, an ancient Sogdian town, and join a suzani embroidery masterclass.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 5 · Voru Hike to Voru
Drive about 2.5 hours to a river crossing and hike around 9.5 km, about four hours return, to Voru, a village of terraced houses where one family's roof is the next family's courtyard. In the evening, share a home-cooked dinner with a family in Panjakent.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 6 · Seven Lakes of Marguzor, Sarazm, Samarkand Seven Lakes and into Uzbekistan
Set out early for the Seven Lakes of Marguzor, a chain of alpine lakes each with its own colour, said to have formed from the tears of seven sisters. Return via the ancient site of Sarazm to cross the Jarteppa border, meet your Uzbek leader and continue to Samarkand.
- Hotel
- Asia Samarkand or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Bibi Khanum Mosque, Gur-Emir, Registan Samarkand
Explore Samarkand, the heart of the Silk Road. Visit the huge Bibi Khanum Mosque and Gur-Emir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane and his descendants, and see the Registan, three great madrasas facing one square.
- Hotel
- Asia Samarkand or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 8 · Rabat-i-Malik, Gijduvan, Bukhara Rabat-i-Malik and Gijduvan to Bukhara
Drive about four hours west, stopping at the ruins of Rabat-i-Malik, a caravanserai on the Silk Road. In Gijduvan, visit a ceramics workshop where skills have passed down the generations, and share lunch with the potter's family, then continue to Bukhara.
- Hotel
- Iman Hotel or Modarixon Hotel, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 9 · Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chashma-i-Ayub, Ark of Bukhara Historic Bukhara
A guided walk introduces Bukhara, a centre of learning and faith for more than a thousand years. See the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one of the earliest Islamic buildings in Central Asia, the Chashma-i-Ayub shrine, the Bolo-Hauz Mosque and the Ark fortress.
- Hotel
- Iman Hotel or Modarixon Hotel, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 10 · Lyabi-Hauz, Magok-i-Attari Mosque, Bukhara trading domes Bukhara's crafts and trading domes
Visit the Kukeldash and Nadir Devonbegi madrasas around the Lyabi-Hauz pool and the Magok-i-Attari Mosque, one of the oldest in the city. Browse the domed bazaars where traders have worked for centuries, then gather for a final dinner.
- Hotel
- Iman Hotel or Modarixon Hotel, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 11 · Bukhara Trip ends in Bukhara
The trip ends after breakfast. A group departure transfer is available, and extra nights in Bukhara can be arranged when you book.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Dushanbe (2 nights) Atlas Hotel or Rumi Hotel, or similar
- Iskanderkul (1 night) Zumrad Camp or similar
- Panjakent (2 nights) Hotel
- Samarkand (2 nights) Asia Samarkand or similar
- Bukhara (3 nights) Iman Hotel or Modarixon Hotel, or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 10 nights in locally owned hotels, all with private bathrooms
- Meals 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including home-cooked meals with local families
- Transport private bus and minibus throughout, with group arrival and departure transfers
- Guided visits Dushanbe, Hisor Fortress, Saratog, Voru, the Seven Lakes, Samarkand, Rabat-i-Malik, Gijduvan and Bukhara
- A suzani embroidery masterclass and a ceramics workshop visit
- Local tour leaders in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Not included
- International flights to Dushanbe and from Bukhara
- Visas for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
- Meals not listed and optional activities such as a wine tasting in Samarkand
- Single supplement (not available at Iskanderkul)
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want flights included — they are not
- You need a single room every night — none are available at Iskanderkul
- You want luxury hotels — the two mountain stays are simple
- You need a wide choice of vegetarian or special-diet food — options are limited
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £3,049 per person, twin share, tour only. 6 upcoming departures.
22 May 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
12 Jun 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
28 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
11 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
18 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,049pp
Single from £3,514
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How does the border crossing work?
On Day 6 you cross from Tajikistan into Uzbekistan at Jarteppa in the afternoon. You say goodbye to your Tajik leader and meet your Uzbek leader on the other side, then continue to Samarkand.
How active is the trip?
The physical rating is medium. Most days involve city or village walking on uneven ground, and Day 5 includes a hike of about 9.5 km, around four hours return, to Voru village.
Are airport transfers included?
Group arrival transfers in Dushanbe and departure transfers in Bukhara are included. Most flights reach Dushanbe late on Day 1 or early on Day 2, so a pre-tour night is recommended.
Can I have my own room?
Yes, for a supplement, on every night except at Iskanderkul, where rooms are shared. Solo travellers are otherwise paired with someone of the same gender.
What is the food like?
Hearty dishes such as plov, manti, laghman, kebabs, fresh bread and green tea. Vegetarian choices are limited and special-diet products are hard to find, so bring any essentials with you.
What should I wear at religious sites?
Clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their hair in active mosques, so a light scarf is useful.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary