An early breakfast in the hotel is followed by more city exploration. As you drive around the city, observe the many Soviet-era blocks which are artfully covered in colored tiles. Begin with a visit to the Buddha in Nirvana at the Museum of Antiquity. At over 39 feet high, this reclining Buddha statue is the largest Buddha in Central Asia and is believed to be 1,600 years old. Then make stops at the famous Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments and 13th century Fort Hissar where the deputy of Bukhara emir resided. Finally at Mehrgon Bazaar, get acquainted with the locals and the local specialties. This new and modern food market is well-organized and brimming with flat breads, dried fruits, and legumes.

This morning, travel onward a short distance to the village of Saritag, where you will stay the night in a guesthouse. This small village is located in a subalpine meadow, elevated at 7,874 feet, and is home to local farmers and livestock herders. A walk through this scenic location, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, will take you to the meandering river Karakul, onto the fork pass of Dugdon, and to the eerie black waters of Karakul Lake. Take in the gorgeous views over a picnic lunch. Spend the rest of the day exploring the area before returning to the village before dark.

Your evening in the Fann Mountains is spent at the Artuch base. Set in the heart of the Fann mountains, amidst majestic peaks, Artuch is located 7,217 feet above sea level and boasts panoramic views over alpine meadows as well as traditional Tajik architecture. Enroute, stop for lunch at the small Rudaki village where an authentic, home-cooked Tajik meal is served amidst these beautiful surrounds. Also pay a visit to the mausoleum of A. Rudaki, a classic Tajik poet,after whom the village is named. After reaching Artuch base and settling into the camp lodge, take a 2-3 hour hike up to Chukurak Lake at 8,038 feet. This elongated lake fringed by juniper-covered mountains is the lowest in altitude of three lakes within Chukurak Gorge. It is separated in two parts, with water from the higher, larger part cascading into the smaller one situated below.

Day 8

This morning, visit Pendjikent’s Rudaki Museum and browse the bazaar. In its previous life, the city was a thriving trade post on the road between the mountains and Samarkand. Today it is still a border city for those crossing into Uzbekistan. Superbly fortified city walls held a ruler’s palace, temples, markets, and fine homes. Though its golden trading days are in the past, the spirit lives on at its bazaar which touts fruits for travelers’ onward journeys. Journey onward to the northeast and reach Istaravshan, in the foothills of the Turkestan mountains. Another ancient city, Istaravshan was famous in the past for its handicrafts, particularly carving, pottery, and embroidery. After lunch here, explore its remaining historical monuments and ancient remains and meet the local artisans. Finally drive an hour to Khudjand, your final destination for today.

HIGHLIGHTS