SOGDIAN GEMS
Discover the wild
Jamshed Yusupov is the executive director of the Zarafshan Tourism Development Association (ZTDA). Under his leadership, the organization actively develops community-based tourism in the Sughd region, providing local residents with employment opportunities and preserving cultural heritage. Jamshed pays special attention to environmental issues and the creation of sustainable tourism infrastructure that contributes to the development of the region.
Executive Director
Route
Panjakent – Seven lakes – Artuch – Kuli Kalon – Alauddin lakes – Iskandarkul – Istaravshan – Khujand
Accommodation
Double occupancy at the hotel, homestay & tents
Maximum altitude
3860 m
Highlights
Panjakent, Sarazm, Seven lakes, Kuli Kalon Wall, Khujand Fortress, Arbob Palace, Panjshanbe Bazaar, landscape, cuisine
Tour schedule
Day 1
Arrival at the border. Visit Sarazm (5500 years old). City tour in Panjakent, known as the Eastern Pompeii. Traditional lunch (Panjakent pilaf). Transfer to the Seven Lakes. Dinner and handicraft presentation by local family. Overnight at the homestay.
Day 2
Morning hike to the 7th lake – Hazorchashma (10 km, 3 hrs). Picnic at the lake. Return to the homestay for dinner and rest.
Day 3
Transfer to Artuch Base Camp (160 km, 3 hrs). Unique scenery and beautiful mountain lakes. Meet the support team. Overnight in wooden cottages.
Day 4
Trek to Kuli Kalon Lakes (12 km, 3.5 hrs). View majestic peaks of the “Kuli Kalon Wall”. Overnight at Lake Bibijannat campsite.
Day 5
Trek to Alauddin Lake via Alauddin Pass (10 km, 6 hrs; +1060m, -960m). Enjoy spectacular mountain panoramas. Overnight at campsite near the lake.
Day 6
Trek to Mutnoe Lake and back (18 km, 6 hrs; ±800m). Admire alpine peaks and glacial landscapes. Visit Lake Piala. Return to campsite near Alauddin Lake.
Day 7
Drive to Iskandarkul Lake (90 km, 4 hrs). Explore Zmeinoe Lake and Fann Waterfall. Overnight in Saratog village. Dinner at the homestay.
Day 8
Transfer to Madm (120 km, 4 hrs). Master class in carpet weaving. Traditional lunch and overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 9
Transfer to Khujand via Istaravshan (220 km, 5 hrs). Visit local crafts center, Blue Mosque, Hazrati Shah Mosque. Taste smoked lamb/beef at Shakhriston Pass. Overnight at the hotel in Khujand.
Day 10
City tour: Panjshanbe bazaar, Arbob Palace, museum, ikat workshop. Master class on Khujand-style pilaf. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
After breakfast, transfer to Oybek border (120 km, 1.5 hrs). End of the tour.
