www.explore.co.uk Explore UK has developed a unique six day trek through the spectacular mountains in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The trip combines the incredible Islamic art and architecture of the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand, with cultural explorations trek in Fann Mountains of little-visited Tajikistan.
Alexander the Great and his armies left their mark on what is now Tajikistan, when they fought the resident Sogdians. At Istarafshan trekkers watch the sunset from the remains of the fortified citadel and discover the mosque and madrassa of Kok-Gumbaz and streets of the Old Quarter. Driving over the Shahriston Pass the next stop is beautiful Lake Iskanderkul; ringed by snow-capped peaks, it is named after Alexander and many legends from the cult of the Greek commander still cling to this place.
The Fann Mountains are part of the huge spur jutting westward from the Pamir range; a land of juniper forests, clouded peaks, grandiose rock walls and azure lakes. The six-day trek starts from the lakeshore along the river valley past the tiny settlement of Sarytag, and cross several passes to the north of the Gissarski ridge. Dukdon Pass, is the highest at 3810m. Nomads also use this route and visitors often encounter brightly clothed women.
The Sogdian city of Penjikent was destroyed by the Arabs in the 8th century and lost for more than a millennium. It is still being excavated. On the trek is it’s the last stop before crossing back into Uzbekistan to fabled Samarkand. The city is a jewel of Islamic art and sightseeing includes its most important architectural monuments among them the Observatory of Ulug-Beg and Guri-i-Mur, the tomb of Tamerlane, as well as time to explore the bazaar. |