Introduction:
Our trip combines the incredible Islamic art and architecture of the fabled Silk Road city of Samarkand, with cultural explorations and a 6-day trek in the stunning Fann Mountains of little-visited Tajikistan.
 Istarafshan and Lake Iskanderkul: Alexander the Great and his armies left their mark on what is now Tajikistan, when they fought the resident Sogdians. At Istarafshan we hope to 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 we arrive at 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.
Fann Mountains Trek: 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. Our 6-day trek starts from the lakeshore; we follow 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. We hope to encounter nomadic peoples en route, the women often brightly clothed.
Penjikent & Fabled Samarkand: 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, and we'll pay a visit before crossing back into Uzbekistan to fabled Samarkand. The city is a jewel of Islamic art and our sightseeing takes in its most important architectural monuments including the Observatory of Ulug-Beg and Guri-i-Mur, tomb of Tamerlane, as well as time to explore the bazaar. |
