{"id":5137,"date":"2020-04-24T00:34:22","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T00:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=5137"},"modified":"2025-03-06T23:12:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T23:12:42","slug":"penjikent-sogdian-citadels-mountain-mausoleums-and-valley-views-in-tajikistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/penjikent-sogdian-citadels-mountain-mausoleums-and-valley-views-in-tajikistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Panjakent: Sogdian Citadels, Mountain Mausoleums, and Valley Views in Tajikistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048.jpg\" alt=\"A friendly smile from a local. Photo credit: Michel Behar\" class=\"wp-image-5284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar-54800048-600x391.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A friendly smile from a local. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><a href=\"\/country\/tajikistan\/\">Tajikistan<\/a> has so much to offer a traveler. There are the highlights of course, frequently visited by travelers to Tajikistan and somewhat well-known amongst geography, travel, and history aficionados:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dushanbe<\/strong>, the beautiful leafy capital city with its modern monuments and pedestrian-friendly avenues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Pamir Mountains,<\/strong> with their remote villages and spectacular views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The northern city of Khujand<\/strong>, with its famous Panjshanbe Bazaar and a scattering of interesting historical sights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alpine lake Iskandar Kul<\/strong>, the gem of central Tajikistan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is more to Tajikistan \u2013 places not as well known by travelers, but still beautiful and full of history, made even more exciting by the relative lack of other travelers around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful turquoise Iskander Kul.  Photo credit: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-5305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/519926690_2e6b9ba40c_o-8001-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful turquoise Iskandar Kul.  Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Panjakent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Located in far northwest <a href=\"\/country\/tajikistan\/\">Tajikistan<\/a><\/strong>, Panjakent is a stone&#8217;s throw from the Silk Road city of Samarkand in neighboring Uzbekistan. Panjakent is a small town of around 33,000 people, mostly Tajiks but with a sizable population of Uzbeks as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was closed to travelers (along with the rest of Tajikistan) during the civil war years of the 1990s, and then occasionally visited by travelers as a day trip from Samarkand up until 2012, when the Uzbek-Tajik border was closed as part of a political spat between the countries. The border finally reopened in 2019 after a thaw in the relationship, meaning Panjakent is once again accessible from both the east and the west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/img_1021-Tajikistan-Khujand-Panjshanbe-Bazaar-618.jpg\" alt=\"Young boys offer a warm welcome to Khujand\u2019s Panjshanbe Bazaar.  Photo credit: Richard Fejfar\" class=\"wp-image-5367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/img_1021-Tajikistan-Khujand-Panjshanbe-Bazaar-618.jpg 618w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/img_1021-Tajikistan-Khujand-Panjshanbe-Bazaar-618-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/img_1021-Tajikistan-Khujand-Panjshanbe-Bazaar-618-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/img_1021-Tajikistan-Khujand-Panjshanbe-Bazaar-618-600x388.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 618px) 100vw, 618px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Young boys offer a warm welcome to Khujand\u2019s Panjshanbe Bazaar.  Photo credit: Richard Fejfar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The route from Samarkand is fairly straightforward,<\/strong> taking just an hour or two and covering around 40 miles along the flat and broad valley of the Zarafshon River. This short distance makes day trips from Samarkand an appealing and comfortable option for those wishing to make a short foray into Tajikistan. The route from the east, from either Khujand or Dushanbe, is more arduous, taking 4-6 hours along a road that snakes through spectacular mountain scenery, but is rough in spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1.jpg\" alt=\"Overlooking new town Penjikent and the Zarafshon River. Photo credit: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-5370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Penjikent-New-Town-and-Zarafshon-River-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Overlooking new town Panjakent and the Zarafshon River. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panjakent\u2019s Seven Main Attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Panjakent Excavations and Museum of Archaeology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On a ledge above the town are the ruins of Old Panjakent, what was an important Sogdian trade center.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Built in the 5th century AD, it survived for three hundred years until the Arabs burned it down during their 8th century invasion. Re-discovered in 1933, the early medieval site includes the remains of the town center and the frescoed foundations of the houses of wealthy merchants. Two Zoroastrian temples demonstrate the importance of the old city. An onsite museum explains the history and significance of the ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The views down to the new town and across the valley of the Zarafshon River are beautiful. The name Zarafshon means \u201cgold-spreading\u201d and the river is indeed gold-bearing. The ancient Sogdians that lived along the river produced fine gold ornaments and jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_e43d2a497d755aea811a853e1668e035-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"768\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Wildflower blooming near the ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"768\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_e43d2a497d755aea811a853e1668e035-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_e43d2a497d755aea811a853e1668e035-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"768\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Wildflower-at-Old-Penjikent-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Wildflower blooming near the ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Wildflower blooming near the ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Ruins-at-Old-Penjikent-2-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"768\"\n  width=\"1024\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Ruins of Old Panjakent. Photo credit: Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                                        <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Proto-Urban Site of Sarazm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarazm means \u201cwhere the land begins\u201d \u2013 an apt name for this ancient archaeological site traced back some 5,000 years, and where humans first settled in Central Asia. Located in northwestern Tajikistan in the Zarafshon River valley and discovered only in 1976, <strong>Sarazm is Tajikistan\u2019s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, officially known as the \u201cProto-Urban Site of Sarazm.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sarazm, Tajikistan\u2019s first UNESCO site.  Photo credit: Michel Behar\" class=\"wp-image-5374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/34130049-1-600x391.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sarazm, Tajikistan\u2019s first UNESCO site. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This thriving metallurgical center reached its apex in 3,000 BC at the beginning of the Bronze Age, when it was rich in metals, minerals, and especially turquoise. Archaeologists also discovered evidence of wheat and barley, concluding that this fertile valley was an agricultural center as well, with early farmers tilling the soil and nomadic herders tending their animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Rudaki Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This museum in the center of the town is filled with artifacts, from the Bronze Age to the Sogdian era, and natural history exhibits from around the region. The namesake of the museum, Samanid court poet Abdullah Mohammed Rudaki, was born in Panjakent, and there is an exhibit on his life and works. Frescoes from the Old Panjakent archaeological site are a highlight of the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Panjakent Bazaar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This market is a good example of a typical Tajik bazaar. Local fruits and vegetables are highly seasonal, so what you\u2019ll see depends a great deal on when you visit. Local stall-keepers are very friendly and will be happy to tell you about their produce, give you a sample, or sell you a kilo of your favorite \u2013 be it dried apricots, fresh figs, juicy pomegranates, or locally grow cumin.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006.jpg\" alt=\"Locals heading into the bazaar.  Photo: James Carnehan\" class=\"wp-image-5384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/DSC0006-600x401.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Locals heading into the bazaar.  Photo credit: James Carnehan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>One interesting find that is almost always available is the unique variety of yellow carrots that locals prefer over the more common orange ones. The local specialty, a rice pilaf dish called oshi palov in Tajiki (or plov in Russian) is made with yellow carrots here in Panjakent and in some pockets of Uzbekistan, but with orange carrots elsewhere in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Olim Dodkhokh Mosque and Madrassah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While this small structure pales in comparison to the architecture of nearby Samarkand, it is a prime example of very real living Tajik and Uzbek culture and religious practice. On a visit you might be able to observe a congregation worshiping, chat with one of the town\u2019s elders, or meet local youths eager to practice their English. A mosque has existed here for centuries, but the present structures and renovations date from the last two centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1.jpg\" alt=\"The modest Olim Dodkhokh Mosque. Photo credit: Jake Smith\" class=\"wp-image-5383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Olim-Dodkhokh-Mosque-1024x768-1-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The modest Olim Dodkhokh Mosque.  Photo credit : Jake Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Rudaki Mausoleum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden in the remote Fan Mountains some 40 miles outside of Panjakent is the <strong>final resting place of Rudaki, the celebrated father of Tajik and Persian poetry.<\/strong> Born in the mid-9th century, Rudaki was an accomplished literary figure for his time, serving decades as a court poet to the Samanid royalty of Bukhara before eventually returning to his birthplace in Panjrud, where he spent his final years until his death in 941.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tajik pilgrims today pay their respects to Rudaki at the poet\u2019s small mausoleum in Panjrud, built in 2008 to commemorate the 1,150th anniversary of his birth. Created in the style of traditional Central Asian shrines, the interior of the mausoleum is bathed in natural light, enhanced by the pristine white marble and plaster decorations, with a covered black tomb in the center to mark the spot where Rudaki was laid to rest. The mausoleum is surrounded by lush, fragrant rose gardens, as well as a 400-year-old mulberry tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Mausoleum of Muhammad Bashara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This small mausoleum is located 20 miles outside of Panjakent, up a side road leading into the foothills of the Fan Mountains. <strong>Local belief holds that Muhammad Bashara was a Sufi saint and companion of the Prophet Muhammad.<\/strong> The tomb was largely constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, and as such constitutes on of Tajikistan\u2019s better examples of Timurid architecture. The histories of both the tomb and the saint himself are somewhat obscure. The setting of the tomb is beautiful, surrounded by old trees and gardens, with views of the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-standardcarousel js-xd-components__carousel\">\n  <div class=\"js-xd-components__carousel\">\n    <div uk-slider  >\n      <div class=\"uk-position-relative\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n        <ul\n          id=\"block_95a18f41d5a00198e1379015932618e3-carousel\"\n          class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1 uk-child-width-1-2@s uk-child-width-1-3@m uk-child-width-1-4@l uk-grid uk-grid-small  js-xd-components__carousel-lightbox-open\">\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Decorative blue tile work commonly found in Tajikistan. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n                      <li>\n                              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-150x98.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-600x391.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Friends meeting outside a mosque in Panjakent. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"521\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                          <\/li>\n          \n        <\/ul>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"previous\"\n          ><\/a>\n        <a\n          class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover\"\n          href=\"#\"\n          uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\"\n          uk-slider-item=\"next\"\n        ><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav uk-flex-center uk-margin\" ><\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      \n  <div id=\"block_95a18f41d5a00198e1379015932618e3-lightbox\" class=\"uk-modal-container xd-components__media-grid-lightbox uk-modal\" uk-modal=\"uk-modal\">\n    <div class=\"uk-modal-dialog uk-modal-body\">\n      <button class=\"uk-modal-close-outside\" type=\"button\" uk-close=\"uk-close\"><\/button>\n      <div id=\"block_95a18f41d5a00198e1379015932618e3-lightbox-slider\" uk-slider=\"uk-slider\">\n        <div class=\"uk-position-relative\">\n          <div class=\"uk-slider-container\">\n            <ul class=\"uk-slider-items uk-child-width-1-1\">\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-150x113.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-3-e1549306149276-600x450.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"The Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"600\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">The Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-2-e1549306081863-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Decorative blue tile work commonly found in Tajikistan. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Decorative blue tile work commonly found in Tajikistan<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mausoleum-of-Muhammad-Bashara-768x1024-1-675x900.jpg 675w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara. Photo credit: Jake Smith\"\n  height=\"1024\"\n  width=\"768\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammad Bashara<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Jake Smith<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                              <li>\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\n  src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/themes\/mir\/build\/images\/png\/lazy-loading.png\"\n  data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-150x98.jpg\"\n  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/TJ-Penjikent-Behar058-600x391.jpg 600w\"\n  sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\n  class=\"lazyload \"\n  alt=\"Friends meeting outside a mosque in Panjakent. Photo credit: Michel Behar\"\n  height=\"521\"\n  width=\"800\"\n\/>                    <span class=\"photo-caption\">Friends meeting outside a mosque in Panjakent<\/span>\n                                                            <span class=\"photo-credit\"> Michel Behar<\/span>\n                                  <\/li>\n                          <\/ul>\n          <\/div>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-left uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-previous uk-slidenav\" href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-previous=\"uk-slidenav-previous\" uk-slider-item=\"previous\"><\/a>\n          <a class=\"uk-position-center-right uk-position-small uk-hidden-hover uk-icon uk-slidenav-next uk-slidenav\"\n            href=\"#\" uk-slidenav-next=\"uk-slidenav-next\" uk-slider-item=\"next\"><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"uk-slider-nav uk-dotnav\">\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#909599\"><em>(Click image to view larger photo)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Visit To Panjakent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The first five sights would make for a perfect day trip to Panjakent from Samarkand. The archaeological sites are best visited in the morning, before the sun gets too hot. A market visit could be followed by a meal of the local rice pilaf with yellow carrots, called <em>plov<\/em>. And the day could be topped off with a visit to the museum and then the mosque. For those overnighting in Panjakent, coming from Khujand or Dushanbe, or for travelers moving at a slower pace, visits to one or both of the mountain mausoleums are also recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are a first time visitor to Tajikistan or a more experienced traveler in the country, you won\u2019t regret a jaunt up (or down) the Zarafshon River to Panjakent. <strong>The history, scenery, people, and relative obscurity of the place all make a worthwhile and relevant stop on any Silk Road itinerary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a great time to travel to Tajikistan, to experience this remote country for yourself and to reap the benefits of its hospitality. <strong>Want to find out more?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light alignwide\" style=\"min-height:250px\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"651\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-5296\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 19%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 19%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-300x102.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-1024x347.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-768x260.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-1536x521.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-150x51.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-600x203.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/MOUNTAIN-PASSE-INSTA-TJ-6-11-2018-4-51-49-PM-3412x1920-Abdu-Samadov-top-1-1600x543.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong>Travel to Tajikistan with MIR<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-xd-layout \n  container\n XD-mt--sm XD-mb--sm\n undefined\n XD-h-100--sm XD-h-100--md XD-h-100--lg XD-h-100--xl\" style=\"background-size:cover;background-color:\" uk-scrollspy=\"\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\" col-sm-12 col-md-8 col-lg-6 col-xl-6 offset-sm-0 offset-md-2 offset-lg-3 offset-xl-3\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MIR has over 30 years travel experience in <a href=\"\/country\/tajikistan\/\">Tajikistan <\/a>and <a href=\"\/region\/central-asia\/\">Central Asia<\/a><\/strong> with on-the-ground support, guides, and tour managers that clients rave about. MIR\u2019s full service, dedication, commitment to quality, and destination expertise have twice earned us place on <em>National Geographic Adventure\u2019s <\/em>list of \u201cBest Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel through Tajikistan with the soaring Pamir Mountains as your backdrop on one of our small group tours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/trip\/pamir-highway-from-the-tien-shan-to-the-high-pamirs\"><strong>The Pamir Highway: From the Tien Shan to the High Pamirs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong> <a href=\"\/trip\/journey-through-central-asia-the-five-stans\/\">Journey Through Central Asia: The Five \u2018Stans<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong> <a href=\"\/trip\/silk-road-backroads-byways\/\">Silk Road Backroads &amp; Byways<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Or let one of our experienced travel specialists hand-craft a<a href=\"\/custom-private-travel\/\"> <strong>custom private journey<\/strong><\/a> for you through this undiscovered country, personalized to your interests and travel pace. If you want ideas for a private trip, check out our <strong><a href=\"\/trip\/essential-tajikistan\/\">Essential Tajikistan<\/a><\/strong> itinerary.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tajikistan has so much to offer a traveler. There are the highlights of course, frequently visited by travelers to Tajikistan and somewhat well-known amongst geography, travel, and history aficionados. But there is more to Tajikistan \u2013 places not as well known by travelers, but still beautiful and full of history and made even more exciting by the relative lack of other travelers around.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5297,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[191,283,38,284,280,281,277,286,285,229,276,279,47,50,282,275,56,219],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Panjakent: Sights to See in Tajikistan | MIR Corp<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tajikistan has so much to offer a traveler \u2013 highlights frequently visited as well as places not as well known but still beautiful and full of history.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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