Istaravshan
Istaravshan has its fair share of interesting historical monuments and ancient remains, with many dubbing it a "museum city". Highlights include the stunning Kok Gumbaz mosque, as well as the double-domed Khazrat-i-Shokh Mausoleum that dates back to the 18th century. Istaravshan offers little in the way of western comforts, with few quality hotels or amenities, meaning this ancient settlement remains more of a stop-over spot rather than a major tourist destination in its own right, despite its undeniable beauty.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Khazrat-i-Shokh Mausoleum
Touted as the sacred tomb of St. Khazrati-Shokh - the brother of Kusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad – this double-domed mausoleum is one of the most popular visitor and pilgrim stop-offs in the city of Istaravshan. Visitors can fully explore the site, which is located in the historical-architectural complex of Khazrati Shokh, as well as bathe in the spring water in front of the building, considered medicinal.
Kok Gumbaz
Also known as Abdulatif Sultan mosque, Kok Gumbaz is an impressive religious complex dating back to the 18th century. The crumbling perimeter is comprised of giant square bricks, whilst inside you’ll find a spacious square with ornately decorate walls and a window pointing to Mecca, the birthplace of Islam. You can’t miss the gleaming blue dome from the outside either, which towers above the local area.
Mugteppa Fort
This ancient fort was once home to local aristocracy who controlled the city, and today it lies in ruins at the entrance to the city. With its two turrets, stone walls and central blue dome, the fort - though crumbling - is quite an impressive sight from afar, and makes an interesting stop-off on the road either from or to the city of Istaravshan.
Tajikistan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Pamir Highway
Northeast
Dushanbe
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Truly remote: Tajikistan’s Bartang Valley
- Author
- Dave Stamboulis
Fann Mountains: Hiking Tajikistan’s Glacial Lake Loop
- Author
- John McMahon
Faces of the Wakhan Valley
- Author
- Jay Tindall
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Honeymooners from New Jersey
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.