Pendjikent
On Tajikistan's westernmost tip, almost reaching into Uzbekistan, sits Pendjikent in Tajikistan's Sughd province. It was founded in the 5th century and was a historically significant center of the ancient Sogdian empire. A small but nonetheless important town throughout its long history, it was part of the achaemenid dynasty and was annexed by Arabian forces in the eighth century. The ruins of the old city, dating back to pre-Islamic, and even pre-zoroastrian times can be found nearby modern day Pendjikent and serve as a reminder of the town's interesting and varied history.
Today, Pendjikent is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and flora and fauna. At the mouth of the Zeravshan valley and straddling the banks of the Zeravshan River, it's a matter of miles away from the Zeravshan nature refuge and, downstream on the river is Sarazm, a designated Important Bird Area. Visitors use the city as a base to explore the gorgeous surrounding area, as a pit stop between Khujand in the north or Dushanbe to the south or as a crossing point through to nearby Samarkand in neighboring Uzbekistan.
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.
Ancient City Museum
The best way to understand and fully appreciate the ancient city is with a visit to the attached museum. It contains exhibits and artifacts from the excavations with information and explanations about the building techniques and the cultural significance of the artworks and architecture in the historic site.
Ancient City Ruins
The site of the ancient Sogdian city is just out of the town, on a hill with views of the valley. Excavated on an ongoing basis since 1947, Pendjikent is one of the most thoroughly studied medieval cities in the world. Visitors are free to wander around the ruins of the walled city that stood more than 2,500 years ago.
Central Market
In the center of town, the market place is the gathering point for local life. The best day to go is Sunday, when the market is at its busiest, to enjoy the color and flavor of a real Tajik market. Here, visitors can stock up on local souvenirs and food for bargain prices.
Kamoli Khujandi Park
Popular with local families, this pleasant recreational park sits on the banks of Zeravshan river, an ideal spot for a picnic and a day of leisure. There’s a playground and a public swimming pool, not to mention a small, charming amusement park.
Rudaki Museum
Named for a famous 10th century Tajik poet, Abu Abdullo Rudaki, this museum celebrates Tajikistan’s rich national and cultural history. Exhibits include example of beautiful frescoes for which the city is famous as well as zoroastrian statues and sculptures and other historical items from the city’s foundation, all the way up to the Soviet era.
Trekking
From its position at the mouth of the beautiful Zeravshan valley and just south of the Fann mountains with their glacial lakes, Pendjikent is a perfect base for the outward bound visitor. Hikes and trails vary in difficulty but all boast stunning views and take in the rich and diverse nature that abounds in the region.
Tajikistan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Pamir Highway
Northeast
Dushanbe
Multi-Country Specialists
Tajikistan Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
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
This highlight of the Pamir Highway features jagged peaks, a rushing river, and timeless Tajik culture
Fann Mountains: Hiking Tajikistan’s Glacial Lake Loop
- Author
- John McMahon
If you dream of hiking the Haft Kul, or Lake Loop, of the Fann Mountains for the crystal blue waters and lonely trails, this piece will get you started.
Faces of the Wakhan Valley
- Author
- Jay Tindall
The history of the Wakhi people and the Wakhan Valley is complex, and the journey across the Pamir Highway can be unpredictable, barren, and cold. In the faces of the Wakhi people, there is warmth.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Holland - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
People keep asking us which country we enjoyed the most, it's very hard to say, there were special experiences everywhere.
A couple from New Hampshire
Remote Lands did an amazing job of planning and executing our trip to Myanmar
A couple from Florida - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
As the trip progressed strangers became friends. Particularly special was the effortlessness: perfect logistics, never having to worry about anything, and, of course, the charming and thoughtful way you organised everything.
