Pendjikent

Proving a popular draw for visitors all year round, historic Pendjikent is irresistible in its ancient charms and natural beauty. Even in the colder months there are accommodation options for intrepid travelers and one of the best among them is the Dodo Hotel. Ideally located in the center of town and near to all the local attractions including museums and markets, Dodo is also handy for guests who want to head out of town to the ancient city ruins or nearby national parks. The hotel is well-equipped and the rooms and suites are large and clean with fresh bedding and comfortable beds and sitting areas and, while the decor isn’t the most elegant, it’s simple and a pleasant enough place to spend the night. What’s more there’s free WiFi for those wishing to catch up with their travel blogs. 

There is perhaps no better example of true Tajik hospitality than at Elina Guesthouse in Pendjikent. The pretty town, steeped in history, built next to the ruins of its original site and surrounded by flora and fauna offers the best of both worlds and visitors stopping through can get a true taste of authentic local culture. Down the last road on the left before the roundabout at the western end of Rudaki, Elina Guesthouse welcomes travelers during the best time of year - from April until October, with beguiling charm. Clean and comfortable rooms lead off from a peaceful central and guests will be delighted by the above average standard of the immaculate bathrooms. Though simple, it’s well-equipped and homey but the service is the real draw, quiet and unassuming, the friendly staff frequently appear from nowhere with pots of tea and plates of fruit, ensuring a relaxing and refreshing stay.

Hotel Intourist, also known by its official name of Hotel Pendjikent (though it’s better known by the former), is the best accommodation on offer in this ancient city. Housed in a Soviet-Era building in the center of town, guests will have easy access to Pendjikent’s tourist hotspots, which is lucky as transportation in this city consists of one bus line that runs along the main road, connecting the far ends of the city. Double rooms here come with hot water and a television - luxuries in this remote corner of Tajikistan. 

The pretty town of Pendjikent, on Tajikistan’s westernmost tip is a popular crossing point into neighboring Uzbekistan. Aside from its advantageous location for travel, the town is a destination in itself, with fascinating museums, bustling markets and historic ruins. What’s more, it’s near to a number of national parks. For travelers looking for somewhere comfortable to get a peaceful night’s rest in town, Maqsud Guesthouse is a great option, not least for its central location near to the local sights. Rooms are clean and comfortable, arranged around a pleasant little central garden. With plans to develop into a hotel, the newly-built rooms boast en-suite facilities, something of a luxury in these parts, not to mention hot showers. Guests have full use of the communal kitchen to cook up hearty meals after a day of exploring, as well as use of the adjoining internet cafe which is co-owned by the guesthouse.