HOW TO GET TO THE ZERAFSHAN VALLEY
You can get to the Zarafshan Valley...
From the Uzbek border Oybek to Penjikent
From Tashkent you should travel to the Oybek border post (about 2hr-drive). After passing through customs and immigration control, you will find taxis to Khujand city (about 1hr-drive) and from there further to Penjikent (350 km, about 6hr-drive).
Please note that the border between Samarkand and Penjikent is since December 2010 closed.
From Khujand
For the Zarafshan Valley you must go to the old taxi station in what is known as "Pakhtakor kvartal", and take a taxi to Ayni or Penjikent. To drive to Dushanbe you must go to the “Rohi Abreshim” station located in the 34th microrayon (suburban district). From Khujand to Ayni is 177km, about 5hr-drive.
On the way, about 100km out from Khujand city, the ancient town of Istarafshan with its big bazaar and handcrafts and masters of knives, clay cutlery and clothing. From Istarafshan you can drive to Penjikent and Ayni from the taxi station close to the cafe “Somoniyon”, at the side of the bazaar.
After passing the Shakhristan Pass (3378m) that offers a spectacular panorama, but not a comfortable drive though, you will arrive at a big roundabout. From here you can either go to Dushanbe or to Penjikent.
SHARED TAXI FARES:
From Khujand to Penjikent: about 100–120 TJS per person in spring/summer, while 130-150 TJS in winter.
From Khujand to Ayni: about 120-150 TJS per vehicle.
From Dushanbe
From Dushanbe you can get to the Zarafshan Valley either by road or by air. In winter there is a flight Dushanbe-Penjikent-Dushanbe. The ticket costs approximately 45-60 USD one way. However, in summer, when road transportation through the Anzob Pass or tunnel is practicable, flights are not operated.
The taxi station to Ayni and/or Penjikent is located in the outskirts of Dushanbe (Vodonasos). You can reach the Zarafshan Valley, either driving over the Anzob Pass (3372m) or through the Anzob tunnel. The pass is much more attractive though trafficable only in summer. Please note that most drivers don't drive this route as it is about 2hrs longer, therefore you need to arrange it in advance.
The Anzob tunnel (also known as "tunnel of gloom") is an attraction itself. 5km-full darkness-drive on a partially floaded road. It was constructed by the Iranians in 2006 and since then it has been under renovation to stop water leaks. Through the tunnel you can reach Sarvoda from Dushanbe in 3-3.5 hours. We warmly recommend travelers suffering from claustrophobia or heavy breathing problems to take adequate precautions and/or medicaments before driving through the tunnel.
By turning right after the tunnel/pass you will reach the Yaghnob Valley, the home of the descendants of the ancient Soghdian civilisation. In Murgab, you will find our guesthouses, service-providers, traditional handicrafts and much more.
If you continue driving to the Zarafshan Valley, direction Ayni, you will soon reach the town of Sarvoda. From here you must decide where to drive further: to Iskandarkul or Alauddin Lake, to the Village Veshab with its thousand years of history or to the wonderful mountains of Gorno Matcha, to Kulikalon Lake and to the Archamaidon spruce forest, to the Seven Lakes area or to the ancient city of Penjikent.
SHARED TAXI FARES:
From Dushanbe to Penjikent: about 100–120 TJS per person in spring/summer, while 130-150 TJS in winter.
From Dushanbe to Ayni: about 80-100 TJS per person.
From Penjikent
If you want to travel to Dushanbe, Khujand, Ayni and Gorno Matcha from Penjikent, then you must go to the city taxi station (Autovaksal) located in the outskirts of Penjikent by the city graveyard.
If you want to go to the Seven Lakes or Artuch you have to go to the city bazaar where you can find taxis to Nofin, Padrud and Artuch Village or buses up to Shing.
Please note that the border between Samarkand and Penjikent is since December 2010 closed.
You have many choices, and every place is worth visiting. We can only wish you a pleasant and safe journey to our jewel of pristine nature called Zarafshan…
