How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 16 Khujand)

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Khujand (Tajikistan). Visited 20-25 July 2024.

I planned to go south to Nardyn and then to Osh after Karakol. When I heard there was flooding down south, I changed my plan to return to Bishkek and headed to Tajikistan next. To do this, I had to pass through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, both of which I had visited a few years ago. So, I took a 12-hour night bus from Bishkek to Tashkent in Uzbekistan. In the dead of night, I sleepwalked, carrying my luggage through the border controls – exiting Kyrgyzstan and entering Kazakhstan, then exiting Kazakhstan and entering Uzbekistan. Felt like a refugee.

After resting for 2 nights at Tashkent, I rode a shuttle bus to the first city, Khujand, in Tajikistan, about 5 hours away. Excited to tread the country for the first time.  

Khujand is the second-largest city in Tajikistan and one of the oldest in Central Asia. At this time of year, it is scorching hot, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Even the Fann Mountains, which forms the backdrop to the city, appear as though they could burst into flames at any moment. Against this arid landscape, the Syr Darya River flowed calmly by, its green water is a poignant contrast. The city seems almost ablaze, yet the people remain remarkably cool. The monuments and historical buildings harkened back to the Soviet era. The remnants of the old fortress, the bustling bazaar, and the old mosques trace the paths of the ancient Silk Route.   

Many start to flock here, welcomed by the country, and lured by its many attractions. Let’s start trekking, from Khujand.

To go to the next Stop, click the link below:

How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 17 Panjakent)

To start from Stop 1, click the link below:

How to experience the unique cultures of Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 70 days (Stop 1 Urumqi)

The Stops on this Trip:

China Urumqi > Turpan > Kuerle > Kuqa > Kashgar > Kuqa > Nalati (via Duku Scenic Drive) > Kuerdening > Yining > Sailimu Lake > Yining > Urumqi > Buerjin > Kanas Lake > Hemu > China Urumqi > Kyrgyzstan Bishkek > Bokonbayevo (Issyk kul Lake) > Karakol > Kyrgyzstan Bishkek > Uzbekistan Tashkent > Tajikistan > Khujand > Panjakent (and Haft Kul/The Seven Lakes) > Iskanderkul > Dushanbe > China Urumqi > Hami > Dunhuang > Jiayuguan > Zhangye > Lanzhou > Xian