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Day 01

Echoes of Sogdiana's Glory:
Samarkand — Penjikent — Seven Lakes

• Drive to the border 45km. Crossing land border. • Drive to Panjakent 15 km. The city of Panjakent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a picturesque Zarafshon river/valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the V-VIII centuries AD. Panjakent of that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named "Central Asian Pompeii". Explore this ancient city with your local guide, including visits to: o Ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in V century and abandoned in the VIII century by arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins. o Sarazm settlement – 5500 years, UNESCO object. • Overnight in Seven Lakes.

• Drive to the border 45km. Crossing land border.
• Drive to Panjakent 15 km. The city of Panjakent ("five villages") is located in Khujand area of Tajikistan in a picturesque Zarafshon river/valley. Quite possibly the five villages started the history of this remarkable city which originated in the V-VIII centuries AD. Panjakent of that time was one of the most important cultural and crafts centers of Sogd. It was even named "Central Asian Pompeii". Explore this ancient city with your local guide, including visits to:
o Ancient Penjikent – ruins of old Sogdian town founded in V century and abandoned in the VIII century by arabs. Foundations of houses, a citadel with a couple of Zoroastrian fire temples and city bazaar are visible in the excavated ruins.
o Sarazm settlement – 5500 years, UNESCO object.
• Overnight in Seven Lakes.

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