Exploring Khujand: A City Guide

Khujand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan after Dushanbe, offers a blend of Soviet nostalgia and contemporary outlooks. Visitors typically arrive in Khujand from either Tashkent or Dushanbe. The itinerary below assumes arrival from Tashkent; if coming from Dushanbe, it’s better to follow it in reverse order. The plan is divided into two days for a more relaxed exploration.

Day 1

Start at the Khujand Monument (Stella)

During the summer, you can ascend to the top for a small tip to the guard. From there, descend to Ismoil Somoni Park.

To your left, you’ll see a blue building that houses the cable car station. This multi-level park features a central statue of Ismoil Somoni, the founder of the Samanid State in 892.

Take the Cable Car to Khujand Fortress. The cable car offers a fantastic way to view the city from above. You’ll also enjoy views of the river on your way to Khujand Fortress. Standard cabin ride costs 15 somoni, whilst VIP cabin costs 20 somoni.

After reaching the fortress via the cable car, walk back to the park on foot and take a detour to explore:

• The Historical Museum
• The interior of Khujand Fortress
• The She-Wolf Statue

Proceeding to Kamol Khujandi Park 

This beautifully designed park borders the walls of Khujand Fortress. Near the entrance, you’ll find kiosks selling sweets and places to rent bicycles, scooters, and more.

Historical Museum of the Sughd Region

Entry Fee:

• • Tourists: 30 somoni
  • Citizens of Tajikistan: 5 somoni

Important Tip: The museum is arranged chronologically, starting from ancient history to Tajikistan’s recent past. Begin your visit from the basement floor, which has a separate entrance to the right of the main entrance. Starting from the lower levels ensures you experience the exhibits in their intended order.
Many visitors mistakenly skip the underground exhibits, but these are the most fascinating parts of the museum!

Khujand Fortress

The entrance to the fortress is located to the left of the museum entrance. Tickets can be purchased at a small booth near the gate.

• Entry Fee:
  • Tourists: 100 somoni
  • Citizens of Tajikistan: 30 somoni

Inside the fortress, you’ll find:

• A view from above of the fortress remnants.
• Various historical workshops that you can enter, such as those of potters, painters, and tailors.

After finishing exploring Khujand fortress return to park entrance and head a bit in northward direction until reaching The Capitoline She-Wolf statue.

The Capitoline She-Wolf Statue

Located near the park entrance, this statue is a tribute to Roman mythology. From here, you can take a slight detour to visit the local theater and grab a snack at CoffeeMoose, a European-style café.

Next Stop: Follow the road by the She-Wolf statue and exit through an underpass to reach the central avenue.

Kamol Khujandi Monument

Walking along the avenue, you’ll come to a statue honoring Kamol Khujandi, a revered Tajik poet.Going further down the alley you will reach Panchshanbe Bazaar.

Panchshanbe Bazaar

This is the heart of Khujand and a must-visit spot.

• The market offers almost everything, except perhaps a sleep mask or Rexona deodorant!

• The bazaar area features:
  • A covered market
  • Open-air stalls
  • Food-related items on the left and clothing at the back.
  • Across the road, you’ll find knitwear, home goods, and more.

Tuti Kalon – The Great Mulberry Tree

A 15-20 minute walk from the market brings you to a 500-year-old mulberry tree. Standing near this ancient tree, you can feel its power and history. Adjacent to the tree is a mosque worth visiting.

All of the above attractions can be comfortably explored on foot in one day, covering Khujand’s main highlights. For those staying longer in the city, there are even more attractions and hidden gems to discover in Khujand! This you can do on your second day.

Day 2

Start the day with lunch at the “Oshi Palov” Center and a Visit to the “Nuri Islam” Mosque. These two locations are situated close to each other. At “Oshi Palov,” you can taste both Samarkand and Khujand-style pilaf, known for their exceptional flavor.

• Best Time to Visit: 11:00–11:30 a.m.
  • Earlier, the pilaf might not be ready.
  • Later, finding a free seat can be challenging.

Next to the mosque, there is a great observation point offering scenic views.

Excursion to Kayrakkum Reservoir
Locals fondly refer to this large reservoir as the “Sea.”

• The area is home to sanatoriums and serves as a peaceful retreat.
• A trip to the reservoir and back to Khujand takes an entire day and offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely walks and relaxation.

Optional Park Visits
Depending on your schedule, you can visit the parks either before heading to the reservoir or after enjoying pilaf. Suggested Park Route:

1. Park of People’s Friendship
2. Botanical Garden
3. Navruzgoch Park

Park of People’s Friendship

A pleasant park featuring various space-themed installations, including a planetarium.

• Accessing the Planetarium:
  • Gather a group to share the cost.
  • Alternatively, pay a higher fee for a private showing.

Nearby Dining Option:
“Okay Pizza” café is arguably the best spot in the area for a snack.

Botanical Garden
A quiet place where trees are planted in rows. Would suit those passionate about gardening. Otherwise, it’s simply a peaceful park for a stroll.

Navruzgoch Park
Comes alive in the evening with rides and activities, making it a popular leisure spot for locals.

• Unique Features:
  • Camels and horses can be seen in the farms behind the park.
  • Occasionally, you may spot a running fox and other wildlife.

Interesting Side Trip:
From the Bird Monument, you can spot a plane parked by the shore in the distance. If you’re adventurous:

• Walk 50 meters through the bushes.
• Crawl through a hole in the fence to reach the plane on foot.
• This is a popular local route.

Victory Park
An abandoned park in Khujand featuring a Lenin statue and old rides.

• Located farther from the other parks.
• Worth a one-time visit if you’re in the area.

That’s a wrap on Khujand’s main attractions! Enjoy a fantastic trip!