The thousand-year-old pearl of the Silk Road, Khujand in Tajikistan is a must-see!

🚗 Itinerary
After breakfast, head straight to Khojand Fortress → Stroll through Panjshanbe Market → Lunch with Central Asian pilaf → Afternoon at the Historical Museum + Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum → Dusk at the Syrdarya River → Dinner at a garden restaurant

📸 Must-see spots
❶ Khojand Fortress
An important fortress on the Silk Road! Climb the city walls for stunning photos of the 10th-century ruins and snow-capped mountains 🏔️

❷ Panjshanbe Market
The oldest bazaar in Central Asia! Colorful spice mountains, hand-embroidered robes, and pyramid-shaped desserts. Remember to haggle in Russian by saying "Skolko stoit" (how much) 💃

❸ Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum
The blue and green tiled dome is breathtaking! If you happen to see a local wedding, you'll be warmly invited to dance 💃

🍴 Food radar
▫️Khujand Plov Center: Golden pilaf with yogurt, only CNY 20 per person!
▫️Chaykhona Noor: A riverside glasshouse teahouse with walnut preserves and freshly baked naan, only CNY 15 per person for a noble afternoon tea

⚠️ Tips:
1️⃣ Visa: Visa on arrival with passport (USD 50)
2️⃣ Transport: Shared taxi from Dushanbe takes about 4 hours
3️⃣ Dress code: Headscarf required in mosques, long skirts and sun-protective jackets recommended
4️⃣ Hidden gem: Go boating on the Syrdarya River at sunset (CNY 10/hour) for a pink sunset!

💰 Total cost for the day ≈ CNY 200! This hidden gem perfectly recreates the scenes of "One Thousand and One Nights", so visit before it becomes popular!