Khujand
Overview
Khujand is a small city in the north of Tajikistan close to the Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders. With not really a lot of sights, it makes a good base to have some days of rest before heading South towards Dushanbe or North towards Kyrgyzstan, as it was our case.
Sightseeing
The most interesting part of Khujand is the Panshanbe Bazar Square and the surroundings. It is a lively square with a fountain in the middle, a big mosque, a mausoleum and the colorful Panshanbe Bazar. Walk around having a look at the stals all over the square, check then mosque and get inside the bazar for some food shopping. The nearby Afghan Bazar is not worth going to.
Besides the square, you can walk towards the river, cross it and come back by the Fortress, converted now into a museum.
Besides the square, you can walk towards the river, cross it and come back by the Fortress, converted now into a museum.
Accomodation
We stayed at Amir Hotel. It is not a hotel but an apartment, and really nice and comfy although a bit pricey (30 USD per night). Internet is probably the fastest in Central Asia, the apartment has a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, but two big problems: First one is the bugs, which are found in the kitchen and bathroom, fortunately not in the bed, and the second one is water, which is cut everyday around 20:00 and comes back around 6 in the morning to go off again at 11 and come back around 18. Really an issue, but it must be in the whole Khujand, as Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and they are having these water shortages. We were told that they have electricity shortages, too, although we didn’t experience any.
Food & Drink
There is one good place to eat local Tajik food in Gagarin Street, quite close to Amir hotel, otherwise you can try anywhere around the bazar.
It is usual to have a meal drinking Green tea in stead of soda, wáter or beer. This tea is normally very sweet and good, so go for it!
It is usual to have a meal drinking Green tea in stead of soda, wáter or beer. This tea is normally very sweet and good, so go for it!
Transportation
To get from Khujand from the Uzbek border first you get a shared taxi to Buston for 4 somonis per person. From Buston a marshrutka takes you to Khujand in one hour for 5 somonis.
Getting out from Khujand to Kyrgyzstan, you get a shared taxi to Isfara for 20 somonis, then a minibús to Batken takes 30 minutes including crossing the border and costs 10 somonis per person.
Getting out from Khujand to Kyrgyzstan, you get a shared taxi to Isfara for 20 somonis, then a minibús to Batken takes 30 minutes including crossing the border and costs 10 somonis per person.
Safety
The only danger can be walking at night, as they turn off almost all electricity in town, so streets are totally dark. Better stay home after dark.
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