Panjakent

A busy open-air bazaar with stone arcade buildings, dry mountain ranges rising behind, and traditionally dressed locals trading spices, grains, and goods — this Sogdian-heritage town in Tajikistan's Sughd region rewards travellers drawn to Central Asian market culture and ancient history.

• Population35,085
• Nearest water from center4.2 km
• Nearest mountain from center13.6 km
• UNESCO within 50 km8