Fleewinter

In the heart of Tajikistan’s rural city Penjikent lies the three-star Umariyon Hotel. Set on three floors, this simple hotel is a great base for sightseeing. Penjikent is the birthplace of Tajikistan’s much-loved and respected 10th-Century poet Abu Abdullah Rudaki, also known as the ‘father of Persian poetry', and you’ll find a museum dedicated to Rudaki just 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel. As well as a special Rudaki exhibit, the museum houses incredible costume collections and artefacts from Ancient Penjikent. There’s also a lively local bazaar close by the hotel, and a visit to the Sarazm settlement, Tajikistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must during your stay.

Umariyon Hotel has a clean minimalist look, with a few subtle nods to traditional Tajik styles – from embroidered rugs to cream and gold tones. There are just 15 rooms here, so the atmosphere is intimate and friendly. Most room types have a private bathroom and they all have a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. Wake up to a tasty breakfast of pancakes and eggs at the café each morning, which turns into a bar later in the day, and you can make use of the shared kitchen if you fancy a home-cooked lunch or dinner.