Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan Cultural Tour Along Pamir Highway

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dushanbe. City tour

Stop At: National Museum of Antiquities, Ak Rajabov 7, Dushanbe 734000 Tajikistan
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will meet you and organize your transfer hotel, where you can have rest and breakfast. Later, around 10:00 a.m, we start our city tour with visit of Museum of Antiquities – rich with wonderful collection of Buddhist art from the lost cities of ancient Kushan Empire. The Greco-Bactrian periods’ arts school from various sites along the Oxus river and elsewhere, with great statue of Buddha in Nirvana (After destroying of Bamyans’ standing Buddha statues in Afghanistan, this is the biggest in Central Asia).
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hisor HIstorical and Cultural Preserve, 5km from Hisor, Hisor Tajikistan
After, we head out of the city to the nearby town of Hissar, famous for its ancient fortification and interesting madrasahs dating back to the VII – XVI centuries.


Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rudaki Park, Rudaki Ave, Dushanbe 734000 Tajikistan
Drive back to Dushanbe we continue our city tour with visit of second highest flag stock (165m), Rudaki park, Souvenirs and Jewelries shops. Overnight in hotel.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: We will have lunch in traditional Tajik Restaurant. For vegetarians we prepare special offers, discussed in personal
• Dinner: Dinner we have in restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight in 3-4 star hotel

Day 2: Dushanbe - Kalakhumb

Stop At: Hamadoni, Tajikistan
The guide and drivers meet the guests from hotel and start the journey to Kalaikhumb via Kulyab. In Kulyab we visit Hamadoni mazar. Drive along Panj river very close to Afghanistan. You can observe the lifestyle of Afghan people and spectacular views of Pamir highway. Overnight in guesthouse in Kalaikhumb
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Pamir Highway, Murghab 70 Soolagi Murgob, Dushanbe 734000 Tajikistan
We travel along Pamir Highway upstream of Panj River alongside with Afghanistan. As the border is divided by the river, the guests can observe the lifestyle of afghan people and their colorful villages.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: We have Lunch in Tahir Restaurant in Kulyab
• Dinner: Dinner we have in Kalakhumb guesthouse prepared by local family
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Guesthouse in Kalaikhumb

Day 3: Kalakhumb – Khorog

Stop At: Khorog City Park, Central Khorog, Khorog 736000 Tajikistan
In Khorog we can visit a Central Park famous with stone paths and open air restaurant in the bank of Gund River. The guests can visit the Handicraft center De-Pamiri and tourism information center as well.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Botanical Garden, Khorog Tajikistan
In Khorog we can visit the Botanical garden - the second highest in the world. There are more than 17000 trees, fruits, bushes and other species planted in this garden. From Botanical Garden you will have a great view to all Khorog
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel

Day 4: Khorog - Hisor

Stop At: Yamchun Fort., Eshkashem, Tajikistan
We continue our journey with sightseeing of Wakhan valley. Wakhan corridor become famous after the Great Game in XIX century, which divided this valley between Russian and British Empires, using Panj river, as a border. If our visit happens on Saturday, we have opportunity to visit one of the most famous tajik – afghan bazaar in Afghanistan territory, near the bridge in Ishkashim. We stop to observe the Darshay canyon and ancient shrine, then, we drive uphill to relax in famous hot springs of Bibi Fatima and visit the fort of Yamchun III-I B. C - one of the most important fortifications belonged to Zoroastrian worshippers. Scenic view to all Wakhan valley and Hindukush range of Afghanistan. We explore the hill with topped ziggurat of Buddhist Stuppa IV A.D. one of reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans that passed through this region following the Silk Road
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, Tajikistan
En route we will visit of the most famous thermal springs of High Pamirs - Bibi Fatima. This hot-spring is famous among locals as a holy place. The natural small pool with natural warm water is one of the most attractive sites in the Silk Road
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Buddhist Stupa (4th century), Tajikistan
We have opportunity to walk to the Buddhist Stone temple situated on the top of small hill in Vrang village of Wakhan. The Stuppa surrounded by the ruins and old tombs and dated back to 4th century.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Dinner
• Lunch
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hissor village in local home stay with lovely family. Here we do not provide single supplement.

Day 5: Trek to the meadow of Engels Peak 6507m

Stop At: Engels Peak, Tajikistan
Our drivers drop us 5 km down to Zong village and from here we start hiking up along the small channel of water. The terrain is normal and gently goes up. After 1 hour hiking we reach the marble platforms full of ancient petroglyphs; The ancient petroglyphs of Langar – the message left by Scythians, Arians, Zoroastrians and other habitants of these area, for next generation The petroglyphs date back to Bronze and earlier eras and show the hunting scenes, ibex, different symbols and unknown marks. There are more than 10000 of various pictograms here. Later, we continue our trek among the narrow gorge to the foot of Engels peak. The gorge very soon turns to green lushes with Small River, where we can meet the shepherds and stocks. We enjoy the view to Engels peak and surroundings and have picnic lunch here. After we can stay in overnight in tents.
Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: Langar, Tajikistan
During the trek the guests can see the big variety of Petroglyphs dated back to bronze and earlier ages. The carving on granite consist of hunting scene, mountain goats, Islamic and pre-Islamic religious symbols, caravan, animals and etc. There are more than 8000 petroglyphs in one area.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: we will have a picnic lunch with great view to Hindukush Range
• Dinner
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We have opportunity to stay in tents or trek back and stay in home-stay. Clarify with guide

Day 6: Hissor - Bulunkul

Stop At: Bulunkul, Tajikistan
Today our journey take us over Kargush pass 4344m to Military Camp in Kargush and after formalities drive along Pamir river to Bulunkul valley. We will make a short stop in viewpoint on the top of Langar serpentines, to observe all Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude. We pass by two beautiful alpine lakes, summer camps of shepherds. Here we begin to understand why people choose these grandiose latitudes as a place for life .We reach M42 Pamir Highway, than turn right to visit the coldest place of Tajikistan – Bulunkul lake (3737m) with breathtaking landscapes. In winter time the weather temperature here drops down to - 60°C. After, we drive down to visit the most beautiful alpine lake of Pamirs – Yashilkul lake (3719m). The guests can do fishing and observe the life style of nomad Kyrgyz living around. Good chance of trying the delicious fish of the lakes. Overnight in home-stay in Bulunkul.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: picnic lunch in Khargush pass
• Dinner: dinner in homestay prepared by local family
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in home-stay with pit toilets and no shower due to hard life conditions

Day 7: Bulunkul - Murghab

Stop At: Murghab, Tajikistan
We continue the journey along Pamir Highway through the picturesque Alichur valley to Murgab. Today we have plenty of time for observing the nomad Kyrgyz tribes with their yaks. We visit the sacred lake Aq Baliq (white fish). Accommodation in home-stay in Murghab. At night the clear view of the Milky Way is unparalleled
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Khrebet Bazar-Dara, Tajikistan
En route, we pas through Alichur Valley - so called Pamir Plato, the favorite place of Marco Polo sheep (Ovis ammon polii) To see them is not easy, but possible. The colored mountains and green landscapes make this picturesque place favorite for the lovers of panorama pictures. We stop to have look at Ak-Balik holy lake. The guests can feed the fish
Duration: 25 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in local home stay with lovely family

Day 8: Murghab - Sari Mogol

Stop At: Ak-Baital Pass, Tajikistan
After breakfast, we start the journey to Karakul – a small hamlet habited by Kyrgyz people. The views of mountains and glaciers along the way are simply breath taking. The road takes us to the highest pass of ex USSR - the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m). This is indeed, the real “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape is the stunning Karakul Lake, created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. The lake is too high to support aquatic life. After lunch in local guesthouse, we pass by the stunning Karakul lake and drive over Kizil Art pass 4336m, at the top of which we pass the Tajik cross border point. End of Tajik section at Kyzyl Art pass 4336, which forms the border with Tajikistan and after driving the 25km neutral zone pass the Kyrgyz border cross point. After completing border formalities, we cross into Kyrgyzstan and drive down to Sari Mugul village.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
We will make a short stop to observe the biggest natural lake of Tajikistan. Karakul Lake depression as meteorite impact crater with a rim diameter of 52 kilometers and created some 230-190 millions years ago. The altitude of the lake is 3914 m. From the road the guests can enjoy the view to Avicenna (former Lenin) Peak 7134 m. and Pamir-Alay mountains.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Kyzyl-Art Pass, Kyrgyzstan
Kizil Art pass 4282 m is a border control between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. While the drivers and guides pass the cross-border formalities, the guests can enjoy the breathtaking view to surrounded mountains and landscapes. The cross-border process takes about 30-60 minutes, depends on the group size.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: lunch we have in Karakul village in local guesthouse
• Dinner: dinner we have in Sary Mogol guesthouse
Accommodation included: mini hotel in Sary Mogol

Day 9: Sary Mogol - Tulparkul. Trek to the base camp of Lenin Peak 7134m

Stop At: Tulpar Lake, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, we drive up to the lake. The Tulparkul lake is at 3500m near the base camp in foot of Lenin peak 7134m. Here we accommodate in yurts, and can have the optional hike towards the Lenin glacier with stunning view to the peaks. Those, who will not go hiking can walk around the lake or have rest in yurts. Overnight in Yurts
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Lenin Peak, Osh Kyrgyzstan
From Tulpar Kol Lake the guests can make a unique hiking towards the foot of Avicenna (former Lenin) Peak 7134, which belongs to Tajikistan. The great view to the surrounded peaks and glaciers is guaranteed. The trek is optional, the guests can walk as long as they like and come back to the Yurts camp at Tulpar lake.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Yurts in 3500m altitude

Day 10: Tulpar Kul - Osh

Stop At: Mountain Sulaiman-Too, In the center of Osh, Osh Kyrgyzstan
Today we will travel among wide Alay valley with herds of horses to typical Kyrgyz villages and pass over Chiyirchik pass 2402m and Taldik pass 3589m with stunning view on the top. Arrive in Osh – the second capital of Kyrgyzstan. After delicious Uygur cuisine in local restaurant, we walk to visit sacred Solomon Mountain (Sulayman Too), one of the most famous shrines of the Islamic world in Central Asia, following the trail of pilgrims to the top of the hill. We also explore the caves and if the time permits visit the Historical museum placed inside the caves of Sulayman Too. In the evening, we have a farewell dinner together in traditional restaurant. Overnight Eco House Hotel or similar. Tour ends with transfer to the airport.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner: Today is a farewell dinner with our drivers and guide, so we will say good bye to each other in good restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Eco House in Osh