Tajikistan – Cultural Adventure Tour

Tour Dossier

This trip starts in the Tajik capital city Dushanbe but quickly leaves the modern world behind as you wind your way along difficult mountain roads and high passes, in the shadow of some of the highest mountains on our planet. We visit ruined forts from the days of the old Silk Road, and pass gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo. Spending many nights in homestays in small communities, we are able to gain a great insight into what it means to live in this harsh but majestic region. This trip ventures to a remote and enchanting land that has remained hidden to the rest of the world, a land of towering peaks, turbulent rivers and fascinating people. Traveling with us on one of the most amazing journeys you are ever likely to make.
Tour style: Traveler (Adventure Travel)

Day 1 – Dushanbe to Kalaikhumb, (360 km, 9 hours.) 

Meeting at your stayed hotel, and prepare luggage’s for our trip and get start our Adventure to Explore Tajikistan. We set off east towards the Pamirs and Kalaikhumb, driving through beautiful scenery and interesting villages en route. This area is a little more conservative, and we see many men with beards, and women wearing traditional dress. We cross the Shurabot Pass (2200 metres), arriving in Kalaikhumb in the early evening. Overnight in local Guest house. Meals included: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 – Kalaikhumb to Bartang valley Hidjez (218 km 6/7 hours per day.)

From Kalaikhumb we leave for Hidjez village in Bartang valley, some of 85 kms of terrain ahead of us, and the promise of some spectacular scenery along the way. The road joins the river Pianj, which in turn forms the border with Afghanistan. The contrast across the river valley is telling, Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country, but in general the roads are sealed and buildings are connected with electricity. The situation barely 100m away is even starker, and it is as if the river represents not just a physical divide, but also a step back in time. Overnight in local Guest house. Meals included:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner

Day 3 – Geisev Valley,Trekking drive to Khorog (120km, 16rms Trekking. 8/9 hours per day.)

Exploration the local people and environment. Next day we will drive to Gisev valley and cross Bartang River by footbridge. Although we should have some time to explore upon arrival, we will explore in more depth on. The trek begins on the river Bartang just beyond Bhagoo village and is mostly gently uphill, for about 8km to the upper of three lakes. The first houses in Geisev are reached after about 5km. The abundant vegetation, the gnarled trees, the lakes and the ever-changing river – sometimes frothing with energy, sometimes limpid and blue – create a very special peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a short break without too much physical effort. This route passing lakes and rivers traverses some of the most magnificent scenery in the Pamirs After the trekking drive to Khorog. 90 km 1,5 hour Khorog, Drive through more superb scenery, alongside the river Panj which forms the border with Afghanistan. We are in the capital of the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Khorog stay in Hotel Lal INN. 3* Meals included: 1 breakfasts, 1 Picnic, 1 Dinner

Day 4 – Wakhan valley – Ishkashim, (140 km 5/6 hours)

About 50kms along the road to our next stop, Ishkashim, we will stop at Garmchasma hot springs for an (optional) dip in the waters. From here, we enter the Tajik half of the Wakhan Valley (shared with Afghanistan) and pass regional gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo. The most famous mine is Koh-i-Lal ruby mine which is visible from the road. Ishkashim itself may be the regional centre, but it is essentially still a large village and we stay in a traditional style guesthouse here. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner

Day 5 – Wakhan valley – Langar, (135 km 7/8h) 

Visit detour to the nearby village of Namadguti to visit the Khahkha Fortress. This impressive structure rises from a naturally formed platform of rock and dates back to the Kushan era of the 3rd Century. There are a number of these ancient fortresses in the area, and we also visit Yamchun fort, perhaps the most impressive of them. We take a break at the Bibi Fatima hot springs, named for the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter and where local women believe they can increase their fertility. Continuing on we then stop at the 4th Century Buddhist stupas at Vrang, reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans that passed through the region. You will have time to talk with local people and explore local farming and way of living. Overnight in home stay. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner

Day 6 – Langar to Keng Shiber,, (240 km 7/8 hours) 

Today we get a chance to explore the amazing landscape of this area. Short stop and walking to Petroglyphs. We drive up to Keng Shiber via the Khargush Pass (4344 meters). On this journey we leave behind the lush valleys of the Wakhan Valley and enter a landscape that is rocky, mostly barren but nevertheless dramatic. This is the Pamir Highway we have anticipated, with the route between Khorog and Osh completed in 1931 across a Tibetan-plateau style high altitude terrain. An excellent and adventures trip will take us on the unspoiled lunar landscape of high mountains and wide plateau to Keng Shiber herders camp. Short stops at the “Ak Balyk” Lake and Mouseleum of Alimbek datka at Bashgumbez en route. The Eastern Pamirs have been populated by nomadic ethnic Kyrgyz since the 17th century. The traditional architecture is beautifully represented by yurts, mobile habitations made of felt on an ingenious wooden frame, with the interior decoration bearing witness to the wealth and skills of the owners. Felt and wool serve as the basis for handicrafts. Precise stones, including rubies and emeralds, are also found in the area, and these are sometimes used in local handicrafts. You will have time to explore semi nomadic pastoral life, talk with herders’ family and take. Overnight as nomads in herders’ yurt. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner

Day 7 – Trekking to Keng Shiber jailoo crossing Bel Airyk pass

Drive to Zorkul Lake after short walking near by the Lake an excellent and adventures trip is hike up the Bel Airyk pass (4835m) which is a migration route of Marco Polo sheep, starts from the foot of the mountain. Ascending up the pass in four/five hours walk you can see the majestic northern wall of Afghanistan Hindikush and fantastic Zor Kul Lake. Along the western half of the Zorkul Lake runs Afghan – Tajik border. The lake’s eastern half lied in Tajikistan. In 1842, Lieutenant Woods of the British India Navy Explored the Pyanj and Pamir rivers as far as the latter’s source in Zorkul. Zorkul itself is 20 km long – the road runs along its northern shore. Wildlife observation will be undertaken during the trek. The famous and endangered Marco Polo sheep (ovisammonpoli) world’s largest-horned argali sheep, Snow leopard endangered and fully protected species, ibexes, marmot and Brown bear, fox, hare are not full list of representatives of wild life of the area. From birds one can find the mountain goose (ular) pigeons, eagles, vulture, and etc. Good eyes and a sporting scope or more powerful binoculars are essential tools and a field guide for wildlife viewing. These areas are all unique in their own way, and trips to these places are always fascinating. Overnight in nomadic yurt stay. Meals: (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner)

Day 8: Keng Shiber to Murghab. (128km 4/5 hours)

We leave for Murghab the center of East Pamir. The road up Murghab, however, is spectacular an, passing through again the settlement of Mamazair. This small town bestrides the Murghab River at an altitude of 3,650 m. Younghusband visited it in 1890 and wrote “It is a dreary, desolate spot… with a certain amount of grassy pasture and a few scrubby bushes by the river, but surrounded by barren hills, and bitterly cold. How these Russian soldiers can support existence there is a marvel…shut up in dreary quarters, with nothing whatever to do – week after week, month after month passing by in dull monotony….” Over a century later, nothing much has changed. We anticipate arriving in Murghab in Lunch time. Murghab (3670 m) itself has few attractions, but it will serve as our base for a one night as we explore the area a little. The 7546 m – high Chinese peak of Mustag Ata is visible to the northeast of town, 110 km away in a direct line. Overnight in home stay. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner

Day 9 – Murghab to Kara Kul lake Nomadic camp Murghab (370 km 11/12hours)

We depart today to Kara Kul lake.We will cross a high-altitude pass Ak-Baital Pass (4655 meters) which is the highest section of road in the former Soviet Union. Arrive to Karakul Lake, the highest lake in Central Asia, and at 3915 meters, too high to support any aquatic life. Today you can explore real Nomadic life of Eastern Pamir people, how to keep Yaks, and see milking the Yaks, also you will have opportunity to taste local Nomad foods, after exploring in late afternoon we depart back to Murghab 165kms drive. Murghab (3670 m) itself has few attractions, but it will serve as our base for a one night as we explore the area a little. The 7546 m – high Chinese peak of Mustag Ata is visible to the northeast of town, 110 km away in a direct line. Overnight in Home Stay or Yurt stay, Meals included (1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner)

Day 10 – Murghab drive to Khorog 320kms. 7/8h

We drive back to Khorog via M41. This is the famouse Pamir Highway we have anticipated, with the route between Khorog and Osh completed in 1931 across a Tibetan-plateau style high altitude terrain. Overnight in Hotel Lal Inn Meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 11 – Khorog to Kalaikhumb (260 km 6/7hours)

Today we set off in Kalaikhumb, driving back through beautiful scenery, The road joins the river Piano, which in turn forms the border with Afghanistan. The contrast across the river valley is telling, Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country, but in general the roads are sealed and buildings are connected with electricity. The situation barely 100m away is even starker, and it is as if the river represents not just a physical divide, but also a step back in time. Overnight in Guest House Meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 12 – Kalaikhumb to Dushanbe (360 km 7/8hours)

Today we set up to Dushanbe, driving through beautiful scenery and interesting villages en route.This area is a little more conservative, and we see many men with beards, and women wearing traditional dress.

Overnight Own arrangements Meals: (1 Breakfast 1 Lunch)

Day 13 – Dushanbe visit Iskandar Kul lake – Penjikent (Fan Mountains) 150 kms 3/4h

Journey North from Dushanbe The first part of the journey from Dushanbe to the North of Tajikistan follows the Varzob valley. The road to the Zarafshan valley, and on to Khujand, The road rises through two high passes, at Anzob (3,373 m) and Shahristan (3,378 m). After exploring the lake and area we drive to Penjikent City.

Iskandar kul Lake Among the most popular is Lake Iskanderkul – a result of both its legendary beauty and the ease of access. A good asphalt road winds up the valley to the lake which has its name derived from Alexander the Great – in Persian called “Iskander”. He camped at Iskanderkul’s shore during one of his campaigns en route to India. According to one of the many legends originating from this time, Alexander’s famous battle horse Bucephalus drowned in the lake – and to this day may be seen racing over its surface at full moon. The lake empties into the river Iskandariya which near the source forms an impressive waterfall of 40m height. A platform allows spectators to stand right above the thunderous torrent.

Panjikent Tajikistan travel destination Penjikent is a Sogdian city, which flourished from the 5th to 8th centuries. It is well preserved and it was called “Central Asia’s Pompeii”. An opulent governor’s palace, homes, and temples can be seen. At one time Sogdiana controlled a key section of the Silk Road, but in the 8th century Empire collapsed and people fled to the mountains. Descendants of this ancient kingdom still live in the more remote regions of present-day Tajikistan name Jagnob Valley and still speak a remote dialect of Sogdian. City Sarazm, some 20 km from Penjikent, is one of the most ancient settlements of Central Asia, dating from the Bronze Age.

Day 14 – Penjikent exploring Seven Lakes (Fan Mountains) (148 km 10/12hours)

After breakfast drive up to the 6th lake “Marguzor” along Shing valley. Today we will hike to Seven lakes which is one of the most fascinating places in Tajikistan. We can enjoy invigorating trip in fresh mountainous air along unique and wonderfully clean lakes. From the Marguzor lake we will start our hike to the 7th lake “Hazor chashma” . Short stay on the shore of the lake, walking around the lake and continue our gentle walking along Hazor chashma River towards Hissar Pass as long as we can. The views across the lake are impressive in all directions. At 2000 m, it is pleasantly cool in summer. After Picnic Lunch and relaxing on the lush alpine meadows, and juniper forest we will come back to the Padrud village. Before dinner we’ll introduce with the local people and their life. Accommodation: Guest House Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Iskandar Kul lake drive back to Dushanbe 150 kms 3/4h

Today we drive to Dushanbe the capital of Tajikistan. Until 1961 it was called Stalinabad. The first impression of Dushanbe is of a relaxed, green and spacious city. The city centre retains the ambience intended by the original city planners in the 1920s – wide, tree-lined boulevards with elegant buildings painted in white and pastel colors. The tall trees (planted eighty years ago when the city was laid out) provide ample shade and make it cool and pleasant to walk around even during the hot summer. Accommodation: Own Arrangements Meals: (1 Breakfast 1 Lunch)

Inclusions for package Tour:

• Overland transportation by 4WD coach (Land Cruiser / Toyota 4Runner for whole trip, ( parking fees, all necessary permissions fuel and taxes  per the whole route)
• Experienced and basic English speaking driver for whole tour
• All accommodation on twin share basis as indicated above: (2 – Hotels, 7 – Guest houses, 2 – Home stays, 2 – Yurt stays).
• Full board meals as listed (14B – Breakfasts, 15L – Lunches, 13D – Dinners)
• Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
• Ticket for Tajik national park
• 1/2L Mineral water per day per person

 Excluded:

• Arrival and departure transfers,
• Supplement for single rooms per pax in USD 58
• Services of English speaking local guide for whole tour 907 USD
• International flights
• Any airport taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Alcohol drinks