Tajikistan Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Itinerary Program:

Day 1 – Dushanbe to Kalaikhumb 360km 7/8hours 

Today 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 will cross the Shurabad Pass (2200m high) On the road we will visit to the ancient fortress Hulbuk dated by VIII century recently restored under the decree of the president. The local guide will talk interesting stories about the life in the fortress, shows outlines of the bases of rooms, halls and harems of the local governor’s palace. Arrive to Kalaikhumb in the early evening.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest house

Day 2 – Kalaikhumb to Rushan (206 km 6/7hours)

From Kalaikhumb we leave for Rushan the administrative center of Rushan district with some 175 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.

Accommodation available: Guest house

 Day 3 – Rushan to Geisev Valley, trekking – drive to Khorog (110 km 6/7hours)

Today 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 we drive to Khorog. 90 km 1,5 /2 hours,

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). We have a little time to explore local people and Khorog including the bazaar and the lovely Botanical Gardens which are perched high above the town, affording some great panoramic views. Arrive to Khorog and stay in Hotel Lal INN, Meals included: (1 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 dinner)     Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 4 – Khorog to Ishkashim, Wakhan valley (130 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.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 5 – Ishakshim to Zong, (79 km 1/2hours)

Today continue our trip. We will 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.

Accommodation available: Guest House/Home Stay

 Day 6 – TREKKING: Zong to peak Engels Langar 6510m

Today after breakfast we drive to peak Engels, trekking around the peak.

After trekking we drive to Langar. Accommodation available: Guest House/Home Stay

Day 7 – Langar to Murghab visiting Bulunkul and Yashil Kul 285kms

Today we get a chance to explore the amazing landscape of this area. We drive up to Bulung kul Lake via the Kargushi 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. The inhabitants have rarely seen Europeans and are friendly and hospitable. lunch on the Alichur vilage after lunch drive to Bulunkul and Yashil Kul Geyzer and drive to Murghab

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.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 8 – 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.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 9 – 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/Guest House

Day 10 – 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.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 11 – Kalaikhumb to Dushanbe (320 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.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Hostel

Day 12 – Dushanbe to Iskandar Kul lake (Fan Mountains) 150 kms

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). Arrival to Iskandar Kul Lake the rout is along the Fan darya valley and Iskandar Darya. Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

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.

 Day 13 – Excursion Iskandar Kul lake, and drive to Khujand (248km 6/7h)

The Lake is surrounded by mountains, and is about four km across. The views across the lake are impressive in all directions. At 2000 m, it is pleasantly cool in summer. “Iskandar Kul or Lake Alexander is indeed a beautiful spot”, there are many waterfowl and it is possible to fish in this tranquil and beautiful spot. To continue our tour we drive to Khujand. Khujand is the capital of northern Tajikistan and the second largest city in the country. Khujand, continuously occupied for 2500 years, was founded by Alexander the Great. The city became one of most important places in Central Asia. It was a key junction of the Silk Road. The beautiful city was razed by Gengiz Khan. Through history it remained a center of considerable power. Prior to the Russian invasion in the nineteenth century it was one of the main emirates in Central Asia.

Khujand stands at the entrance to the fertile Fergana Valley. Owing to this it was one of the main centers of the Great Silk way and enjoyed prosperity and richness. One of the ancient cities of the Central Asia Khujand has been known since the 7th century.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Guest House

Day 14 – Khujand to Osh through Uzbekistan (362 km, 8/9 hours)

Today we drive to Kanibadam border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, This way we will drive to Kyrgyzstan Osh, on road we pass Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan, we can may stop in lunch time in Fergana and expore the area 1/2hours, then continue drive to Osh Kyrgyztsna, you croos the border Dustlik, and checkout in hotel in Osh.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Hostel

Day 15 – Osh to Tulpar Kul Lenin Peak. 255 km 4/5 hours

Continue our trip we  drive to Tulpar kul via beautiful Alay ranges . Once we pass the village of Sary mogol, the natural scenery of Pamir Alay range is spectacular. We arrive after ¾ hours driving and get start to explore this areas. We will start walking to see the Lenin Peak more closely.These open valleys are beautiful. There many nomadic herders living in the lower plans of the peak Lenin.

Accommodation available: Yurt Stay

Day 16 – Tulpar kul drive back to Osh  255 km 4/5 hours

We depart back to Osh. En route we will cross the Taldyk Pass (3554m) and enjoy some beautiful views. We must travel about 260 km from Sary Mogol, and depending on road conditions and travel times we expect to arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s oldest city in Lunch time, after lunch you will have time relax or explore on your own.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Hostel

Day 17 – Osh to Kazarman (273 kms 7/8 hours)

The rout goes through Uzgen, a small town, which is about equidistant, from Osh. Founded by Turkic people in the 8-9^th century Uzgen was a transit point on the Great Silk Road from the Fergana valley. The three mausoleum and minaret built in the 11-12^th centuries are very well preserved. We will continue our trip via Jalal Abad to Kazarman,  Jalal-Abad – Kazarman. Driving the beautiful but gravel road all day through the mountains, remote villages crossing two passes. The road is possible to drive only in summer. Lunch/picnic on the road, dinner and overnight in a guest house in Kazarman village. Overnight in Guest House,

Accommodation available: Guest House/Home Stay

Day 18 – Kazarman to Song Kul (214 kms 7/8 hours)

Kazarman – Son-Kol. Another beautiful driving day to reach the Son-Kol lake passing the Moldo Ashuu pass at 3200m. The Lake is located at the alt of 3016m, the weather is very changeable. In one day there can be all 4 seasons. Afternoon arrive to the yurt camp on the southern shore of Son-Kol lake. Overnight and dinner in yurt camp.

Accommodation available: Yurt Stay

 Day 19 – Excursion day in Song Kul

Spend a day-time at the lakeside. Watching and / or participation in everyday life of shepherds, watching the processes of milking mares; making national milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare’s milk) or airan (a sour dense milk product), horseback riding.

Overnight and dinner in yurt camp

Day 20 – Song kul to Bishkek visit Burana Tower (400 kms 5/6 hours)

After breakfast, we drive to Bishkek. We pass through “Boom Gorge”, which lies at the eastern end of the Kyrgyz Range and provides the only corridor between two Chui and Issyk Kul regions. Converging together through this narrow canyon are a highway, a railway (rising high above the road apparently it was built by German prisoners of war, the first train to travel along the 189km track to Balykchi was in 1948)., and the Chu River (so bellowed by white-water rafters). The name “Boom” means “evil spirit” – and the gorge acquired this name in recognition of the trials and tribulations it presented to anyone who tried to pass through. On route to the gorge you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Today in evening we start city tour of some of the main sites such as Ala-Too Square and the History Museum and more other place and back to hotel and rest.

Accommodation available: Hotel/Hostel

END OF Service

INCLUDED

• All transfers according the program (price includes driver’s per diem, road and parking fees, all necessary permissions fuel and taxes;)
• Experienced and basic English speaking drivers, type of car: (A/C Toyota Land cruiser 100 or Lexus LX 470 )
• Mineral water (1L per day per person)

EXCLUDED

• All accommodation on twin share basis (Hotels 11, Guest houses 8, Yurt stay 3)
• Meals as listed: 22 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches, 22 Dinners.
• Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
• International flights
• Supplement for single room 173 USD
• English speaking guide service for whole tour 924 USD
• Any airport taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Tips and gratuities

Any personal expenses

Any services not included in the above itinerary

_ PS

• Important – early arrival is not included.
• Some sightseeing places and excavations might be closed / not possible to visit due to local changes, reconstruction, roads condition, and security reasons. We do not guarantee all advised places will be covered, but we will try to do our best to cover them.

Pricing is confidential & non commissionable

Price for 2 pax per person in USD 1939

Price for 3 pax per person in USD 1292

Price for 4 pax per person in USD 995

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