Trip description
This journey is for the ones, who want to leave the clutches of the civilization behind and drop himself deep in the wild, enjoying the breath taking sceneries of the nature. Trekking in Yagnob – one of the remotest but unspoiled and beautiful parts of Northern Tajikistan. Yagnobi people, who still kept the ancient language of Sogdiana, inhabited this place, during thousands of years.
The second part of the trekking take place in Central Pamirs. Trekking along epic landscapes with overnights beside the turquoise alpine lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Meeting with super hospitable local shepherds is one the main highlight of this trip
Highlights
- Trek to highest alpine lakes of Central Pamirs, surrounded by snow copped peaks and epic landscapes; this is a real journey to the wild but incredibly beautiful nature with overnights in tents
- Trek to the meadow of Engels peak 6507m with visit of petroglyph dated back to bronze era and spectacular view to Hindukush range
- Sightseeing of Wakhan – a mysterious land full of abandoned Silk Road fortresses and Buddhist remains, hot springs and ancient shrines. Pamir is a remote area, with isolated villages and rare wildlife, and little has changed here in centuries. A challenging journey through an enigmatic region – exciting is an understatement
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your guide transferred to the hotel. Later city tour includes visit the Museum of National Antiquities with exhibits primarily from Tajikistan’s pre-Islamic civilizations: the Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian periods. The most notable piece in the museum is the largest, fifteen-hundred-year-old reclining Buddha statue. Later enjoy strolling around the big Ismoil Somoni Monument – the forefather of Tajik nation, erected in the Main Square and Rudaki Park in the center of city as well. Overnight in Meridian Hotel or similar. Meals: L/D.
Altitude: 800m↑
After breakfast we start driving along the spectacular landscapes, we reach Iskanderkul area and visit of the highlights: Iskanderkul Lake, waterfall, Snake Lake, 5 springs (2hs) Accommodation in the Home stay in Saratoga (7km from Iskanderkul). Free time to discover the village. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
150 km, 4-5 h
Altitude: 2700m↑
We will drive down from Iskanderkul and have a great view to the area. In Margeb or Bedef we meet the local team of trekking crew: people with donkeys and camping stuff. We stay overnight in Margeb or Bedef village. Meals: B/L/D.
80 km, 3-4 h
Altitude: 2300m↑
Together with our guide and trekking crew we hike towards the first Yagnob village (Bedef) which requires at least four hours of walking. Camping in the meadow near village orchards. Overnight in tents.
18km, 4 h
Altitude: 2500m↑
This day starts with an easy walk along Yagnob river by taking the clear path, then passing by three other villages and few bridges to cross. Overnight at the Yagnobian guesthouse in Pskan.
15km, 3 h
Altitude: 2700m↑
This day we will have opportunity to acquaint with indigenes in Pskan and other surrounding villages and continue the journey after the lunch. Camping near the Qiansi village. Overnight in tents.
15 km, 4 h
Altitude: 3000m↑
The path widens, moves away from the river, then few hops across side streams. The incline remains gradual. Pass the aylaq and a river on widen place, then take the clear path towards the Honi Pass 3,664m. Camp at the foot of the pass. Overnight in tents.
17 km, 6 h
Altitude: 2800m↑
Following the zigzag of the path we hike up to the pass. The pass is initially ascent but then levels out. After the settlement, you reach a downhill track leading to Rufigar – remote settlement, and a well-earned dinner and bed. Overnight in homestay.
18 km, 7-8 h
Altitude: 2900m↑
After a breakfast at the guesthouse at Rufigar, we load the luggage and start our journey towards the most famous destination of Tajikistan, remote and beautiful Pamir Mountains. We drive along Panj river very close to Afghanistan, so the guest can observe the lifestyle of afghani people. Overnight in guesthouse in Kalaikhumb.
460km, 8 h
Altitude: 1800m↑
We continue to drive along the Panj river upstream, passing the Vanj Valley. During this day trip, we will see Afghanistan from right side across the river, where the big difference of lifestyle of Afghan and Tajik Pamirs is visible. We can see the efforts of the Afghani people to open their first highway; the process is running almost with no machinery. We stop for overnight in joint point of Bartang and Panj rivers in beautiful local homestay of Bagu village. B/L/D.
220km, 6 h
Altitude: 2200m↑
20 minutes driving upstream of Bartang river, we stop at the bridge to Jizev valley. We cross the wooden bridge and start easy trek to Jizev valley. Jizev (Geyzev) is one of the famous unspoiled villages in the Pamirs, started to be one of the most visited tourist destination from 2008 and still has neither vehicle road, not electrical cabling. People use only small generators or solar panels, but enjoy living among the spectacular beautiful nature, surrounded by crystal clean lakes and small forests. There are different varieties of birds and butterflies, and only 12 families. Homestay. B/L/D.
4-6 h
Altitude: 2500m↑
We descent along the path to the main road, meet our drivers and head to Khorog – the administrative centre of the Pamir region (GBAO), dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghunt rivers and surrounded in by the high mountains. After lunch we visit Central park, De-Pamiri Handicraft center, Souvenirs shops and make an evening walking in Botanical garden (the second in the world). If our visit happens on Saturday, we can visit one of the cross border markets between Tajikistan and Afghanistan in 20minuts walking from Khorog. Accommodation in guesthouse. B/L/D.
100km, 3 h
Altitude: 2200m↑
Start drive to Batchor – remote settlement famous with it horses, upstream Panj river. Here we meet the trekking team – local guides with donkeys to carry the luggage and cook. The guides load the luggage and we start trekking to Andaravj valley. Spectacular landscapes and mountains around. Overnight in tents near Kawk river.
4-5 h
Altitude: 3600m↑
Trek to Zaroshkul lake 4510m along the right bank of Andaravj river, we have a picnic lunch near Tsahin Lake. Overnight in tents near Zaroshkul Lake. Enjoy the beauties of this unique lake.
5-6 h
Altitude: 4510m↑
We continue our trekking in Central Pamir mountains. Today we reach Wikhin valley and meet the Shepherds in their summer camps. Overnight in tents.
4-5 h
Altitude: 4500m↑
The magic beauty of three small lakes and epic mountains. Overnight in tents.
5-6 h
Altitude: 4700m↑
Trek from Uchkul to Chapdara over Langar pass 4569m and down to Kirgiz-shabar. We put tents and stay tonight near Chapdar kul lake.
4 h
Altitude: 4000m↑
Trek down to Langar valley and overnight near Yashilkul dam (zaval).
3-4 h
Altitude: 3700m↑
Today we climb the Zaval pass and have breathtaking view to Zaval pass and have breathtaking view to Yashikul lake 3719m. We climb down and meet our drivers, after we drive to Bulunkul village. Rest and relax with bear and fish. Homestay.
5-6 h
Altitude: 3719m↑
Today we start earlier, we have a long drive journey to Langar – the first village of Wakhan valley. Our journey take us over Kargush pass 4344m to Military Camp in Kargush and after formalities drive along Pamir river down to flat valley of Wakhan. We will make a short stops to observe all Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude and carry on driving the serpentines. Overnight in homestay in Langar. B/L/D.
110 km, 5h
Altitude: 3500m↑
We drive 5 km down to Zong village and 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 or trek back to the vehicles and stay in homestay. B/L/D.
14km, 6 h
Altitude: 4200m↑
We stay almost all day in Langar exploring the museum and doing optional hike to the petroglyphs dated back to different era. After lunch we go to relax in famous hot springs of Bibi Fatima and visit the fort of Yamchun VI-III B. C - one of the most important fortifications belonged to Zoroastrian worshippers. We continue our journey through Wakhan corridor towards Ishkashim. By the way we stop to observe the Darshay canyon and ancient shrine. The guests can observe the lifestyle of afghani villages. If our visit happens on Saturday we will visit one of the most famous tajik – afghan bazaar in Afghanistan territory, near the bridge. After we continue to Garmchashma – a hot spring with spectacular colors of minerals. Here we stay for over night.
200km,5-6 h
Trek 1-2 h
Altitude: 2200m↑
Today we start driving directly to Kalaikhumb with a stop in Khorog for lunch.. The guests will enjoy the highest cliffs starting directly from the road and drive along famous Pamir Highway. After 4-5 hours driving, we arrive in Kalaikhumb – the center of Darvaz region. Overnight in guesthouse. Meals: B/L/D.
300km, 7 h
Altitude: 1200m↑
Start of journey to Dushanbe via Kulyab. Drive along Panj river very close to Afghanistan. You can observe the lifestyle of Afghan people and spectacular views of Pamir highway. Overnight in hotel in Dushanbe. Our service ends with transfer to airport. Meals: B/L/D.
380 km, 7 h
Altitude: 800m↑
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 and more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your dates - Private group | May - October | US $3,130 | US $2,430 | US $1,840 | upon request |
What’s included
- 25 breakfasts, 24 lunches, 24 dinners also snacks during treks
- Bottled water provided during the tour (not during treks)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Accommodation in 3* Hotel single/twin share rooms in Dushanbe
- Guesthouse and Homestay accommodations en route
- Twin share tents on trek
- All private transportation
- English speaking local mountain guide
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits
- Camp cook and porters service during the trek
- Pack animal support and horses during trek
- All required permits
- All group camping equipment
What’s not included
- International airfares
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Sleeping bags are not provided during treks
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc
- Tips and gratuities
Safety
The country is safe, even if the southern part of it neighbors with Afghanistan. No dress code and limits on food, drinks or free talking to locals. The tour is equipped with very experienced local drivers and well served vehicles. The guides are local with excellent knowledge of the area. The hospitality is a part of DNA of these people - you will feel it soon.