Trip description
This two-week horse riding and trekking adventure allows you the time to dig in and fully experience the magnificence of the alpine lakes of Central Pamir of Tajikistan. Head into the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges as you travel by jeep, horse, and foot through this marvelous and little-visited region. You can make a deeper glance in culture and lifestyle of locals, travelling in mystic Wakhan and explore the landscapes from horseback, riding the wild paths in 10 days self-sufficiency with nature.
Highlights
- Travelling along enchanting Pamir Highway with epic landscapes surrounded by snowcapped peaks
- Sightseeing of mystic Wakhan with ancient fortresses, solar calendars, shrines, ancient petroglyphs
- Horse riding and trekking with camping among spectacular landscapes and alpine lakes of Central Pamir: shepherds, yaks and lakes.
Itinerary
After collecting guests from the airport we head straight out of Dushanbe driving along the Pamir Highway towards the town of Khorog. We will spend first night in Kalaikhumb, next day pass Khorog, nestling on the banks of the Panj River and drive to Garmchashma – place of thermal springs. We will stay overnight in sanatoria relaxing in thermal pools with fantastic colors of minerals.
Total driving: 14 – 16 hours
Altitude Dushanbe: 800m
Altitude Khorog: 2100m
Today we start exploration of Wakhan Corridor – this time on the relatively developed Tajik side. En route visiting Kah-Kaha fortress in Namadgut, the home and Solar calendar pillar of Sufi Muborak Wakhani, the Buddhist Stupa IV century in Vrang , the sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra and the 3rd century BC fortress of Yamchun. The whole road offers spectacular views and gives and real sense that this road was the gateway from Central Asia to China. The real Silk Road. You will overnight in guesthouse in Langar enjoying the evening music performance of Yodgor – the owner.
Driving: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 2800m
After breakfast we travel to the Yashil Kul Lake 3715m high and the small hamlet of Bulunkul. It is a rough but spectacular road crossing the 4300m high Khargush Pass with incredible views of the snowcapped Wakhan range. The road is sparkly populated and is a good place to catch a glimpse of wildlife. We pass two beautiful alpine lakes and crossing the Pamir Highway reach the coldest place of Tajikistan – Bulunkul hamlet. In winter, the temperature drops here down to 65 below zero by Celsius. Bulunkul is home to both Pamiri Tajiks and Kyrgyz shepherds; their yurts mark their presence on the bleakly beautiful landscape. We finnish last preparation for next day horse riding adventure and enjoy the tasty fish from the lakes in dinner. We will overnight in a homestay.
Driving: 6-8 hours
Altitude: 3740m
The drivers will drop you till Suman Tash shepherds camp, where you will met by your trekking team from Batchor – local guide, cook, horses and horsemen. The drivers will pick you up from Batchor settlement after 10 days. During horseback tour the group will be self-sufficient. After loading the luggage and short instruction by horse guide, start riding towards the first camping in Marjanoy.
Altitude: 3.720 m↑
Time: 3 ½ hours.
Distance: 14.5 km.
Elevation gain: 200m up / 210m down
Altitude: 3.650 m↑
Time: 6 hours.
Distance: 19.5 km.
Elevation gain: 560 m up / 670 m down
Altitude: 4.200 m↑
Time: 5 hours.
Distance: 17.5 km.
Elevation gain: 730 m up / 120 m down
Altitude: 4.580 m↑
Time: 9 ½ hours.
Distance: 17.5 km.
Elevation gain: 1.180 m up / 800 m down
Altitude: 4.300 m↑
Time: 4 hours,
Distance: 12 km.
Elevation gain: 210 m up / 460 m down
Altitude: 4.470 m↑
Time: 4 hours,
Distance: 14 km,
Elevation gain: 460 m up / 310 m down
Altitude: 4.510 m↑
Time: 2 ½ hours,
Distance: 7.5 km,
Elevation gain: 250 m up / 170 m down
Altitude: 3.800 m↑
Time: 5 ½ hours,
Distance: 18 km,
Elevation gain: 250 m up / 970 m down
Altitude: 4.150 m
Time: 2 hours,
Distance: 5 km,
Elevation gain: 480 m up / 480 m down
Altitude: 3.400 m
Time: 4 hours,
Distance: 17 km,
Elevation: 130 m up / 480 m down
An early start on our final day of riding as we head to the home village of our horse guides – Bachor. There we will say goodbye to our horse guides and drive back to Khorog.
Horse trekking: 4-6 hours
A full day in Khorog. This can be used as a spare day if there are delays anywhere en route. If not, we can spend this day for sightseeing of Khorog – the capital of Pamirs. Visit of Botanical Garden – the second highest in the world, Museum, Ismailis Center, Central Park, souvenirs shops and etc. If our visit happens on Saturday, we can visit the Afghan-Tajik cross border market. Overnight in hotel.
We head back up the Pamir Highway to Dushanbe stopping again at Kalaikhumb on the return journey.
It is also possible to book the domestic flight Khorog – Dushanbe if the weather permits. The tour ends with transfer to airport next day after we reach Dushanbe.
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 and more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your dates - Private group | July - September | US $3,550 | US $2,850 | US $2,250 | upon request |
What’s included
- Horses for riding
- Accommodation
- Transfers as per the itinerary
- Cook service
- Two equestrians
- Packhorses
- Natural Park entry fees
- Ecological taxes
- Bottled water out of trek
- All meals during the trip, tea / coffee with meals
What’s not included
- Sleeping bags and mats are not provided but can be hired locally
- International airfares
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc
- Tips and gratuities
Safety
Excellent physical condition is not very imperative for this trip. The altitude ranges from 800m to 4,600m, but we will gain it day by day, so your body will have enough time to adapt to the temperatures and altitude changes. Experience of high altitudes hiking during the trek is essential.
Notes
Tour can be started from Osh of Kyrgyzstan or extended to Osh. The horse riding part can be used as a trekking route with the same camping spots, distances and hiking time. For more details please contact us.