Trip description
Pamirs – the land of high mountains, beautiful landscapes and turquoise lakes, the untouched nature of which captivates the travelers hearts from the first minutes. Trekking by the lakes of the Central Pamir can be called the most exciting and most beautiful in the world. This journey among the snowcapped tops over 6000 meters through the wide valley of epic landscapes and high altitude blue lakes of various shapes and colors.
You can simultaneously enjoy the colors of alpine meadows and the passage of glaciers and complete all visiting the most hospitable local shepherds in the world, who are always ready to offer a yogurt or a cup of tea with a sincere smiles. This is one of the most spectacular high altitude treks of the world!
This tour is mix of cultural excursions and wilderness trek with horse-riding over three countries of Central Asia – Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. A challenging journey through an enigmatic region – exciting is an understatement.
Highlights
- This tour is combined tours and treks over three countries of Central Asia – Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
- Journey along Pamir Highway visiting mystic Wakhan with ancient fortresses, solar calendars, shrines, petroglyphs and meadow trekking to the basecamp of Engels peak 6507m
- 10 days trekking among spectacular landscapes and alpine lakes of Central Pamirs: shepherds, yaks and lakes
- Drive along Akbaytal pass 4655m with sightseeing of Pamir Plato and Alay valley, trek to basecamp of Lenin peak 7134m
- Sightseeing of most beautiful ancient centers of Central Asia – Samarakand and Bukhara cities
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 Ismoili 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↑
Start of journey to Kalaikhumb 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 guesthouse in Kalaikhumb. Meals: B/L/D.
380 km, 6-7 h
Altitude: 1800m↑
Departure from Kalaikhumb. Drive deep among Pamir Mountains. 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 Khorog – the center of Pamirs. Visit of handicraft shop De-Pamiri, 2-3 hours trek to visit Botanical Garden – the second highest in the world. Dinner in open-air restaurant Serena in the side of Gundriver. Overnight in hotel Laal (optional) or guesthouse. Meals: B/L/D.
P.S: if our visit happens on Saturday we have chance to visit Saturday’s tajik-afghan cross-border market in 10km from Khorog.
260km, 4-5 h
Altitude: 2200m↑
Meet the guide and driver in Khorog and start sightseeing of Wakhan. Visit Garmchashma hot-spring en route, with spectacular open air pool and minerals. If our visit happens on Saturday, we will 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 and make a 3-4 h trekking to Darshay gorge with ancient handmade mountain paths which are still used by locals. After we drive 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..Overnight in guesthouse in Yamchun. B/L/D.
240km 1 - 2 h, Trek 2 h
Altitude: 3600m↑
This morning, we drive down and continue exploration of the mysterious Wakhan. We visit House museum and Solar calendar of Sufi Muborak – a philosopher, poet, theologian, astronomer and musician of XIX century. A calendar created by him was popular in East. 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. Overnight in homestay in Langar. B/L/D.
Altitude: 3000m↑
Today we start earlier to start trekking towards the one of the most famous peaks of Pamirs – Engels peak 6507m.
We drive 5km down to Zong village and from here start hiking, following the small canal of water, made by locals to irrigate their gardens. Hiking 1000m up, we can observe the ancient petroglyphs of Langar – the message left by Scythians, Arians, Zoroastrians and other habitants of these area, for next generation. Over 7000 pictograms and rock paintings dated back to bronze and different eras (3200m). En route, possible to see local shepherds, who are happy to share their delicious yogurt and bread. We stay overnight in tents. B/L/D.
Hiking 4 hours
Altitude 4200m↑
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 to observe all Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude and carry on driving the serpentines. After, we drive down to visit the most beautiful alpine lake of pamirs – Yashilkul lake 3719m. Good chance of trying the delicious fish of the lakes. Overnight in local homestay in Bulunkul. B/L/D.
110 km 5 - 6h Trek-1-2 h
Altitude: 3735m↑
We start the trek from Bulunkul – the coldest inhabited place of Central Asia, in winter the temperature drops here down to -65 by Celsius! Three hours easy walking to Sumantash – historical place with ruins of Caravansarays and Kyrgyz graves, cross the river and camp here. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
3-4 h
Altitude: 3735m↑
Today we start walking along the north shore of Yashilkul Lake 3719m. The start is bit difficult but further we hike on very beaten path. We climb small cliff and cross the small river before camping near the stream in Marjanoy valley. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
3-4 h
Altitude: 3719m↑
This morning we have to cross the icy stream again, so with the help of our guide we find the shallowest place walking a kilometer up and cross the river. We climb a small pass and put the tents in shepherds empty slot in 3960m. amazing view to Shugnan range. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
4 h
Altitude: 3960m↑
Today we start with climbing the Langar pass 4630m leaving behind breathtaking view to Yashilkul lake and grandiose snow copped peaks. We reach the pass and descent to 4570 m to overnight in our next camp, near the small lake. The second option is to go left side and stay overnight near turquoise lake Chapdara 4529m. Tents. B/L/D.
5 h
Altitude 4630m↑
We start walking down to the series of three beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by epic mountains. We pass by summer camp of local shepherds with big herbs of yaks, taste the delicious yogurt with bread and overnight near the next shepherd settlement. Overnight in tents.
4 h
Altitude: 4000m↑
Rest day at Irkht waterfall observing the nature around. The magic beauty of three small lakes and epic mountains Optional hiking to the peaks around. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
Altitude: 4300m↑
We continue our trekking in Central Pamir mountains. Today we reach Wikhin valley and meet the Shepherds in their summer camps. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
Altitude: 4500m↑
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. Tents. B/L/D.
4-5 h
Altitude: 4510m↑
Today we start trekking to Andaravj valley. Spectacular landscapes and mountains around. Overnight in tents near Kawk river. Overnight in tents. B/L/D.
5-6 h
Altitude: 3600m↑
Today is the last day of our trekking in Central Pamir. we head downstream of Gund river to Batchor – remote village famous with horses. Here we say good bye to the trekking team – local guides with donkeys and meet our drivers. Overnight in homestay. B/L/D.
3 h
Altitude: 3600m↑
After, continue the journey to Murghab 3633m. through Pamirs plato – the roof of the world thru picturesque Alichur valley. Murgab is located in a valley at about 3,000 m above sea level and surrounded by high peaks.. Visit of Yak house – souvenir centre in Murghab. After lunch start of journey to Karakul lake which at 3,915 m is too high to support aquatic life. Drive from Murgab over Ak-Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m).The highest section of road in the former USSR... We drive towards Tajikistan -Kyrgyzstan border enjoying the views of Lenin peak (7,134 m) which dominates over the area. Overnight in homestay in Karakul. B/L/D.
270 km - 5 h
Altitude: 3900m↑
End of tajik section at Kyzyl Art pass (4,280 m) which forms the border with Tajikistan. Border formalities and drive down to Alay valley. Arriving in Sari Mugul, you can drive to the lake if the road is open or hike. The lake is at 3500m near the Achik Tash base camp in foot of Lenin peak 7134m. The car will wait for you in the village. Overnight in tents.
Trek 3 h
Altitude: 3500m↑
We will travel among typical Kyrgyz villages and pass over Chigirchik pass 2402m than Taldik pass 3589m with great view to Alay valley. Arrive in Osh – the second capital of Kyrgyzstan.
4 hours
Altitude: 3500m↑
Today we drive to Dostuk Kyrgyz – Uzbek border. Here we say goodbye to our tajik team – drivers and guide and pass the border to uzbek side, where our new guide and drivers will wait for us. You start driving to Tashkent, en route passing the old cities of Fergana valley. Fantastic landscapes of Kamchik pass 2765m Overnight in hotel in Tashkent.
300km drive, 6-7 hours
Altitude: 2765m↑
We take a morning flight HY flight Tashkent- Bukhara – 65 USD per person in Y class (please let us to know about the date) Arriving in Bukhara we start sightseeing of the city. Your guide will show you the pearl of Central Asia. Overnight in Mekhtar Ambar Hotel.
1.5 hours
Altitude: 225m↑
Today we drive to the second ancient city of Central Asia – Samarkand. You will visit the most valuable attractions of Samarkand and overnight in Malika Classic hotel.
4-5 hours
Altitude: 702m↑
Today we take a high speed train to Tashkent. Transfer to airport and flight back home. End of the tour.
1.5 hours
Altitude: 225m↑
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Prices | Single suplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 May – 12 Jun 2022 | Available | US $2,780 | US $400 |
| 20 Jun - 13 Jul 2022 | Available | US $2,780 | US $400 |
| 20 Jul - 13 Aug 2022 | Available | US $2,780 | US $400 |
| 20 Aug - 13 Sep 2022 | Available | US $2,780 | US $400 |
What’s included
- 24 breakfast, 24 lunches, 24 dinners
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Accommodation in 3* or 5* Hotel single/twin share rooms in big cities
- Guesthouse and Homestay accommodations en route
- All private transportation 4WD vehicles with drivers
- Minivans for city sightseeings
- National Park entrance fee
- Trekking guide service during treks
- Animals service for carrying the luggage during trek
- Group camping equipment (tents, mats, cooking stuff)
- Cook service during trek
- Food and snacks during trek
- English speaking local guides service
- Bottled water provided during the tour (except treks)
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits
What’s not included
- Flight tickets for Tashkent – Bukhara ($65 per person)
- 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
We always appreciate your time, mood, and we grateful to you for choosing our service. The detailed itinerary is given for your guidance only; it may be altered on the ground and in accordance to the prevailing conditions by our organizing team. Pamir Trips does not give any refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trek arrangements. Trip price quoted as a package; credits are not given for services not used. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members.