Trip description
Then this trip will lead you to the beautiful mountain the edge of Tajikistan to the Pamirs – known as the roof of the world... Travelling along the enchanting Pamir Highway, you will dig in magnificence of this remotest area undeservedly forgotten by the outside world, which still hide wonderful culture and traditions of the most hospitable people in the world. We travel through some of the most incredible landscapes you are ever likely to see, following the border with Afghanistan to Wakhan – tantalizingly close across the Panj River. Our trip takes us to long abandoned Silk Road fortresses and Buddhist remains, a legacy of the region’s position on once strategic trade routes between east and west...
Further, this unforgettable journey continue to the pearls of the ancient Silk Road - the legendary cities with more than 2000 years of history, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva with minarets and madrasahs, architectural complexes and authentic local cuisine, oriental flavor and intricate crafts of charming Uzbekistan.
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
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest after long flights. The breakfast serves from 7:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m your guide will meet you in your hotel and the day begins with cultural immense: Visit of National Antiquities Museum (archaeological museum), which houses numerous artefacts from the Sogdian, Greco-Bactrian and Kushan periods. One of the famous artefacts of this museum is Buddha in Nirvana, a lying 14m statue of Buddha, known as the largest surviving Buddha statue in Central Asia and the longest terracotta Buddha in the world, after the destruction of the Buddha statues in Bamian of Afghanistan. You will also find the legendary Bronze Age Princess of Sarazm, discovered from the famous 5500 years old Sarazm city, listed in UNESCO world Heritage sites. Lunch in traditional restaurant. After we can visit the Museum of Music Instruments of Gurminj. t is a unique venue housing a collection of over 200 musical instruments collection of Tajik instruments (such as rubab, doyra, and setor) alongside rare pieces from other cultures of Central Asia, Afghanistan, China, and even India. The museum offers small musical performances where musicians play traditional melodies on ancient instruments. Visitors can not only see the instruments but also hear their unique sounds. In the evening, the group can make a free exploration of the city, overnight in hotel.
Sightseeing time: approximately 4 hours
Final altitude: approximately 800 m
Meals: lunch at the restaurant – dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in at hotel
Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel, from where you start your tour after having loaded our luggage and taken place in the vehicles. We stop for a coffee and refuel before hitting the road with the sunrise and make stops to take pictures at the most beautiful viewpoints. We have a hearty lunch in a traditional local restaurant in Kulob. En route, we visit the Mazar of Mir Said Ali Hamadani - the revered historical and religious site located in Kulob. Mir Said Ali Hamadan was a prominent 14th-century Persian Sufi scholar, poet, and traveler who played a significant role in the spread of Islam and Sufism in the region, particularly in Kashmir and Central Asia. The complex showcases traditional Islamic and Persian architectural influences, with intricate wood carvings, vibrant tilework, and calligraphy. We pass over Shurabad pass 2267 m and enter the High Pamirs, travelling among the cliffs. Closer to the evening, we reach a charming guesthouse in Kalaikhumb, where we have dinner and stay for overnight.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 1,200 m
Meals: lunch at the restaurant – dinner at the inn
Accommodation: night in a guesthouse
Today we have long drive, so we must start earlier. After breakfast, the journey begins on the legendary Pamir Highway. Deep gorges, wide plateaus, spectacular mountains - a grandiose road over the "roof of the world". The journey goes through beautiful landscapes with remote villages. An original region, almost untouched by tourism. We continue our route along the Panj River, which borders Afghanistan as a “natural border” and looking to the opposite, we see that the country is noticeably different. Stone villages and poorly developed roads confirm the precarious state of the country despite the will and the efforts of the Afghan population, the followers of Ismaili faith, is very welcoming, and it suffers from the image of the country. Once in Khorog, we take the time to visit the second highest in the world – Botanical Garden not far from the city, and enjoy the quality of life here, in the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). We stay in hotel in Khorog.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 7 hours
Final altitude: approximately 2,200 m
Meals: breakfast at the hostel – lunch at the restaurant – dinner at the hotel
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, we load the luggage and start the exploration of the mysterious Wakhan. Once serving as an important branch of Silk Road, Wakhan become again famous after the Great Game in XIX century, which divided this valley between Russian and British Empires, using the Panj River as a border. We continue to travel along Panj River with a border with Afghanistan to Ishkashim the small administrative center located in 4 hours’ drive from Khorog. Ishkashim is famous with a cross-border market with Afghanistan taking place regularly on Saturdays. If our visit happens on Saturday, we can visit this bazar located in Afghanistan side. We have lunch in Ishkashim. and make a a short stop to observe the canyon and ancient shrine in Darshay. Most of the shrines in Wakhan left from Zoroastrian time (before Islamic period) We drive uphill to visit the impressive ruins of most beautiful fortification of Wakhan – Yamchun Fort dated back to III-I B. C. Yamchun was built by Siapushi – the order of fire worshipers of Zoroastrian religion. You will have a scenic view to all Wakhan valley and Hindu Kush range of Afghanistan. In 500 meters from the fort, we can visit the natural thermal springs called BiBi Fatima Hot springs. Further, in Yamg village, we will visit the House Museum and solar calendar of Sufi Mubarak – an Ismaili philosopher, poet, theologian and astronomer, who invented the paper from rise. In Vrang we can make an optional 20-minute hike to explore the hill with topped ziggurat of Buddhist Stupa IV A.D. one of reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans passed through this region following the Silk Road. Tonight, we stay in local homestay and enjoy the traditional meals and hospitality of locals in Langar. Tonight, we stay in Zong in guesthouse.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 3,000 m
Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch in cafe – dinner at the guesthouse
Accommodation: overnight at the guesthouse
We drive 5 km down to Zong village and start hiking up along the small channel of water. After two hours 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 stay for overnight on a green pasture. There is a Shepherds camp nearby with very hospitable people in who is happy to share their delicious yogurt with us and talk. Overnight in tents in elevation of over 4000m which serves a good acclimatization before the main trek.
Number of hours of walking: about 6 hours
Elevation: + 1000 m, - 1000 m
Final altitude: about 4,000 m
Maximum altitude: approximately 4,230 m
Meals: breakfast in homestay – picnic lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a camp or guesthouse
After breakfast trek down by the short path to Langar Village, where you driver will meet you and take you to homestay. After the cup of tea and loading the luggage, we continue our journey to eastern Pamirs. Today, our journey takes us over Kargush pass 4344m to Bulunkul, one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Eastern Pamirs, famous as a coldest place of Tajikistan. In winter, the temperature in Bulunkul drops here to minus 60 by Celsius! We make a short stop in viewpoint on the top of Langar serpentines, to observe the Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude. En route, we pass two beautiful alpine lakes and summer camps of the shepherds. Lunch we have with local family in Bulunkul hamlet located in 3740m. The guests can do fishing and observe the lifestyle of nomad Kyrgyz living around. Bulunkul located in 3740 m and known as the coldest place in Tajikistan. The locals are mainly engaged in yak herding and fishing. For dinner you have a good chance of trying the delicious fish of the lakes. Overnight in homestay in Bulunkul.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 5-hours
Number of hours of walking: about 2 hoursFinal altitude: approximately 3,740 m
Meals: breakfast at the homestay – picnic lunch – dinner at the homestay
Accommodation: overnight at the homestay
In the morning, we return to the north shore of Lake Yashilkul where a dam has been built. Here we meet our support team for trekking coming from Batchor who will accompany us for our trek along the alpine lakes of the central Pamir and with whom we will be on our own for 8 days. After crossing a stream with fresh water, we climb to a small pass then further, the valley separates: one goes to Batchor and the other to the north, is our path. The view is just incredible and a little further we take a lunch break in the grass. After a few climbs and descents, we see our bivouac, in the distance near the ruins of sheepfolds and surrounded by peaks and pastures. From here, we can go to Lake Chapdar (which we will see the next day) in 3 hours walking there and back, after having put down our things and had a good meal. Meals and night in bivouac.
Number of hours of walking: about 7 hours
Elevation: + 1130 m / - 200 m
Final altitude: approximately 4,250 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
Accommodation: night in a tent
We take the trail climbing very gradually to the Langar pass (4,630m) and after its highest point on a plateau that seems endless, we leave behind us a superb view of Lake Yashilkul and the snow-capped peaks of the valley. of Langar. On the descent, the lake of Langar awaits us, just like the wind, in this passage, which also means that we will discover another other valley… We take a break lower down for lunch and it is then the opportunity to go see Lake Chapdar (a big hour of walking A / R), which on this side, has the advantage of offering a view worthy of a postcard, with its turquoise waters and the mountain that flows into it! We continue two more hours to set up camp at Prigon Kiraw on the shores of a small lake at 4320 meters, or a little lower at Uchul near a family of shepherds (another 45 minutes).
Number of hours of walking: about 7 hours
Elevation: + 700 m / - 620 m
Final altitude: about 4,320 m
Maximum altitude: approximately 4,630 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
Accommodation: night in a camp
In the morning, we reach the surroundings of Uchkul to arrive on the plateau of Zaurbek which we discover while hiking towards a series of three magnificent alpine lakes surrounded by majestic peaks. The landscapes are really different from the previous ones. The Mount Kulin dominates the space around us. We quickly pass a summer camp of local shepherds where the yaks come to graze on the tall grass and we take the opportunity to stay around, see how the people live and meet these shepherds who often offer us the delights of a fresh yogurt with bread. Then we continue, and enter the valley of Vikhinj, where we establish our camp next to the families who stay here out the summer. Fresh bread and butter are a way to share, again, moments of life with the Pamiris.
Number of hours of walking: about 6 hours
Elevation: + 220 m / - 410 m
Final altitude: about 4,110 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
This day we leave for the superb lake of Zaroshkul, reputed to be the most beautiful in the Pamirs. On our route, the wild immensity of the environment, punctuated by lakes and small passes, plunges us into the very special spirit of the Pamirs. We gradually approach the peaks that we see in the distance, the beauty of this universe is captivating, and then finally, at the foot of the Shtik Lozar pass, we branch off to the left to reach our bivouac near the lake and surrounded by snow-capped peaks... Just superb!
Number of hours of walking: about 7 hours
Elevation: + 530 m / - 130 m
Final altitude: about 4,510 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
Accommodation: night in a tent
We resume along the lake on the path that can hardly be guessed, then once past the small pass we leave the last view of the lake overlooked by the peaks, immense and wild. We begin the path and the descent, not without going through passages where blocks of rock and fords give spice to the day. One of the most beautiful and sustained days in terms of itinerary, between lakes and rocks, climbs and descents, the arrival at the camp, allows a well-deserved rest!
Number of hours of hiking: about 7-8 hours
Elevation: + 290 m / - 860 m
Final altitude: about 3,960 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
Accommodation: night in a tent
It's a shorter day that is looming today, a descent that is still demanding but that leads us quickly on a small, more rolling path that lets us guess the Batchor valley that we want to reach tomorrow. This afternoon, we take advantage of arriving early to cool off near the river and rest, or on the contrary try to soak our legs and body in the hot springs hidden above the bivouac, access to which is via a path that the muleteers will be happy to show you (1h30 in return).
Number of hours of hiking: about 5 hours
Elevation: + 150 m / - 350 m
Final altitude: about 3,760 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in bivouac
Accommodation: night in a tent
We have for this last day, a descending route, but which still requires endurance in view of its length, the passage of two fords and the return of the heat... Finally, we find the hospitable village of the valleys and the Pamiris welcoming in Batchor. Tonight, we have rest after the long trek in this peaceful village staying in local homestay.
Number of hours of hiking: about 4 hours
Elevation: + 160 m / - 720 m
Final altitude: approximately 3.200 m
Meals: breakfast in bivouac – picnic lunch – dinner in homestay.
Accommodation: overnight in homestay
We continue our journey along Pamir Highway through the picturesque Alichur valley to Murgab. Today, we have plenty of time for observing the nomad Kyrgyz tribes with their yaks. We visit the sacred lake Aq Baliq (white fish) than we drive to have lunch in Murghab. After lunch, start of journey to Karakul – a small hamlet habited by Kyrgyz people. The views of mountains and glaciers along the way are simply breath taking. The road takes us to the highest pass of ex USSR - the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m). This is indeed, the real “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape is the stunning Karakul Lake, created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. The lake is too high to support aquatic life. After lunch in local guesthouse, the group is free to walk along the lake and explore the area. The surrounding area offers some spectacular views, which are especially dramatic with the sun setting over the nearby snow-capped mountains. Overnight in guesthouse. At night, the clear view of the Milky Way is unparalleled.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 3,915 m
Meals: breakfast at the homestay – lunch in cafe – dinner at the homestay
Accommodation: overnight at the homestay
Passing by the stunning Karakul Lake, we drive over Kizil Art pass 4336m, at the top of which we pass the Tajik cross border point. End of Tajik section at Kyzyl Art pass 4336, which forms the border with Tajikistan and after driving the 25km neutral zone pass the Kyrgyz border cross point. After completing border formalities, we cross into Kyrgyzstan and stop for lunch in Sari Tash. After, we drive down to Sari Mogul, from here we drive up to the lake. The Tulparkul lake is at 3500m near the base camp in foot of Lenin peak 7134m. Here we accommodate in yurts and feel the hospitality of nomads. Overnight in Yurts.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transport time: approx. 4 hours
Number of hours of walking: about 3 hours
Elevation: + 300m
Final altitude: about 3,500 m
Meals: breakfast homestay – lunch cafe – dinner yurts
Accommodation: overnight yurts
Today is fully deducted for exploring the lifestyle of nomads and visit one of the famous and well known 7000 peaks of Tajikistan – Lenin Peak 7134m. This peak belongs to Tajikistan, but almost all the ascensions take place from Kyrgyz side, as the terrain is easier and lots of companies built their base camps and intermediate camps for organization of ascents to the peak. We will make a gentle trekking towards the peak from our Yurt camp, the group can reach the Lenin Glacier and have a fantastic view to Lenin Peak and surrounded tops. We return to the Yurt camp have lunch and continue our journey to Osh. Today we will travel among wide Alay valley with herds of horses to typical Kyrgyz villages and pass over Chiyirchik pass 2402m and Taldik pass 3589m with stunning view on the top. Arrive in Osh – the second capital of Kyrgyzstan. After delicious Uygur cuisine in local restaurant, we have time for self-exploration of Osh – the second capital and most ancient city of Kyrgyzstan. Overnight in hotel. End of the tour. Thank you for travelling with us!
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 4 hours
Number of hours of walking: about 2 hours
Final altitude: approximately 600 m
Meals: breakfast at the yurts – lunch restaurant – dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in a hotel
After breakfast the group is transferred to Dostuk border pass and after the cross-border procedures cross to Uzbekistan. Meet our Uzbekistan team and start the journey via the Ferghana Valley to Tashkent – the capital of Uzbekistan.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 600 m
Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch cafeteria – dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in a hotel
Early morning transfer to airport for the flight to Bukhara
After arrival in Bukhara we transfer to hotel. Then, we start sightseeing of Bukhara: Visit to Ismael Samani mausoleum (XI - X centuries)- vault of Bukhara ruling' dynasty, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums (XIV century). Poli-Kalon ensemble including Minaret (XII century), Mosque (XV century), functioning Madrassah Miri-Arab (XVI century). Poi-Kalon ensemble including Minaret (XII century), Mosque (XV century), functioning Madrassah Miri-Arab (XVI century), Amir-Alim-Khan Madrassah (XIV century), Taqi (trading domes), Kukeldash Madrassah (XVI century). Lyab-i-Hauz (XVII century), Nadir Divanbegi (XVII century), Magoki Attari (XVI century), Ulugbek Madrassah (XV century), Abdul Aziz Madrassah (XVII century), Chor Minor. Evening meal at “Doston House” National House. Overnight in hotel Nodira Begim or Sozangaron or similar.
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Sightseeing time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 225 m
Meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch at the restaurant, dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in at hotel
Breakfast. Morning sightseeing: visit of summer residence of last Emir and Nakshbandiya Complex- Nakshbandi complex which is one of the most important Muslim shrines & Chor Minor madrasah. Transfer to railway station to take the high-speed Afrosiyob train departing to Tashkent (journey time 2 h 10 min) at 15:50 – 17:27 p.m. Arrival to Samarkand. Accommodation at the hotel Malika Prime or Meros Butique or similar
Mode of transfer/transportation: by train
Sightseeing time: approximately 5 hours
Final altitude: approximately 725 m
Meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at the restaurant
Accommodation: night in at hotel
Breakfast. Sightseeing: Gur-Emir Mausoleum (XV century), Shahi-Zinda necropolis (XIV-XV centuries), Bibi Khanum Mosque (XV century), visit to Samarkand local bazaar.), Registan Ensemble (including Ulugbek Madrassah (XV century), Shir Dor and Tillya-Kari Madrassahs (XVII century), Ulugbek Observatory (XV century). After lunch transfer to train station and take evening train to Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent. End of the tour Thank you for travelling with us!
Mode of transfer/transportation: by private vehicle
Sightseeing time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 725 m
Meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch in restaurant and dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in at hotel
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | Prices | Single suplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 May – 8 Jun | Available | US $2,800 | US $400 |
| 10 Jun - 30 Jul | Available | US $2,800 | US $400 |
| 20 Jul - 10 Aug | Available | US $2,800 | US $400 |
| 20 Aug - 10 Sep | Available | US $2,800 | US $400 |
Service includes:
- English speaking guide service in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in Kyrgyzstan.
- English speaking trekking guide service during the trek
- All transportation and transfers in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
- 4WD vehicles for Pamir Highway
- Tickets for fast train for Samarkand - Tashkent
- All meals mentioned on the program
- All accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, homestay, yurts)
- Camping gear for trekking
- Pack animals service during the trekking
- Cook service during the trekking
- Bottled water provides during the tour (up to 2 liters/day/person)
- All entrance fee per sites in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Not included in the price:
- Flight tickets Tashkent – Bukhara
- Visa support, GBAO permits
- Alcohol, personal expenses, tips
- Dinners not mentioned in the program
- National Park entrance fee
Safety & Physical Requirements
This journey does not require exceptional physical fitness, but a good level of endurance is recommended. Throughout the trip, we will gradually ascend from 800m to 4,600m, allowing ample time for acclimatization to both altitude and temperature variations. While the itinerary is designed to minimize the effects of altitude sickness, prior experience with high-altitude trekking is highly beneficial for a comfortable and enjoyable adventure.
Notes
We sincerely value your time, enthusiasm, and trust in choosing our services.
Please note that the detailed itinerary provided is for guidance only and may be adjusted on-site by our organizing team to accommodate prevailing conditions. Pamir Trips does not issue refunds for unused hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing activities, or trekking arrangements. Trip prices are quoted as a package, and no credits will be provided for unused services.
We reserve the right to make reasonable modifications to the itinerary as necessary or advisable to ensure the comfort and well-being of our trip participants.