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, thousands of years ago.
Highlights
- Visiting the valley of Yagnob - the last refuge of the descendants of Sogdiana’s ancient civilization, where they preserved their culture and ancient customs
- Trek with camping to rare visited area with epic landscapes and un touched wild nature
- Sightseeing of Iskanderkul (Alexander Lake)
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will meet you and transfer to 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↑
Wel 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 – 4h.
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 – 6h.
Altitude: 2800m↑
Following the zigzag of the path we hike up to the pass. The pass is initially ascent but then levels out. We keep one more day here in case of unforeseen situation or if the clients just want to have a rest day during the trek. 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 Dushanbe. Arrive in Dushanbe transfer to hotel. Tour ends with transfer to airport.
100km, 2 h.
Altitude: 800m↑
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Availability | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 and more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your dates - Private group | March - October | US $1,960 | US $1,460 | US $1,130 | upon request |
What’s included
- All transportation
- Accommodation (three start hotels in big cities and homestays)
- Transfers as per the itinerary (to/from airport, city)
- English speaking guide service
- Cook service
- Animal drovers
- Luggage transfers by donkeys
- 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 very imperative for this trip. The altitude ranges from 800m to 5070m, 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. Some parts of the trek requires crossing the icy surfaces, although it does not require to use the crampons, but to be well prepared with good trekking shoes is highly recommended.