Trip description
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Central Asia with our unique tour that seamlessly combines cultural exploration and thrilling wilderness treks across two fascinating countries – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Brace yourself for an adventure of a lifetime as you traverse the enigmatic landscapes of the ancient Silk Road, where every moment promises excitement and discovery.
Highlights
City Exploration: Begin your expedition with a tour of the bustling city centers of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, both integral parts of the historic Silk Road. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture that these cities have preserved over the centuries.
Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe: Delve into the past at the Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe, where a mesmerizing collection of Buddhist art from the lost cities of the ancient Kushan empire and the Greco-Bactrian periods awaits. Marvel at the world's largest statue of Buddha in Nirvana, a testament to the region's cultural legacy.
Burana Tower and Balasagun City: Explore the remnants of ancient civilizations as you visit the Burana Tower and the remains of the ancient Balasagun city, showcasing the historical depth of Central Asia.
Pamir Highway Adventure: Embark on a breathtaking journey along the enchanting Pamir Highway, surrounded by epic landscapes and snow-capped peaks that will leave you in awe.
Mystic Wakhan Exploration: Discover the mystic Wakhan region, adorned with ancient fortresses, solar calendars, shrines, and ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the region's intriguing past.
Central Pamir's Spectacular Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes and alpine lakes of Central Pamir, where encounters with shepherds, yaks, and pristine lakes will add a touch of natural wonder to your journey.
Yurt Accommodations and Peak View Treks: Experience a day trek to the basecamp of Peak Engels (6507m) and Peak Lenin (7134m) with overnights in traditional yurts, providing an authentic and immersive mountain experience.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your guide transferred to the hotel. Later, accompanied by the guide and driver to Ala Archa National Park. Ala Archa is famous by natural juniper forests occupied by high mountains and known as a best place for rest in Kyrgyzstan. Return for lunch in Bishkek. The second half of the day we spend for sightseeing of the city: visit of Pobeda Squire, Oak Park and Central Ala Too squire. Overnight in hotel. Meals: L/D
Altitude: 800m↑
Drive: 90 km 1,5 hours,
Sightseeing tour 3-4 hours
Today we visit the second largest lake of Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul in 3013m altitude. Son Kul from Kyrgyz means “The last lake”. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and here, you have chance to feel really nomadic trying the local cuisine and stay overnight in yurts. Meals: B/L/D.
Altitude: 3013m↑ Drive: 300 km, 6-7 hours
After breakfast we have plenty of time to walk around the lake and glimpse in the local atmosphere, talking to local nomads living around and enjoy the wilderness of the place. After we drive to Naryn – a small town situated in the gorge. We travel over the pass and make stops to enjoy the fantastic views from the top of the pass. Overnight in guesthouse. Meals: B/L/D.
Altitude: 2000m↑
Drive: 90 km 1,5 hours
Today we will visit the rare visited, but very beautiful lake of Kyrghyzstan – Kel Suu Lake in 3500m elevation. The lake surrounded by high cliffs from one side and Sary Beles peak 4720m from another side. This mystic lake formed in 1980s because of landslides. We make a trekking to the lake and stay overnight in Yurts. B/L/D.
Altitude: 3500m↑
Drive: 120 km 1,5 hours
Today we continue to explore the surroundings of the lake. The lake occupied from all sides by caves and pits. After, we trek back to Naryn and stay overnight in guesthouse. B/L/D.
Altitude: 2000m↑
Drive: 120 km 2 hours,
Trek: 2-3 hours
Drive to Kochkor village over the 3000m pass. In Kochkor we visit a carpet crafts family, where we can observe the process of producing national felt carpets. We visit the handicraft museum before departure to Bishkek. En route, we stop at Burana tower – an XI century minaret and open air museum of Balbals (a stone warriors) overnight in hotel in Bishkek. B/L/D.
Altitude: 800m↑
Drive: 350 km 6-7 hours
After breakfast transfer to Manas International airport and take a flight to Osh – the ancient city of Silk road. The guide will meet you in Osh airport and we go to visit Sulayman Too – a holy mountain with caves and ethnographic museum inside the caves. Sulayman Mountain was a place of pilgrimage for many people from ancient times. By the legend, this was a place of King Solomon. After, we start driving to Alay valley to Sary Mogol village and climb to Tulparkul Lake 3500m, beside the base camp of Lenin Peak 7134m. Short trek to the bottom of Lenin Peak 7134m. Overnight in yurt camps. B/L/D.
Altitude: 3500m↑
Drive: 275 km 4 hours,
Flight: 1.5 hours
Today we drive to Kyrgyz – Tajik border and after cross-border procedures drive down to Karakul Lake 4323m. Today we spend some time walking around Karakul Lake 3923m – one of the highest lakes of the world and the largest natural lake of Tajikistan. In the eastern part the lake you can see the Avicenna Peak 7134m (former Lenin Peak) We drive over the second highest car road pass in the world – Aqbaytal pass 4655m and continue our journey to Murghab. Murghab is an administrative center of Eastern Pamirs. After lunch in Murghab, we continue to Alichur, enjoying the breathtaking views of Pamir Plato. This the real roof of the world. Overnight in homestay or yurt in Alichur.
Altitude: 3660m↑
Drive: 321 km 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Bulunkul – a small hamlet, known as the coldest place in Tajikistan. In winter, the temperature here drops down to 65 degree below zero by Celsius. We visit two beautiful alpine lakes of Pamirs – Bulunkul 3735m and Yashilkul 3719m. The views are fantastic. You can make a 2 hours trek around the lakes. Than our journey, take us over Kargush pass 4344m to Military Camp in Kargush and after formalities drive along Pamir River to Langar – the first village of Wakhan valley. We pass by two beautiful alpine lakes, summer camps of shepherds. After passing the Passport Registration Control in Kargush valley, we will make a short stop in viewpoint on the top of Langar serpentines, to observe all Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude. Drive down to Langar, we can have rest, shower and drinking a bear listen to local folklore – a short musical performance by the owner of homestay. Overnight in homestay in Langar. B/L/D.
Altitude: 3000m↑
Drive: 170 km, 6 hours
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 for overnight in tents or trek down to Langar.
Trek distance: 12km (one way)
Time: 4-5 hours (one way)
Altitude: 4300m↑
This morning 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 we drive down and continue exploration of the mysterious Wakhan. Then we drive uphill 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. Scenic view to all Wakhan valley and Hindukush range of Afghanistan. We reach Khorog – the capital of Pamir Mountains in the evening. Overnight in hotel in Khorog.
Altitude: 2000m↑
Drive: 240 km, 6 hours
After breakfast, we start sightseeing of Khorog. Visit of Botanical garden – the second highest in the world, handicraft center, jewelries shops, Central Park. About 11:00 we drive to Kalaikhumb. Lunch in Rushan, domestic food. Overnight in guesthouse in Kalaikhumb.
Altitude: 1200m↑
Drive: 260 km, 6-7 hours
We continue our journey along the Panj River to Dushanbe. We travel along the border with Afghanistan and the border divided only by Panj River. You can enjoy the views of Afghanistan and observe the lifestyle of Afghani people. En route, we pass two short tunnels and Norak water reservoir. After arriving in Dushanbe transfer to hotel.
We start our city tour with visit of Museum of Antiquities – rich with wonderful collection of Buddhist art from the lost cities of ancient Kushan Empire. The Greco-Bactrian periods’ arts school from various sites along the Oxus river and elsewhere, with great statue of Buddha in Nirvana (After destroying of Bamians’ standing Buddha statues in Afghanistan, this is the biggest in Central Asia). After, we drive to Hissar. We head out of the city to the nearby town of Hissar, famous for its ancient fortification and interesting madrasahs dating back to the VII – XVI centuries. Lunch in open air National restaurant. Drive back to Dushanbe we continue our city tour with visit of second highest flag stock (165m), Rudaki park, Souvenirs and Jewelries shops. Overnight in hotel. B/L/D
| Dates | Availability | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 and more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your dates - Private group | Available | US $3,475 | US $2,750 | US $1,610 | upon request |
What’s included
- 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 sightseeing’s
- National Park entrance fee
- Trekking guide service during treks
- Cook service during trek
- Food and snacks during trek
- English speaking local guides service
- Bottled water provided during the tour (except treks)
- All entrance fees per sites and trekking permits
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
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.