Along the Pamir Highway

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OVERVIEW

Join us on this true adventure along the legendary „Pamir Highway“ – 1250 kilometers of road (not all closed!) that connects the ancient trading cities of Dushanbe and Osh. This journey through ever-changing landscapes, high mountain passes, raging rivers, isolated villages and hardy people.

Wakhan Corridor – Drive along the Wakhan Corridor and discover the Afghan villages across the Pyanj River.
Akbaital Pass – Drive along the Pamir Highway through the highest pass of the former Soviet Union.
Son-Kul Lake – Walk through the lush summer meadows of Kyrgyzstan and stay in a yurt on the shores of Son-Kul Lake.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - The journey begins in Dushanbe .Explore the capital of Tajikistan on a walking tour of the city

Arrival in Dushanbe. Please note that early check-in will be provided for those arriving in Dushanbe early in the morning.

Tajikistan is a small Central Asian country located in the foothills of Pamir. The real treasure of this state is its natural attractions: the sultry Vakhsh valley, the highest snow-capped peaks of Evgenia Korzhenevskaya and Ismail Samani, the picturesque mountain road of the Pamir tract, leading through the bottomless gorges and high plateaus, uniquely beautiful mountain lakes and numerous national parks.

We begin the tour with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Tajikistan, which is located in Dushanbe and contains several thematic departments: ancient and medieval history, modern history, art, nature. The museum building, built in the Baroque style, is an architectural value.

Then we move on to the strikingly beautiful Ismoil Somoni Square. This is the central square of the capital. Ismoila Somoni is the founder of the first Tajik state that existed in the ninth and twentieth centuries. The square decorates the memorial complex in honor of the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid state with a sculptural image of Ismail Somoni. On the square is the House of the Government of Tajikistan. After lunch, we will continue to work on the statue of Ismail Samani. Ismoil Somoni Square is the central square of the capital. Ismoila Somoni is the founder of the first Tajik state that existed in the ninth and twentieth centuries. The square decorates the memorial complex in honor of the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid state with a sculptural image of Ismail Somoni. On the square is the House of the Government of Tajikistan.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Atlas (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEAL: NONE

DAY 2 - Departure to Pamir highway by four-wheel-drive cars. Notice Afghan villages across the Panj River

This morning we left the city and went to Pamir for our journey through the Pamir Mountains. It gradually climbs as you drive, and part of the road remains unsealed and rather rough. He drives a specially modified four-wheel-drive minivan, but expects he will still have uneven roads. Stretch your legs and relax in the fresh mountain air at the Norac Reservoir before heading to the town of Krobb, where you’ll stay for lunch. After lunch, the road turns again, crossing the 2267-metre-long Shrava pass and entering the region of the Tajik-Afghan border. These mountains have generated countless adventures over the centuries from merchants, adventurers and explorers of the Silk Road, and of course the role of the region in the Great Game. The Panj River forms the natural and geographical boundary between the two countries, and part of today’s route runs along the river. You want to arrive in Karaykum town late in the evening or early in the evening and check into a comfortable hotel with its own bathroom.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Karon Palace (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 3 - Continue along the Panj River to Khorog, the heart of the Pamir region

Today we are going on a volatile but pleasant scenic journey. Most of it flows along the glacial river Panaji. Looking across the river, you can see Afghan villages clinging to the hills and trails winding through the rocks.

Stay on the territory of Tajikistan and get acquainted with the unique culture of the Pamir people. Our guide will talk about traditions, languages and religions that are very different from Tajiks living in other parts of the country.

Late afternoon arrival in Khorog, the capital and largest city of the Pamir region of Tajikistan. While exploring the city’s bustling souks, you will notice the distinctive features of the Pamari people. Here you will find that many, unlike many Tajiks, have blond hair, blond skin and blue eyes. Before your day ends, head to the Botanical Garden, which is located on a small hill with breathtaking views of Khorog. You can explore tonight.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Zafar (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST

DAY 4 - Venture into the Wakhan Corridor and take a pill in the Garmchashma hot springs

In the morning, head from Khorog to Garmchashma, a natural hot spring in the heart of Pamir. With alpine blue water and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the spring has been a popular destination for centuries, and those who want to swim will spend some time here this morning.

From here, head to the Wahan Valley, a common region between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This area became famous in the 19th century because it was used as a buffer zone between the Russian and British empires during the so-called „Great Game“. But the region has already played an important role thousands of years ago, serving as a natural corridor for caravans, merchants and nomads, as well as a meeting point for East and West Central Asia.

The purpose of this evening is Ishkasim, the administrative center of the Wakhan region and a city with a long history. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore the village. Enjoy a folklore show performed by a group of local dancers and waki musicians.

ACCOMMODATION:

Guest house Hanis (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 5 - Continue along the Wahan Valley, visiting the impressive 3rd century Hahha Fortress

Today we will continue our journey through the Vahan Valley, but along the way we will see some interesting places. First, take a short detour along the Pamir Highway to Managti village. There’s the fortress of Kaka. You will also visit Fort Yamchun, the most impressive of which is one of the few remaining in the area dating back to the 3rd century BC. The fort, consisting of thick sandstone walls and high cylindrical watchtowers, was originally built as a defensive stronghold, but was later thought to play an important role in regulating and guarding large caravans on the Silk Road.

Have a picnic at the hot springs of Bibi Fatimah, named after the sisterhood of Prophet Muhammad.

Head to Wranga for the 4th century stupa, a popular pilgrimage site believed to contain traces of the Buddha. Today’s journey ends in Hissar. Here you will spend the next two nights in a warm and cozy guest house. Rooms here are double, simple, but functional, with shared toilets and bathrooms.

ACCOMMODATION:

Guest house Davlathon (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 6 - Complimentary day in Hissor with access to petroglyphs and the Engels Meadow

Spend the day in Hisora. Interesting place to meet. An additional night here serves as a warm respite from the adventurous trips of the past few days. Today you can relax in the guest house, admire the mountain scenery, walk around the village, visit the village shrine and take a baking lesson.

In addition, you can walk 10 miles past numerous petroglyphs over the nearby town of Langer. The walk includes two petroglyphs, and then continues to the Engels meadow, which forms a refreshing mountain landscape that forms the background against the background of the earth. Walking can also help with acclimatization. That’s because we fly over the city, and then we go back to a lower altitude of sleep.

For those who do not want to walk all day, there is an opportunity to shorten the walk after the first petroglyph (1 km) and the second petroglyph (3 km plus 500 meters of altitude difference).

ACCOMMODATION:

Guest house Davlathon (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 7 - Climb above Pamir, crossing the Kargushi Pass and eating along the mountain lakes

Leaving the lush valley behind, this morning we return to the Pamir highway. Gradually gaining altitude, the landscape turns into a rocky, almost lunar environment. Cross the impressive Kargusi Pass at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level before describing the short distance to the village of Alitur. On the way, you will pass the beautiful alpine lakes of Yashikul and Bruncurt and stay in one of the many impressive geyser areas. Although East Pamir is part of the territory of Tajikistan, it has a strong Kyrgyz flavor and is predominantly populated by Kyrgyz. Most people in the area still live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. In the harsh winter they live in villages, in the summer they go to lush pastures, and in the summer they stay in yurts where cows can graze. Continuing our journey, approaching today’s Murgab end stop, we begin to see yurts in the distance, as well as large herds of sheep, horses and yaks.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Pamir (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 8 - Cross the border to Kyrgyzstan, passing through Karakul on the way. Continuation on Lake Tulpar-Kul in the shadow of Lenin Peak

We woke up this morning in the city of Murgab, which is located in the heart of the region. The city characterizes the severity of life in such a hostile environment. Murgab, which literally translates as the “roof of the world”, is located on a desert flat plateau surrounded by snow-covered mountains, mostly more than 6000 meters high. Life here is tough, with short cool summers and long harsh winters with low temperatures and harsh winds. After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore this lunar city and meet its difficult inhabitants.

Then we go on a trip to Kyrgyzstan. First, we crossed the highest pass on Pamir, in fact the highest pass in the entire former Soviet Union, the Akbaytal pass at an altitude of 4.655 meters above sea level. From here, go down to the village of Karakul, the last outpost of the Tajik civilization, and again take another path, to the Kyzyl artistic path (4280 meters). Your stay in Tajikistan has come to an end. The pass crosses state borders. After passing the border and customs formalities, we enter Kyrgyzstan and transfer to a Kyrgyz car on Lake Tulparkul. The route begins on a smooth asphalt, turns into Sary-Tash, turns into a dirt road through lush hills and begins to discover the majestic peak of Lenin (7139 meters). Camp this night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt at the foot of Lenin Peak, on the shores of the quiet and tranquil Tulipurkol Lake. The yurts are usually designed for 4 people and have separate toilet cabins and solar showers.

ACCOMMODATION:

Tulpar Kul Yurt Camp (or equivalent)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 9 - Optional morning walk to the base camp "Lenin Peak". Drive ON

This morning after breakfast we went on foot to the base camp „Lenin Peak“. The walk begins neatly as you descend into the gorge to cross the bridge to the other side of the river. From here, climb the ridge through the valley and head for the base camp itself. Stop to admire the stunning views of the lake, green hills and snow-covered peaks of Lenin before heading back to Tulpurkul. The walk lasts about 7 km and takes about 3-4 hours.

After lunch at the yurt camp, continue to Osh. Leaving the mountains and being on the plains of the Fergana valley, the height begins to fall sharply. Today’s route will take you from 3,500 meters above sea level to just 1,000 meters above sea level. Once you know about the difference in altitude, the air becomes thicker and easier to breathe. Arrival in Osh late in the evening and the rest of the day for your vacation.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Sunrise (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

DAY 10 - Explore this ancient shopping city at the Kyrgyz end of the M-41 - Pamir highway

After a long journey through the mountains, today stands firmly in one place. This is the ancient merchant town of Osh. Considered the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, its roots date back to 3000 years, but it firmly took its place on the map when it became a center of silk farming in the 8th century. At that time, the city received nomads from the mountains to sell their livestock, while merchants and caravans from the Far East and Europe sold their goods. This vast collection of cultures gave rise to the largest bazaar in Central Asia, which still exists and is appropriately called the Silk Road Bazaar.

This morning we went to explore this vibrant city, which is still a melting pot of cultures, nationalities and ethnic groups. It is a great place to try local delicacies such as multiples (dry yogurt balls) and the popular kimizu (fermented horse milk drink). After that, head to Suleiman Tu Hill in the heart of the city. The hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the mosque at the top attracts many pilgrims and admirers. There are trails that meander around the hillside, and there are museums in caves carved on the hillside that demonstrate the rich history and archaeology associated with this area.

After the morning tour, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel Sunrise (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST

DAY 11 - Full Day Wildlife Driving in Kyrgyzstan through Toktogul Reservoir to Suusamyr Valley

Go from Osh and continue your journey through central Kyrgyzstan. The landscape varies from the rocky mountains of Pamir to the lush meadows and pastures of central Kyrgyzstan. Stop for a picnic overlooking the beautiful Toktogul Reservoir. The Toktogul reservoir is the largest of its kind in Central Asia and an important source of irrigation and electricity for the region.

Continue east, past the nomadic herders and surrounded by the high mountains on the left, moving towards your residence in the Susamir Valley, striving to reach it in the evening.

ACCOMMODATION:

Baytur Resort (or equivalent)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 12 - Two-day walk through Kyrgyz meadows and summer pastures

In the next few days, you will have the opportunity to remove the wheels of walking shoes and stretch your legs during a two-day hike to Son-Kul Lake.

The morning begins with a short trip to the village of Kyzart, where you will meet your support group and start hiking in Kilemche. The first part of the walk passes through Kyzyl-Kiya-Jaira, a huge sea of flat grasses used by Kyrgyz shepherds for grazing cattle in the summer. Head to Char Archa Valley and dine by the river against the backdrop of the sacred 4440-metre-high Baba Ata Mountain.

After lunch, cross the river in shallow water and follow the path through the lush hills to Kilemche Zair, where you will spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. Each yurt has space for two in separate beds with all bedding and pillows. Next to the yurt is a simple toilet with a long exit opening.

The total distance today is about 14 km, of which about 500 m uphill and takes about 4 hours. On horseback, you can bring your luggage to the campsite for the night.

Please note that walks may be cancelled. Those who do not wish to participate can take their basic luggage and go directly to Son Kul for a free day of rest by the lake.

ACCOMMODATION:

Awaz Yurt Camp Kilemche (or equivalent)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 13 - Day of the second walk: Jalydyz Karagai pass and hike to the shores of Song-Kul lake

After a cozy evening under the traditional boulders, we continue today’s morning walk, climbing and overcoming the Jardiz Karagai pass (about 700 meters above sea level), which crosses the Son Kul mountains and enters the lake basin. The morning ascent offers a breathtaking view of Kilemche Jaira in one direction, but the first glance at Son Kul Lake in the other. As we describe the slopes of the mountain, the lake becomes more and more until we reach the shore and the night camp. Yurt camps here are more permanent, with identical twin yurts, but with stationary western toilets and even cold showers.

This day was free to relax in our atmospheric environment. Additional walking and horseback riding lessons are also available.

ACCOMMODATION:

Camp Novinomad Yurt Song Cool Lake (or equivalent)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 14 - Trip to Issy-Kul Lake and stay in a traditional yurt with a view of the lake

On your way back today, head to Lake Issy-Kul, known as the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. On the way, stop in the small town of Kochkor for a demonstration of traditional carpet weaving, which is highly valued in the region. Soon after Kochkor, reach Issyk-Kul and drive along its southern shore to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, one of the yurt production centers. Here you will learn more about how these amazing buildings work and why they have been a favorite home of nomads in Central Asia for centuries. The last stop on our journey today is Bokovivo, where we meet with eagle hunters, giving us the opportunity to see how this form of falconry has been practiced and perfected over the centuries.

Arrival in Tosor on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul late in the evening and before lunch we have time to swim in the lake. Today’s yurt is a double tent with a western toilet and a cold shower.

ACCOMMODATION:

Yurt camp Tosor (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 15 - Explore the fabulous canyon on foot and stroll through the Jety Oguz Valley. Stay at a Farmer's Guest House

After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the shores of Issyk-Kul, head to Saku, or Fairy Tale Canyon, named after its strange landscape with charming rock formations.

From here, take a slow walk to Jeta Oguz. Go down the picturesque Jety-Oguz Pass (2800 m) and walk through the valley below. The strange cliffs in this area are bright red sandstone rising from the green valley below, offering a landscape that is a bit different from anything you’ve seen before. Walking distance is about 10 km, and the required time is from 3 to 4 hours. At the end of the walk we will go to the village of Te Puke and spend the night at the guest house on the farm. Local farmers are famous horse breeders, so you will have the opportunity to get to know the horses and learn how to cook Bulsko, a fried bread typical of the region.

ACCOMMODATION:

Guest house Reina Kench (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 16 - Visit Karakol's churches and mosques before returning to the guest house for a folklore show

In the morning, we go to the city of Karakol, where we meet civilization again. Take a tour of the city and explore some of the most interesting sights, including the Donggang Mosque, built without a nail in 1904 and a place of worship for Chinese Muslims. The architecture is very impressive: instead of a minaret, a wooden roof in the style of a pagoda is used. See also the Russian Orthodox Church, built entirely of wood in 1869 and still standing. Finally, visit the Karakol Historical Museum, which houses a photo exhibition of Ella Mayar’s extensive travels through Central Asia in the 1930s.

Return to the Te Puke Guesthouse to watch a horse and folklore show.

ACCOMMODATION:

Guest house Reina Kench (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM NOT AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

DAY 17 - Crossing the border with Kazakhstan on the side of the Charyn Canyon

This morning we said goodbye to the owners and went to Kazakhstan, our third and last country, describing the Kazakh steppe. Although on a smaller scale, we will stop at Charin Canyon, which is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Visit the part of the canyon known as the „Valley of Castles“ due to its unusual rock formations, where you will descend 100 meters from the edge to the river, where you will have a picnic. Those in need of refreshment can dive into a slow-flowing river.

Go back on the road to Almaty for the purpose of arriving in the evening.

Despite the fact that Almaty lost its status as the capital of Astana in 1997, it remains a cultural and financial center where Russians, nomadic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tatars and many other ethnic groups flock to its bustling markets shoulder to shoulder. The city has an almost European appearance, partly because the earthquake of 1911 eroded Almaty and the city was completely redeveloped and rebuilt. Wide green boulevards were built with low snow-white houses and offices, and few surviving old buildings were restored to their former grandeur. The city is located at the foot of Zailiyskiy Alatau, a short drive from beautiful turquoise lakes, snow-covered mountains and luxurious ski resorts.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel «Kazzhol Park» (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM

MEALS: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

DAY 18 - Take time to explore the cosmopolitan city of Almaty

Today we went to see some of the main attractions of Almaty, starting with the Park of 28 guards, which contains monuments and buildings. The central element of the park is the Ascension Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral and one of the two preserved wooden buildings in the city. Also in the park are impressive Soviet statues in memory of the fallen soldiers in such campaigns as the Second World War and the war in Afghanistan, where many Kazakhs fought in defense of Soviet interests. You can also visit the Musical Instruments Museum. This is another wooden structure that looks more like Switzerland than Central Asia. There is a great variety of folk instruments from Kazakhstan or brought by travelers from Central Asia and Persia.

Then head to the Green Market, a charming meeting place where locals come to shop. The nomadic market offers a variety of agricultural products from Korea to China and Central Asia. Here you will find exotic fruits, vegetables, a large meat department with all kinds of meat and a wide range of aromatic products. Be sure to try cauldron (smoked horse sausage) and jacket (salty cheese balls, popular in beer).

In the afternoon, head to the Medeo skating rink and then take the cable car to the top of the Shimbrak ski resort, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. The rest of the day is at your disposal.

ACCOMMODATION:

Hotel «Kazzhol Park» (or similar)

SINGLE ROOM AVAILABLE

MEALS: BREAKFAST

DAY 19 - End of trip to Almaty

The trip ends after breakfast in our hotel in Almaty.

MEALS: BREAKFAST

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

PHOTOGALLERY