DISCOVER THE PAMIR IN 9 DAYS

2 pax 2851USD, 3 pax – 3458USD, 4 pax 4235USD
Total distance: 2426km
  • Transport (4x4), including fuel
  • Entrance fees (hot springs, museums and National Park)
  • GBAO permit
  • Food including 1.5L drinking water per person/day
  • Accommodation except Dushanbe
  • Office charge including tax

Description

DUSHANBE TO DUSHANBE THROUGH PAMIR HIGHWAY TOUR ITINERARY.

Day 1. Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb (also Darvaz). 355km, 8-9 hours of driving including stops
After breakfast and full relax meeting with a driver/guide at a hotel/guest-house in Dushanbe and heading to the Pamirs via Kulyab. On the way enjoy the views of Nurek Water Reservoir and discover Hulbuk fortress in Vose with guide Abdullo and the mausoleum of a poet and scholar of the 14th century. Overnight in a home-stay in Kalai-Khumb town.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 780 in Dushanbe, highest point – 2126 m on Shurobod pass, end of day – 1295m in Kalai-khumb

Day 2. Kalai-Khumb – Khorog. 270km, 7-8 hours of driving, the road is not good

Departing Kalai-Khumb (Darvaz) and heading to Khorog. Enjoy the daily life of Afghan people across Panj (Oxsus) River. Take pictures of Afghan villages, in some parts of the road they are so close. Short stop in Porshinev at the monument of Nosiri Khusraw, one of the great poets of Persian language and an important Muslim philosopher of 10th century.
Khorog City Tour: State Historical Museum, Market, • Питание и проживание
City Park and Visit Tourism Information Center. Overnight in a hotel in Khorog.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 1295m in Kalai Khumb, end of day – 2100m in Khorog

Day 3. Khorog – Wakhan Corridor. 246km, 10-12 hours of driving

Heading to Ishkashim. On the way short stop to soak in Garm-Chashma hot spring and watch from distance famous Kuhi La’l, Badakhshan ruby mines. Driving to Wakhan Corridor. Visiting the ruins of Kah-Kaha and Yamchun fortresses, Bibi Fotima hot-spring, pre-Islamic shrines, private Museum of Sufi Muboraki Wakhoni/solar calendar, astronomer and scholar of the 19th century and if time allows trekking to Langar petro glyphs. Overnight in a homestay in Hisor village.

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 2100m in Khorog, highest point – Yamchun Fort 3200m, end of day – Langar 2800m

Day 4. Langar – Khargush pass-Burunkul-Alichur – Murghab. 275km, 12-14 hours of driving, many stops.

Driving to Khargush pass 4344m and then to Burunkul and Yashikul Lakes. Burunkul settlement, which is close to the lakes is the coldest point in all Central Asia Region. In winter temperature falls down up to minus 60. Lunch on open air, or in restaurant in Alichur settlement. In Alichur usually tourists go for two hours Yak ride, which should be arrange in advance. Drive to Bashgumbez and then to Murgab. On the way stop in Ak Baliq and see from distance Chinese cemetery. Overnight in a home stay/guesthouse in Murgab.

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – Langar 2800m, highest point – 4344 m on Khargush pass, end of day – 3630m in Murgab.

Day 5. Murghab – Karakul village. 200km, 8-9 hours of driving

Departing Murghab and driving to Rangkul and Shorkul lakes. In the afternoon heading towards the biggest lake in Tajikistan – Karakul (‘Black lake’). Continue driving to Karakul village via the highest point of the Pamir Highway, Ak-Baital pass (4656 m). Take some pictures and take precautions as you are at an altitude of 4656 meters from sea level. Short de tour to see the Karaart geoglyphs (8th-3rd century BC). In the evening hiking along the Karakul lake. Overnight in a homestay or yurt in Karakul village.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 3630m in Murgab highest point – 4656m on Ak-Baital pass, end of day – 3930m in Karakul.

Day 6. Karakul – Alichur- Khorog. 450km. 10-12 hours drive.

Drive back to Murgab and then to Alichur via Pamir Highway. Stop in Chater tash and Bashgumbez to take pictures. Then drive to Khorog via Ghunt valley. If time allows, talk to the guide/driver and take a bath in Jelondi hot spring. Night in Khorog.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 3930m in Karakul highest point – 4656m on Ak Baital pass, end of day – 2100m in Khorog.

Day 7. Khorog – Jizev. 100km, 3 hours of driving and 3 hours trekking

Departing Khorog and heading to Bartang valley. Stop on Bartang river, on the bridge. Leave the car with the driver there and go for 2-3 hours trekking to Jizev village, 7 km. In the afternoon discovering the village and hiking along the small lakes. The people are very kind and have desire to talk to guests. Overnight in a homestay in Jizev village. 132km.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 2100m in Khorog, at the end of day – 2500m in Jizev.

Day 8. Jizev – Kalai-Khumb 230km, 7-8 hours of driving

Hiking down to the main road and take your car. Continue driving to Kalai-Khumb town. On the way enjoying the view of the Afghan villages along the Panj River. Also visit Womar Fortress in Rushan and Karon fort site in Darvaz. Overnight in guesthouse in Kalai-Khumb. 225km.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 2500m in Jizev, at the end of day –Darvoz 1250m.

Day 9. Kalai-Khumb – Dushanbe, through the north route. 300km, 8-10 hours drive.

Heading to Dushanbe via north route, via Sagirdasht pass 3252 m and Tavildara district. In Darvaz the driver should check the road is open or not, sometimes it might be closed. Short stop to stretch the legs at Goluboye Ozero (‘Blue Lake’). From distance see the construction of the biggest Hydro Power station in Central Asia-Roghun with the highest dam in the world – 335meter.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - Darvoz 1250m, at the end of day –. Dushanbe 780m/. The highest point - Sagirdasht pass 3252m.

What you will see:
Panj River and its gorges, along the Afghan border / The famous Wakhan valley and Hindu Kush mountain range/Khorog small cite the capital of Pamir/Ancient fortresses Kah-Kaa (III-II century BC) and Yamchun (III-I century BC) /Langar Petroglyphs / Yashilkul, Bulunkul and Karakul’s fantastic sceneries / the Pamir plateau/ Bartang valley.

What you will enjoy:
 historical places / bathing in hot springs / amazing scenery of the Afghan Hindu-Kush / Pamiri hospitality / possibility of seeing Indian goose (Anser Indicus)

NOTE:
Visit Afghan border bazar (market) in Kalai Khumb, in Khorog or in Ishkoshim from 9:00am till 15:00pm, only on Saturdays

Trip price does not include:
• Yak Safari, also can be added
• Insurance
• Guide service
• Supplement for single room
• All other personal expenses