Explore the Wakhan Valley on a 14-Day Pamir Highway Tour

Welcome to Dushanbe, a charming city surrounded by lush parks, serene lakes, and majestic snow-capped mountains visible from the city centre. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted by our team and transferred to a comfortable three-star hotel. Once you have completed check-in (available from 14:00), feel free to take some time to unwind and relax after your long flight.

Your day begins with a delectable breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a captivating tour of Dushanbe with our knowledgeable guide. The itinerary includes a visit to the historic Hisar fortress, exploring the vibrant Shokhmansur market, experiencing traditional Tajik dishes at the Rohat teahouse, admiring the beauty of Dusti Square, strolling through the serene Dushanbe Botanical Garden, and discovering the treasures of the National Museum of Tajikistan, which houses an impressive 12-meter statue of Buddha. The day concludes with a transfer to a restaurant for a delightful dinner at your own expense.

Your day will start with a delicious breakfast before you meet your driver and begin a scenic journey to the Pamirs. Your final stop today is the charming town of Kalai-Khumb, famous for its stunning views of the Afghan villages along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. During your trip, you'll experience the famous Pamir Highway, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Khulbuk fortress, a historical landmark that will captivate you along the way.
Once you arrive at Kalai-Khumb, you settle into a charming guest house designed in authentic Pamiri style. These homes are significant, with five supporting columns representing each Prophet Ali family member and four square ceiling layers that symbolize the elements of fire, air, water, and earth. This attention to detail in the guest house design will enhance your experience and make you feel more connected to the local culture.
Finally, for dinner, you can enjoy the popular Tajik dish "Qurtob" at a local cafe by the Panj River. This traditional dish is made with yoghurt, bread, and various other ingredients and will tantalise your taste buds and satisfy you. Overall, this day promises to be an enriching and memorable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the region's natural beauty.

After breakfast, transfer to the Bartang Valley, nestled in Tajikistan's Rushan region of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). Reach the suspension bridge that marks the entrance to the Bartang Valley. You cross this bridge to start your hike towards the village of Jizev. This trek will take you through a stunning valley alongside a vibrant mountain river displaying shades of emerald. Witness the awe-inspiring natural lakes, whose waters range from light emerald to brilliant shades of white and blue. Arrive in the village of Jizev by late afternoon and settle into a local guest house. The evening offers free time to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature, discover the mountains, and engage with the local way of life. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the unique customs, culture, and beliefs of the Pamiri people.

You start the day with breakfast, then bid goodbye to the host family. Head back to the bridge, retracing the earlier route to rendezvous with our transport and driver.
Embark on a scenic journey to Khorog via the iconic Pamir Highway. This route promises a visual feast, with the majestic landscapes of Tajikistan unfolding before you. Witness the captivating beauty of traditional Tajik and Afghan villages nestled along the banks of the Pyanj River, each offering a unique glimpse into local life and culture.
Upon arrival in Khorog, you'll be welcomed into the cosy comforts of a local guest house. Settle in and relax, taking in the serene surroundings. As evening falls, gather for a delightful dinner experience at the guest house. Savour the flavours of Tajikistan with a particular serving of Tajik pilaf, a dish rich in tradition and taste, providing the perfect end to your day of exploration and discovery.

Breakfast, meeting with the driver before the trip to Ishkashim, visiting the Botanical Garden, Museum of Local Lore, and Bazaar. On the way to Ishkashim, stop at the Garmchashma spring, at an altitude of almost 4000 m above sea level with hot water of 70 degrees all year round. Further, the route will continue up the Pyanj River along the Wakhan Valley to Ishkashim with a panoramic view of Tajikistan (Pamir Mountains) and Afghanistan (Hindukush) on the other side along the Pamir Highway. In the afternoon, arrive in the village, accommodation in a guest house—dinner and overnight in Ishkashim.

After breakfast, continue the journey along the Pamir Highway and drive to Lyangar village along the Wakhan Valley and Ishkoshim district. As in previous days, there will be several stops in the valley to visit the Kakh-Kakha fortress, the Yamchun fort, the Bibi Fatima hot spring, and the 4th-century Buddhist stupa. Arrive at the village and check in to the guest house. Dinner at the guest house with a master class on cooking "Dimlama" consists of meat, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and herbs with spices.

After breakfast, drive to Murghab, journeying through the majestic Kargushi Pass, which stands 4,344 meters above sea level. This day marks your last travel through the Wakhan Valley. As you continue along the Pamir Highway, the vibrant landscapes of the valley give way to the stark beauty of rocky mountains and expansive barren lands. However, the journey to Osh is still lined with breathtaking vistas. The route closely follows the Pamir River, cutting through the Murghab region and passing by the Alichur Valley near the village of Alichur. Arrive in Murghab by the afternoon and check into a guest house for a well-deserved rest. The day concludes with dinner at a local cafe, offering a chance to savour regional flavours.

Breakfast, transfer to the Tulpar-Kul lake along the famous M41 highway and Ak-Baital, the highest pass of the Pamirs, located 4678 m above sea level. On the way, a stop at the lake and the village of the same name, Kara-Kul, and continue the journey to Kyrgyzstan through the border of Kyzyl-Art, located at an altitude of 4282 m above sea level. In the afternoon, arrive at Tulpar-Kul Lake, a beautiful picturesque place among the jailoos overgrown with edelweiss at 3500 meters above sea level, 25 km from Sary-Mogol, at the foot of Lenin Peak and Estonia. Accommodation in a yurt camp for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast, prepare for a transfer to Osh. The journey will take you through the picturesque village of Sary-Tash and over the Taldyk Pass, where you'll have opportunities to stop for photos and take in the stunning scenery. Arrive in Osh by the afternoon and check into a comfortable three-star hotel. Once settled, you'll have time to rest and later enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the day's journey.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant, then proceed with check-out. Embark on an excursion around Osh, featuring a visit to the revered Sulaiman-Too mountain and the Russian Orthodox Church, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. After completing the tour in Osh, transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border Dostlik. Upon crossing the border, continue your journey to Margilan, stopping in Andijan to explore the serene Bogishamol Park, the historical monument to Babur, and the impressive Jami mosque. Arrive in Margilan by late afternoon and check into a three-star hotel. The day concludes with a dinner at a local restaurant, offering an opportunity to sample regional cuisine.

After breakfast, embark on a cultural exploration with visits to the esteemed Yodgorlik silk factory and the ancient Pirsiddik mausoleum, each providing insights into the region's rich artistic and historical tapestry. Following these visits, depart to Kokand, pausing en route in Rishtan at the residence of a skilled ceramist. This visit offers a unique chance to engage in a master class focused on crafting ceramic dishes, immersing you in one of the area's venerable traditional arts. Upon reaching Kokand in the afternoon, check into a welcoming three-star hotel. The evening is capped off with a delightful dinner at a local chayhana, where you can relax and enjoy a special plov prepared with chungura rice. This culinary experience is both authentic and memorable.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Delve into a city tour of Kokand, featuring vital historical sites, including the magnificent Khudoyar-Khan Palace, the serene Kokand City Park of Culture and Rest named after Mukimi, the Kamol-Kazi Madrasah, the revered Juma Mosque, and the Modari-Khan Mausoleum.
After exploring Kokand, drive to Tashkent, traversing the picturesque Kamchik Pass. Nestled in the Fergana Valley between the Tashkent and Namangan regions within the Kuramin Mountains, this pass forms part of the Tashkent-Osh international highway (A373), offering scenic views.
Arrive in Tashkent in the afternoon and check into a comfortable three-star hotel where you can relax and unwind. The evening brings a memorable conclusion to your journey with a farewell dinner at the Al-Aziz restaurant, allowing you to savour local flavours and reflect on your travels.

Breakfast, check-out from the hotel, and transfer to the airport for the back flight home.