Tour the Sacred Pamirs

Welcome to the mountainous Tajikistan. You will meet our guide and the driver at the airport upon your flight arrival in Dushanbe and be sent to the hotel. After enjoying the perfect traditional lunch on your own, we will set off to visit the National Museum of Antiquities, Botanical Garden and Victory Park.

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

In the morning, we will start with a visit to one of the most interesting historical and cultural attractions in Tajikistan, the Hisor Fortress which is built on the top of the hill. It takes about 1 hour to get there by car. Standing on the 1-meter-thick old wall, you can overlook Hisor Town not far away. The next stop is the Rudaki Park, named after Rudaki, the ancestor of Persian classical literature. Passing through the park, we will stop at the National Library, White House, National state seal, House of parliament, Statue of Ismoil Somoni, Ministry of Inner Affairs, and Dushanbe Flagpole to take pictures outside. Then, the guide will lead you to the National Museum and Navruz Palace. If lucky, you may see a couple's wedding at the Palace. At last, we will tour the Asian Bazaar and you can enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will proceed to Kalai-Khumb Village. On the way, pass by the Nurek Water Reservoir and Shuraba Pass 2,267 meters above sea level, and then drive along the border of Afghanistan and enter the Pamirs. The average altitude of Pamir is more than 4,500 meters, where the beauty of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and lakes will definitely impress you. Stay one night in Kalai-Khumb.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Karon Palace Hotel Kalai-Khumb (4 stars)

Today we will head to Khorog along the M41 highway which is accompanied by the Panj River. On the other side of the river is Afghanistan. During the trip, we may happen to meet simple Pamiris. The Pamir Plateau is one of the few areas in Central Asia that retain the ancient ethnic and cultural characteristics of the Pamirs. Check in the hotel on arrival.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lal Hotel Khorog (3 stars)

After breakfast, we will go to the botanical garden near Khorog to have a short hiking. Then move on to Garm Chashma where the hot springs are very effective in treating skin diseases and rheumatism. So it used to be a retreat on the ancient Silk Road. Finally, continue our trip along the Tajik-Afghan border to Ishkashim and stay one night there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Bahodur Guesthouse

Today we will have a day trip in the Wakhan Corridor, one of highlights of our trip, by car. The first stop will be Yamchun Village where we will visit the cultural sites of the ancient Silk Road Kaahka and Yamchun Fortresses built in the 3rd century BC and the nearby Bibi Fatima Hot Springs. Different from the milky white water of Garmchashma hot spring, spring water from the Bibi Fatima is crystal clear. You can enjoy a hot spring bath at your own expense. The next stop comes to Vrang which is famous for the Buddhist Complex built from the 4th to the 7th century. Later, we will visit Yamg where the House-Museum of Mubarak Kadam Wakhani was built to commemorate Mubarak Kadam Wakhani, the theologian, musician and scientist in 19th century. There are traces of Mubarak Kadam Wakhani's calculation of solar calendar on the stone pillar next to it. The last stop is the village of Langar.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sash Guesthouse

Before leaving Langar, we will take a look at the petroglyphs here. Then we will pass by the Khargush Pass 4,344m above sea level and reach the Yashilkul and Bulunkul Lakes in the end. The dark blue lakes are 3,700 meters above sea. Many locals cast wider nets and catch fish here. Upon arrival after 3 hours' drive, the guide will escort you for a walking tour and enjoy the charming scenery of the two lakes. Then drive for 3 hours to Murghab. If you have never been to Murghab, you have never been to Pamirs. The desolate Murghab stands with dozens of peaks over 6,000 meters above sea level, showing extremely magnificent views. Tonight, rest in a local hotel in Murghab.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pamir Hotel Murghab

After breakfast, start at Lake Karakul with the guide. On the trip, we will pass by the AK Baital Pass which is at an altitude of 4,655 meters. It is the highest point of M41. Karakul Lake is 3,960 meters above sea level and known as the most concentrated salt water lake in Asia. It is surrounded by holy snow mountains, with soft salt sand, marshes, wetlands and pastures. After arriving in Karakul, we will hike around for about 1.5 hours. At last, drive back to Murghab, taking about 3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pamir Hotel Murghab

In the morning, we will return to Khorog along Pamir Highway, the second highest mountain road in the world, driving over Koitezak Pass at 4,271m above sea level and Ghund Valley.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lal Hotel Khorog (3 stars)

Today we will go back to Kalai-Khumb along the coming way. En route, stop in the village on the bank of the Panj River and talk to the local people to know how they live. On the opposite bank are Afghan villages and gardens.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Karon Palace Hotel Kalai-Khumb (4 stars)

Today we are going back to Dushanbe and we will drive by the Khaburabot Pass 3,252m above sea level. On the way, you will be impressed by the beautiful mountains, scattered villages and industrious and enthusiastic villagers there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Dushanbe (4 stars)

AS the 12 days Tajikistan tour comes to an end, today the guide will send you to Dushanbe International Airport for your homeward flight. Wish you a pleasant trip!

Meals: Breakfast