Pamir Highway Tour in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

$1 / person

15days

Meduim

Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

$1 / person

15days

Meduim

Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Route:

Dushanbe – Kalaikhum – Khorog Town – Village Yamg/Wakhan Corridor Yashikul Lake – Murgab – Karakul Lake – Kizil Art Pass/Border – Lenin Peak  – Osh – Kaldama Pass – Kazarman village – Son Kol – Horsetrekking – Kochkor – Bishkek

 

 

 

 

Highlights and Overview of this Trip

 

Introduction:

Traveling from Dushanbe to Bishkek offers a captivating journey through stunning mountain landscapes of Central Asia. Starting in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, travelers can explore bustling bazaars and historical landmarks before venturing northward. The route takes adventurers along the picturesque Pamir Highway, where towering peaks, rugged valleys, and pristine alpine lakes create a breathtaking backdrop. Continue your trip on a 3 days horse riding trekking excursion the mountainous landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Traversing rugged trails and picturesque valleys you’ll get an unique opportunity to explore the stunning wilderness of Central Asia before reaching the vibrant capital city of Bishkek.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Khorog Town
  • Warkhan Corridor
  • Yashikul Lake
  • Karakul Lake
  • Lenin Peak
  • Osh
  • Son Kol Lake
  • 3 days horse trekking

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights

Trip season: May – October

Accommodation: Guest House, Yurt camps, hotels

Difficulty: Medium

Tour: Jeep and Trekking

After arriving at Dushanbe International Airport (DYU), proceed through immigration and customs, where your driver will welcome you at the arrival hall to transfer you to your hotel for check-in.


Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: –

Distance: 380 km

Driving:  7 hours


As we journey to the Hulbuk fortress, travelers learn about this ancient settlement located in the Vose district of the Hatlon region, near Kurbonshaid. Once the area’s capital, Hulbuk vanished in the 12th century. The original fortress walls were decorated with carvings on alabaster and paintings of soldiers, musicians and instruments. After Lunch we’ll drive to Kalaikhum, where the Muslim influence is prominent, evident in the conservative attire and beards worn by locals. Crossing a mountain pass to Kalaikhum, we encounter a shift in scenery and inhabitants. Here, the people are Pamiris, distinct from Tajiks, consisting of various tribal groups with their unique languages.


Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 240 km

Driving:  5 hours

Drive to Khorog along a fascinating road bordering Afghanistan, contrasting asphalted Tajik buildings with mud and wood structures on the Afghan side. Lunch en route. Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan since 1925, is a small city surrounded by narrow valleys, adorned with fruit trees and a lush Pamir botanical garden. Despite its humble beginnings, Khorog has developed significantly with the establishment of schools, libraries, and infrastructure during the Soviet era, serving as a gateway to the Pamir region. 


Accommodation: hotel

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 220 km

Driving:  4 hours

We leave the town of Khorog and continue to gain altitude as we make our way towards Yamg. While the traditional Pamir Highway traverses through the interior mountains of Tajikistan, we will choose to follow the Panj River and enter the famous Wakhan Corridor. Yamchun Fortress, with one of the most sensational views along the entire region and the nearby Babi Fatima Hot Springs are great spots to stop. For those who are interested, you can bathe in their natural waters (note that clothing is forbidden inside the hot springs, and men and women are separated).


Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Meals included: B / L / D 

Distance: 240 km

Driving:   6 hours


Start your journey to Yashikul Lake, which means “green lake”. It’s situated at an elevation of 3,700 meters above sea level, stretching 19 kilometers in length and 1 to 4 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 50 meters. Despite its altitude, the water temperature is never more than 14°C, offering fresh and pristine water. Yashikul Lake, a rare gem nestled in the wilderness of the Pamir Mountains, was formed by a natural dam blocking the Alichur River. After lunch break we’re crossing pass Khargushi (4344m above sea level) to get to our Guesthouse in Murgab, located in 4314m above sea level.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 145 km

Driving:  3-4 hours

Drive to Karakul Lake via the highest pass in Central Asia, “Ak-Baytal,” at 4655 meters above sea level. Explore the surroundings and take in the breathtaking views of Karakul Lake, also known as Qaraqul or “Black Lake,” a 52-kilometer diameter lake located in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan within the Tajik National Park. The lake sits at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level and is divided into two basins by a peninsula and an island, with depths ranging from 13 to 230 meters. Enjoy lunch followed by leisurely walks near the lake, and conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 150 km

Driving:  4 hours

After breakfast cross the border to Kyrgyzstan and meet your Kyrgyz english speaking driver, change the car and continue the way to Lenin Peak Base Camp. 

 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Have an exciting day with hiking near Peak Lenin, the second highest mountain in Central Asia (7134m)

 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 250 km

Driving:  5 hours

Drive through the mountains of Pamir-Alay range and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. Lunch en route; depending on arrival time, explore the city of Osh or relax at the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant.

 

Accommodation: hotel

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 300 km

Driving:  8 hours

Before departing the city, explore the highlights of Osh like the old bazaars or the holy Sulaiman Mountain and its museum. Settle down in your comfortable bus and enjoy the scenic view along the way to Kazarman village. Lunch en route.

 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 151 km

Driving:  3 hours

Today we’ll start driving along the river Naryn, crossing several small passes with amazing views to colorful white and red mountains towards Son Kol. Son Kol is a exotic alpine lake situated 3000m high in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, known for its stunning scenery and nomadic lifestyle. After arrival and lunch at the yurt camp walk around the lake to experience the nomadic lifestyle of Kyrgyz people.

 

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Meals included: B / L / D

Riding: 3 – 4 hours


Meet the team of horsemen get instructions for horse riding, load all equipment and start your trek towards Batai Aral

 

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Meals included: B / L / D

Riding: 4 – 5 hours

 

Have fun with another day horse riding in the mountains. In the afternoon, you can chill out and relax at the cozy yurt camp!

 

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

 

Meals included: B / L / D

Riding: 3 – 4 hours

Starting ascent to Boordy pass along a beautiful panorama of Kilemche jailoo and surrounding mountains. On the moderate descent follow the path along Bazar-Turuk River to Kyzart village. Say goodbye to your horse and after lunch, change to private transfer crossing Kyzart pass to Kochkor

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals included: B / L / D

Distance: 230 km

Driving:  4 hours

 

Embarking on a scenic drive from Kochkor to Bishkek, travelers can enjoy a refreshing break at the Konorchek canyons, nestled halfway between the two cities. These stunning canyons, located 125 kilometers from Bishkek, offer captivating landscapes of red sandstone columns and an ancient extinct volcano, providing a serene retreat amidst Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty. After a small lunch stop, continue the journey to Bishkek. Depending on your further plans drop off can be at the Airport or in the City center. 

 

Accommodation: –

 

Meals included: B

 

Prices

The prices are indicative and vary depending on season or group size.

Group of 1 person

6948 $ / person

Group of 2 people

3733$ / person

Group of 3 people

2696$ / person

Group of 4 people

2152$ / person

Single supplement 

+110$

Price includes:

  • All transfers into the start point at the beginning and end of the trekking
  • accommodation based on twin/double sharing room
  • accommodation yurt camp (sharing basis 4-5 people/yurt)
  • meals like mentioned in the program
  • excursions and entry fees like mentioned in the program
  • transportation
  • english speaking guide-driver
  • local taxes

Not included:

  • Kyrgyz visa (if needed)
  • International flights
  • Medical/evacuation insurance
  • soft & alcoholic drinks
  • snacks on the way
  • personal expenses
  • tipping

Notes

  • Contact us for addition nights, activites, airport transfers or any other questions
  • You can add other trips to your journey
  • Tour Operator reserves the right to modify itineraries and/or substitute hotels of a reasonably similar quality, when available, should circumstances beyond our control deem it necessary.

Clothing

  • Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
  • Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
  • Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Comfortable boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
  • Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
  • Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.

Gear

  • Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight maximum 10kg
  • Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to these beds.
  • Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
  • Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.

Food and Water

  • Water bottles: To reduce waste we’ll recommend you to buy 7-10l Bottles from the stores and refill your bottles.
  • Food: meals which are not included to the program, you’ll have the choice to try local food at markets/bazars on the way, at restaurant or cafes.

Safety

  • First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toilet paper, wet wipes.
  • Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
  • Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.

Miscellaneous

  • Money: it’s common to pay by cash.
    Credit cards and Visa cards to withdraw money can be used in Bishkek, Karakol only.
  • In bigger restaurants, cafes or gas station sometimes you can pay by card.
  • Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
  • Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged. In theory, accommodation places in the countryside have electricity. But it does not mean “automatically” that in practice it’ll be so. Sometimes there is the problem with electricity in some places but it is very unpredictable.
  • Wifi: at accommodation at the moutains can be possible but don’t expect it. Same with mobile phone reception
  • Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.

 

Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!