Southern Tajikistan and Wakhan
Adventure
Encompassing some of the most spectacular and remote settings in Central Asia, the traditional heartland of
the Persian-speaking Tajiks is home to majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and wide open valleys. This
breathtakingly journey takes you from the Tajik capital and deep into the heart of one of the region’s most
hauntingly beautiful landscapes.
Beginning in Dushanbe you will have an opportunity to explore Tajikistan’s modern capital before heading
towards the towering peaks of the Pamirs. Against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery you will drive
through gorges and villages, skirting the Afghan border as you follow the famous Pamir Highway deep into
southern Tajikistan.
Take in lively Afghan markets and the deep blue waters of Lake Yashikul, drive into the fertile Wakhan Valley
and gaze out across the immense grandeur of the Afghan Hindu Kush. The history of Central Asia is etched
deep into the soul of this landscape; from its Stone Age petroglyphs and abandoned fortresses, to its
captivating mountain villages and the distant camel caravans that still ply their trade across these timeless
panoramas.
Highlights:
Walk amongst the ruins of fortresses in the Wakhan Valley
Marvel at the immense views of the Afghan Hindu Kush
Drive along the epic Pamir Highway
Explore the markets of the Tajik towns
Hike around the beautiful blue lake of Yashikul
Tour Includes:
6 nights hotel and 8 nights guesthouse accommodation
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
private guided sightseeing
Private driver and vehicle
Entrance fees included as per itinerary
Private guided transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe
Arrive in the Tajik capital and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Dushanbe
Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of this modern city. Visit the blue-domed mosque, mausoleum and madrasah
complex of Mawlana Yakubi Charki, a fifteenth century Sufi teacher. Also visit Dushanbe's Museum of
Archaeology which now holds the largest surviving Buddha in Central Asia. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Dushanbe - Kalaikhumb
Today will be your first taste of the fabulous mountain scenery ahead of you as you leave Dushanbe for the
Pamirs via Tawildara and the Khaburabad pass (3252m). You will see the change in both the scenery and the
people, as you head for Kalaikhumb, located on the Panj River, a major tributary of the famous Amu Darya
(Oxus) River. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Kalaikhumb - Khorog
Following the Amu Darya and the Afghan border today, you drive to the
town of Khorog and the beginning of the Pamirs. The road will take you
along the valley through gorges and villages; here you will start noticing
the differences between those on the Tajik side and those on the Afghan
side. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Khorog - Yashikul
Taking the Pamir Highway deeper into Tajikistan you will drive through mountainous scenery before leaving
the main road and driving into a wide valley, strewn with immense boulders. The tiny village of Bulunkul is
home to just 30 families eking a living from the fish in the nearby Yashikul. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Yashikul - Murgab
This morning there is time for a walk to the lake to see the brilliant blues
of the water surrounded by the mountains. In the afternoon drive on to
Murgab with a stop in a valley to visit an old Soviet observatory from
which on a clear day peaks in China can be seen. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Murgab
The small town of Murgab is the largest in the Pamirs. A market made from containers is at the heart of the
village and today you may like to wander around the small town or take a drive to the nearby Median Valley, a
beautiful valley filled with flowers and home to some hot springs. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Murgab - Langar
Today's drive will bring you to the Wakhan Valley, a delightful, fertile region. The village of Langar is one of
the largest in the area. As you drive along the river gorge, Afghanistan feels so close you could touch it; camel
caravans of traders can often be seen on the paths on the opposite bank. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Yamg - Khorog
A long days drive takes you through the border town of Ishkashim, where a lively Afghan market is held on
Saturdays. The road clings to the river and the Afghan side becomes more and more populated with small
houses and villages now to be seen. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Langar - Yamg
A steep climb to the top of the village takes you to the local petroglyphs; these etchings chronicle the history
of those passing through the region from the Stone Age to early Islamic texts and Russian soldiers. Then,
drive on to the village of Yamg, once home to a Sufi poet, the ancestor of the family you will stay with tonight.
En route you may like to stop off and hike up to some Buddhist relics in some villages. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Khorog
Spending a day in Khorog gives you time to visit the local history museum and explore the market. You may
also like to relax with an afternoon sat drinking tea in the cafes in the park by the rushing river. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Khorog - Bartang Valley
A short drive north brings you to the road to the Bartang. The road through this narrow valley winds through
villages, green and fertile with plenty of flowers and fruit trees. This afternoon, take a walk through the villages
along the valley where the local irrigation systems see every house with their own stream providing beautiful
lush gardens. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Bartang Valley - Kalaikhumb
Returning to the main road you will drive back to Kalaikhumb; the scenery continues to be majestic with
valleys and peaks all around. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Kalaikhumb - Dushanbe
Drive back down through the mountains to the capital city, the feeling of remoteness of the last few days
starts to leave you as you head through larger towns and small cities before arriving in to Dushanbe itself.
(B,L,D)
Day 15: Dunshanbe
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Accommodation
Khorog
Serena Hotel
Dushanbe
Serena Hotel
Bartang Valley
Traditional Guesthouse
Murgab
Traditional Guesthouse
Langar
Traditional Guesthouse
Yamg
Traditional Guesthouse
Yashikul
Traditional Guesthouse