Undiscovered Tajikistan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
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 breathtaking journey begins in the Tajik capital and descends 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 ...
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 breathtaking journey begins in the Tajik capital and descends 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.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE DUSHANBE: CITY TOUR
Day 1 ARRIVE DUSHANBE: CITY TOUR
Upon arrival into the Tajik capital early this morning, you will be met and taken to your hotel to check into your hotel and recuperate from the flight. Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of this modern city visiting the blue-domed mosque, mausoleum and madrasah complex of Mawlana Yakubi Charki, a 15th century Sufi teacher. Also visit Dushanbe's Museum of Archaeology which now holds the largest surviving Buddha in Central Asia.
Day 2 DUSHANBE - KHABURABAD PASS - KALAIKHUMB
Day 2 DUSHANBE - KHABURABAD PASS - 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 (3,252m). 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.
Day 3 KALAIKHUMB - KHOROG
Day 3 KALAIKHUMB - KHOROG
Following the Amu Darya and the Afghan border today, you will head for the town of Khorog which denotes the beginning of the Pamirs. The road will take you along the valley through gorges and villages where you may start to notice the differences between those on the Tajik side and those on the Afghan side.
Day 4 KHOROG - BULUNKUL VILLAGE (YASHIKUL LAKE)
Day 4 KHOROG - BULUNKUL VILLAGE (YASHIKUL LAKE)
Taking the Pamir Highway deeper into Tajikistan you will drive through mountainous scenery before leaving the main road and continuing down a wide valley, strewn with immense boulders. The tiny village of Bulunkul is home to just 30 families making a living from the fish in the nearby Yashikul lake.
Day 5 BULUNKUL VILLAGE (YASHIKUL LAKE) - MURGAB
Day 5 BULUNKUL VILLAGE (YASHIKUL LAKE) - MURGAB
This morning there is time for a walk to the lake to see the brilliant blues of the water surrounded by the mountains on all sides. In the afternoon the journey advances towards Murgab with a stop in the valley to visit an old Soviet observatory from which, on a clear day, Chinese peaks can be seen.
Day 6 MURGAB: VILLAGE WALK AND MEDIAN VALLEY
Day 6 MURGAB: VILLAGE WALK AND MEDIAN VALLEY
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, beautiful filled with flowers and home to some hot springs.
Day 7 MURGAB - LANGAR (WAKHAN VALLEY)
Day 7 MURGAB - LANGAR (WAKHAN VALLEY)
Driving along today, you will arrive in the fertile Wakhan Valley and the village of Langar, one of the largest in the area. As you pass 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.
Day 8 LANGAR - YAMG
Day 8 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 whose ancestors you will stay with tonight. There is the possibility of stopping off en route for a hike up to see isolated Buddhist relics above the villages.
Day 9 YAMG - ISHKASHIM - KHOROG
Day 9 YAMG - ISHKASHIM - KHOROG
A long day’s drive takes you through the border town of Ishkashim today 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. Arrive in back Khorog.
Day 10 KHOROG: CITY TOUR
Day 10 KHOROG: CITY TOUR
Spending a day in Khorog gives you time to visit the local history museum and explore the market. You could also spend some time relaxing with an afternoon sat drinking tea in the cafes in the park by the running river.
Day 11 KHOROG - BARTANG VALLEY
Day 11 KHOROG - BARTANG VALLEY
A short drive north brings you to the Bartang Valley. The road through this narrow valley winds through green and fertile villages decorated with pretty flowers and fruit trees. This afternoon, take a walk through the villages along the valley where the local irrigation systems provide every house with their own stream giving rise to the beautiful lush gardens you see before you.
Day 12 BARTANG VALLEY - KALAIKHUMB
Day 12 BARTANG VALLEY - KALAIKHUMB
Returning to the main road, you begin the return journey back towards Kalaikhumb where the valley scenery and protruding peaks are no less majestic.
Day 13 KALAIKHUMB - DUSHANBE
Day 13 KALAIKHUMB - DUSHANBE
The drive continues through the mountains. The feeling of isolation of the last few days starts to leave you as you head through larger towns and small cities before arriving the Dushanbe itself for your last night.
Day 14 DEPART DUSHANBE
Day 14 DEPART DUSHANBE
You will be transferred to the international airport today in time for your flight back home, where your tour in Tajikistan ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Langar Guesthouse, Langar
Owned by one of the village elders and his family, this guesthouse is spread over a coupe of buildings with traditionally decorated rooms and a shower room. There is a garden overlooking the river with day beds and also a separate dining room which also serves as a small shop. There is a good chance that the owner will provide some entertainment in the way of traditional singing.
Kalaikhumb Guesthouse, Kalaikhumb
A simple but large guesthouse within walking distance of the river and centre of town. Bedrooms are in the main house where there is also a balcony on which to sit and relax; bathrooms are across the yard with a separate indoor shower and toilet.
Serena Hotel, Khorog
The small hotel is located 5km from Khorog, on the banks of the river, with panormaic views out over to Afghanistan on the other side. We consider Serena to be one of the best options in the area for comfort. The six rooms are very spacious and decorated in a classic style with Tajik touches, modern bathrooms and standard hotel amenities. There is a restaurant and a lounge on site and a barbecue area in the large, peaceful gardens that surround the hotel.
Murgab Guesthouse, Murgab
Guesthouses in Murgab have a few more facilities than those in more rural areas so there is a chance of your guesthouse having a flushing, Western-style toilet and a small shower room. Rooms are shared but often have proper beds. As usual in this remote part of the country, the highlight here will be delicious meals prepared by the family.
Serena Hotel, Dushanbe
Located on Rudaki Avenue in the centre of Dushanbe, the five-star Serena Hotel is one of the best hotels in Dushanbe, combining traditionally Tajik decor with modern comfort. It lies within walking distance of a lot of Dushanbe's main attractions and is close by shops and cafes. The 85 rooms are well furnished and have modern amenities; guests also have access to the gym, pool and a well-equipped spa. Although there are restaurants nearby the Serena guests are well taken care of with a choice of dining options including a roof top restaurant, buffet restaurant, 2 lounge bars, a patisserie and a tea shop.
Yamg Guest House, Yamg
Yamg guesthouse is a delightful home to a large families who love sharing their way of life with those passing through. They take pride in tending their own garden to grow produce for the excellent home cooked meals they provide. There is a lovely outdoor seating area, perfect for tea and biscuits in the afternoon and a beautiful traditional room indoors in which to take meals. As with all guesthouses in this region, rooms and facilities are basic but clean and sufficient.
Yashikul Guest House, Yashikul
This one of the most welcoming guest houses found in the tiny village. The few rooms available are decorated with colourful rugs and Tajik character, and are simply furnished with comfortable mattresses and cosy blankets. The home cooked meals often feature locally caught fish. Facilities are basic with toilets located outside and no shower available.
Traditional Guesthouse, Bartang Valley
As with all guesthouses in the Pamirs, rooms and facilities are basic but visitors come for the experience not the luxury. Beds are comfortable and you will be made to feel at home by the warm and welcoming family who run the property. As well as being conveniently located for exploring the Bartang Valley, you will also enjoy home cooked meals on your return.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258