Tajikistan Tours

Today depart London Gatwick South Terminal at 1310 on the Air Baltic flight BT652 to Riga. On arrival in Riga at 1750 transfer onto flight BT782 with Air Baltic onto Dushanbe.

(Please note that whilst schedules are confirmed they are subject to change and reconfirmation closer to departure. Also please note that meals are not included on the flight – they would need to be paid for on board.)

This morning arrive into Dushanbe at 0335. On arrival and after clearing all immigration and customs formalities we will meet with our guide who will be with us for the duration of our tour. From the airport we will transfer to Dushanbe and make the short drive to the central city, where we will check in on arrival to the Avesta Hotel. After checking in enjoy the rest of the night and morning to relax. This afternoon we will commence an introductory tour of the city. (B,L,D)

Today we start our Jeep adventure into the Pamirs, departing Dushanbe for eleven nights. Heading east over the 3252m Sagirdasht Pass we are today driving to Kalaikhum. As we leave the capital we will see the customs and dress becoming increasingly conservative as we enter the Pamirs, a region home to seven different ethnic groups and languages. On arrival in Kalaikhum, situated on a tributary of the Oxus River we will spend the night in a guesthouse. (B,L,D)

Departing Kalaikhum we drive along the east bank of the Panj River, which marks the border with Afghanistan. At the confluence of the Panj and Bartang Rivers we will head east, heading upstream along the banks of the Bartang River. Bartang is dotted with small villages, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the western Pamirs, famous in Tajikistan for its hospitable villages and local musicians. The night will be spent in a homestay in Khijez village. (B,L,D)

Today we head further east into an increasingly isolated part of Tajikistan, with today’s travels being through the wildest and most remote regions we will encounter whilst in the country. Heading along the Tanymas Valley we will overnight (either in a homestay or camping) in Kudara Village. (B,L,D)

From Kudara we drive to Karakul Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Central Asia. Known in the days of the great game as “Lake Victoria of the Pamirs”, the lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 3900m, and the sparse population of the region is predominantly Kyrgyz. We will explore the areas around the lake and village, experiencing the hard life of the people that inhabit this region. The night will be spent in a home stay in Karakul. (B,L,D)

Today we head south up and over the 4655m Ak-Baital Pass to the town of Murghab, the principle town in Tajikistan’s Eastern Pamirs, and proud bearer of the title of the highest town in Tajikistan (and the former USSR) at 3650m. In Murghab we will have time to explore the town, with visits to the small Bazaar and other sights. The night will be spent in a home stay. (B,L,D)

Leaving Murghab we head today to Langar in the Wakhan Valley, near the Afghan border. Due to our proximity to the border we will have to go through a borderlands check point in Khargush before proceeding onwards over the 4344m Khargush Pass. Today’s journey will take in stunning scenery of the Wakhan region, and we will come across various shrines en-route. In Langar we will spend the night in a homestay. (B,L,D)

Departing Langar we head to Iskashim, an important border town and southernmost point in Tajikistan. En-route we will visit the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, Yamchun Fort, Bibi Fatima Hot Springs and the Kah Kaha Fortress. The night will be spent in a guest house. (B,L,D)

Today head to Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakshan. En-route to the “capital,” which has a population of approximately 28,000 people we will make a detour to visit the Garam Chasma Hot Springs (where those who wish can bathe). On arrival in Khorog check into a hotel/guest house. (B,L,D)

Departing Khorog for an overnight trip travel today to Javshangoz, via the beautiful Shakhdara Valley. Also today visit a Zoroastrian Shrine. From Javshangoz village we will be afforded views of Marx and Engels Peaks. Overnight in a homestay. (B,L,D)

Today return to Khorog via Turuntaikul Lake and the Maysara Pass, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Gunt Valley. Also visit the Hot Springs at Jelandy. On returning to Khorog check back into a hotel/homestay. (B,L,D)

Today make the drive from Khorog to Kalaikhum, for parts of the day retracing our steps of the 7th August. We will of course make occasional stops en-route, and on arrival in Kalaikhum return to a guesthouse for a one night stay. (B,L,D)

This morning our adventurous excursion in the wilds of Tajikistan comes to an end as we depart Kalaikhum and return to Dushanbe via and the relative comforts of the Avesta Hotel. We will travel a different route to that of the 6th August, initially heading southwest along the Tajik-Afghan border, being afforded views of the Oxus River and into Badakhsan. After stopping in Kulyab for lunch head over the 2200m Shurabad Pass and before arriving in the capital see the lake created by the Nurek Hyrdroelectric Power Plant. On arriving in Dushanbe enjoy a chance to freshen up before dinner. (B,L,D)

Today enjoy the whole day free to explore Dushanbe at your leisure. (Your Tajik guide will of course be able to recommend things to see and do in the city). (B)

This morning check out of the hotel in the early hours and depart Dushanbe at 0530 on the Air Baltic BT783 flight to Riga. On arrival in Riga at 0930 transfer onto flight BT651 at 1135 to London Gatwick South. On arrival into Gatwick at 1225 end of arrangements. (Again, please note that schedules are subject to change and meals are not included on the flights – they will need to be paid for on board).