DISCOVER THE PAMIRS IN 7 DAYS

Day 1. Osh – Sary-Tash, 7-8 hours of driving including stops

In the morning heading to Sary Tash, last Kyrgyz village on our route. On the way stop near jailo (summer pasture) and test kumis (drink made from mare's milk). Afternoon, if there no clouds on the horizon, enjoy the view of Peak Lenin (7134 m). Overnight in a guest-house in Sary-Tash. 190 km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: end of the beginning of the day - 909 m in Osh, the highest pass Taldyk 3615 m and at end of the day - 3153m in SaryTash.

Day 2. Sary-Tash – Murghab, 8-10 hours of driving

Driving towards the biggest lake in Tajikistan – Karakul via Bordobo-Kyzyl Art Kyrgyz-Tajik border check post. Hiking along the Karakul Lake. In the afternoon continue driving to Murghab via the highest pass in former Soviet Union, Ak-Baital (4656m). Short stop near the fist Tsarist Russian military base in the Pamirs. Murghab sightseeing: local bazaar and handicraft shops. Overnight in homestay in Murghab. 230km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 3153m in SaryTash, highest point 4656m Ak Baital, at the end of day – 3630m in Murgab.

Day 3. Murghab – Zong(Wakhan), 10-12 hours of driving

Driving to Bulunkul settlement (the coldest place in Tajikistan) with few stops on Sassykkul and Tuzkul lakes. Departing Bulunkul and driving to Langar, the first settlement in the Tajik Wakhan on our way along the Pamir River via Khargush Pass (4344 m). Short hike to Ratm Fortress watch tower (wonderful view). Kind of isolated area with wild life. Overnight in a homestay in Zong or Langar. 275km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 3630m in Murgab highest point 4344m Khargush Pass., at the end of day – 2900m in Langar.

Day 4. Langar – Khorog, 8-10 hours of driving

Driving to Khorog. On the way visit the Museum of Sufi Muboraki Wakhoni, astronomer and scholar of the 19^th century, Vrang Buda stupa and ruins of Yamchun fortresses (3-1 centuries BCE), soak in Bibi-Fotima or in Garm Chashma hot spring. Overnight in a homestay or hotel in Khorog. 246km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 2900m in Langar, at the end of day – 2100m in Khorog.

Day 5. Khorog – Jizev, 2-3 hours of driving and 3-4 hours trekking.

Khorog City tour: Botanical Garden, Historical Museum, City Park, Visit Tourism Information Center and Handicraft shops. Departing Khorog and heading to Bartang valley, Jizev. 3-4 hours trekking to Jizev village. In the afternoon discovering the village and hiking along the small lakes. Overnight in a homestay in Jizev village. 132km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 2100m in Khorog, at the end of day – 2500m in Jizev.

Day 6. Jizev – Kalai-Khumb, 7-8 hours of driving

Hiking down to the main road. Continue driving to Kalai-Khumb town. On the way enjoying the view of the Afghan villages along the Panj (Oxsus) River. Also visit Womar Fortress in Rushan. Overnight in guesthouse or hotel in Kalai-Khumb. 225 km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day - 2500m in Jizev, at the end of day –Darvoz 1295m.

Day 7. Kalai-Khumb – Dushanbe, 6-7 hours of driving

Departing Kalai-Khumb and driving to Dushanbe. Short stop to discover the mausoleum of a poet and scholar of the 14^th century Khoja Mir Sayid Hamadani in Kulyab, Hulbuk fortress in Vo’se and on the viewpoint of Norak Lake Dam. Overnight in a guesthouse/hotel in Dushanbe. 356km

Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day – Darvoz 1295m, the highest point Shurabad pass 2000 m on the way, at the end of day –Dushanbe 706m.

What you will see: Panj River and its gorges, along the Afghan border / The famous Wakhan valley /Ancient fortresses Kah-Kaha and Yamchun (III-I century BC), / Petroglyphs / Yashilkul fantastic scenery / the Pamir plateau.

What you will enjoy: Visiting Jailo (summer pasture)/Historical places / bathing in hot springs / amazing scenery of the Afghan Hindu-Kush / Pamiri hospitality /possibility of seeing ducks and Indian goose (Anser Indicus) in their natural habitat.

Notes:

• Visit Afghan border bazar (market) in Kalai Khumbm or in Khorog or in Ishkoshim from 9:00am till 15:00pm, only on Saturdays

• One day trekking to Engels Peak meadow camp.

Accommodation options:

• Sary-Tash        -Mirbek or Berdish guesthouse

• Murghab           -Hotel Pamir and some other guesthouses

• Langar                - Yodgor guesthouse, share bathroom and some other guesthouses

• Khorog               -3*Pamir Alibaba Hotel and homestays and hostels

• Jizev                    -Only homestays available

• Kalai-Khumb    -district center, 4* Karon Palace and Roma guesthouse

• Dushanbe         -3*Hotel Shumon or 3* Vatan Hotel, hostels and apartments are available.