Day 1: Welcome to Dushanbe
We warmly welcome you at Dushanbe International Airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Dushanbe is not only the capital but also the largest city of Tajikistan. It was once a small village where a market took place every Monday – which is exactly how the city got its name: the Persian word for Monday is “Dushanbe.” It was only during the Soviet era that the settlement developed into a political and industrial center.
Your city tour in Dushanbe begins at the modern National Museum of Tajikistan, which provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s history and culture. You then visit the impressive Navruz Palace, originally planned as the largest teahouse in the world. During construction, however, it became so magnificent that today it serves as a prestigious venue for official government meetings and conferences – an architectural masterpiece both inside and out.
In contrast stands the tranquil atmosphere of Rudaki Park, dedicated to the great Persian poet Rudaki. To conclude, you will see the golden statue of Ismail Somoni, erected to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the Samanid State – a golden age of Tajik history when science and the arts flourished.
Depending on time, you may also ascend the newly built Independence Monument for a beautiful view over the city and visit the main market.
🏠 Overnight: Grand Asia Hotel, Atlas Hotel, or similar
🍽 Meals: Lunch, Dinner



Day 2: Dushanbe – Kalai Khumb (370 km, 7–8 h) via Nurek, Dangara, Hulbuk, Kulob
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Departure from Dushanbe
Today’s drive takes you from the capital toward the Pamir Mountains, through remote regions that were heavily affected by the civil war between 1992 and 1996. The people here lead a simple and often difficult life, yet hospitality remains an unshakable principle.
Along the way, you visit the Hulbuk Fortress, dating back to the 3rd century BC, as well as the Hulbuk Art Museum.
Crossing the Shurabad Pass (2,267 m), you then follow the mighty Amu Darya River (Oxus), which forms the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Shortly before Kalai Khumb, you reach the autonomous region of Badakhshan. Unlike their Sunni neighbors, the Badakhshan people are predominantly Shiite Ismailis, which is reflected in their clothing, lifestyle, and more open traditions.
Altitude: approx. 1,200 m
🏠 Overnight: Continental Hotel or similar
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 3: Kalai Khumb – Khijez (250 km, 7–8 h)
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Departure
Today you follow the road along the Panj River (Amu Darya), which here forms the natural border with Afghanistan. On the Tajik side runs an asphalt road with cement-block houses; only about 100 meters away, on the Afghan side, mule paths and mud-brick houses create a completely different picture of daily life.
You then continue into the impressive Bartang Valley. This narrow valley is framed by massive mountains, and the route follows the wild, rushing Bartang River – one of the most spectacular roads in the Pamirs.
You overnight in the unique mountain village of Khijez, a typical Bartang village known for its hospitality and remote location.
Altitude: approx. 2,500 m
🏠 Overnight: Homestay Khijez
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 4: Hiking in the Jizev Valley & Drive to Khorog
(Hiking time 5–6 h / Drive 2 h)
8:30 Breakfast
09:30 Departure
Today you hike into the Jizev Valley, one of the most beautiful side valleys of the Bartang. After crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb of about 2.5 hours to the remote village of Jizev, idyllically located by a small mountain lake.
The village consists of only a few families, known for their warm hospitality. Here you gain a deep insight into the simple, traditional life of the mountain people.
You continue hiking to the last of the Jizev lakes and follow the valley to its end before returning along the same route to the bridge.
Afterwards, you drive to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO), located between high mountains on the banks of the Gunt River.
After arrival, you have free time to explore the town center before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Altitude of Khorog: approx. 2,200 m
🏠 Overnight: Hotel Kivekas, Pamir Palace Hotel, or similar
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 5: Khorog – Ishkashim (120 km, 4–5 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
In the morning, you first visit the Khorog bazaar, where traders from Afghanistan often sell their goods. You then drive up to the Khorog Botanical Garden, situated high above the valley, offering wide panoramic views of the city and surrounding peaks.
Late in the morning, you depart Khorog and head south. Your first stop is Garm Chashma, a natural hot spring where you may optionally bathe in mineral-rich water.
You then continue into the legendary Wakhan Corridor, a remote border region between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In the 19th century, it served as a buffer zone between the Russian and British Empires during the “Great Game.” Its history, however, goes back much further: for millennia, an important Silk Road route passed here, and even Marco Polo is said to have used this passage.
Finally, you reach Ishkashim, a quiet border town that, despite its administrative importance, feels more like a large village. After check-in at your guesthouse, you have some free time before dinner.
Altitude: approx. 2,500 m
🏠 Overnight: Homestay Davlatboy
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 6: Ishkashim – Langar (135 km, 5–6 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
Today you continue your journey along the Wakhan Corridor, a historic route between Tajikistan and Afghanistan rich in cultural heritage.
In the village of Namadgut, you visit the Kah-Kakha Fortress from the 3rd century. Further up the valley, you climb to the spectacularly located Yamchun Fortress, majestically overlooking the valley.
Lunch is served as a picnic near the Bibi Fatima hot springs, named after the sister of the Prophet Mohammed. Many local women believe that bathing here increases fertility.
You then visit the Sufi Muborakqadam Museum, which houses a rare and impressive solar calendar.
Shortly afterward, you reach Vrang, where you visit a 4th-century Buddhist stupa, once part of a large monastery complex. Legend has it that the footprint of Buddha is preserved on the top stone, making it an important pilgrimage site in ancient times.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Langar and stay in a warm, family-run homestay. After check-in, you have free time.
Altitude: approx. 2,900 m
🏠 Overnight: Homestay Mish
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 7: Langar – Yashilkul Lake – Jartygumbez (205 km, 6–7 h)
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Departure
In the morning, you take a short walk to the petroglyphs above Langar (approx. 30 minutes). These rock carvings are among the most important in the entire Wakhan region.
You then leave the valley and cross the Khargush Pass (4,344 m), leaving the ethnically diverse Wakhan Corridor behind and entering the high mountains of the Eastern Pamirs – a harsh, rocky region sparsely populated by nomadic Kyrgyz and Pamiris. The landscape feels inhospitable yet overwhelmingly beautiful, and under the clear night sky, the stars seem within reach.
The route initially follows the Pamir River, on the opposite bank of which lie the remote settlements of Afghan Kyrgyz. With some luck, they can be seen along the riverbanks.
Along the way, you visit the impressive lakes Bulunkul and Yashilkul. Their surroundings are among the most striking landscapes of the entire Pamir. Here, the transition between Western and Eastern Pamir becomes visible – both geographically and culturally.
Upon arrival in the Alichur region (approx. 3,800 m), you visit a small geyser and gain insights into the history of the Eastern Pamir, which during Soviet times was intensively used for livestock breeding, especially yaks and sheep.
You then visit the Alichur Mosque and continue to the summer pasture area of Chatyr-Tash. On the way, you stop at the sacred Ak-Balyk Lake, a site with deep spiritual significance closely connected to nature and its symbolism.
Altitude of the day: up to approx. 4,100 m
🏠 Overnight: Yavuz Guesthouse
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 8: Jartygumbez – Murghab (120 km, 3–4 h)
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Departure
In the morning, you enjoy a short photo safari in search of Marco Polo sheep, native to this region. A simple lunch is taken along the way at a spring.
In the afternoon, you continue driving toward Murghab, with several stops en route:

• Kuu-Tattbel Pass (4,300 m): an excellent viewpoint for photography
• Shakhty Petroglyphs (approx. 4,200 m): dating back to the Neolithic period. Among the animal silhouettes are three similar figures resembling Paleolithic “Clavicorn” depictions, dated by Russian archaeologist Ranov to 8000–5000 BC
• Shorbulak Observatory Point: views of Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) in China
• Visit to a meteorite crater, vividly illustrating the forces of nature

The region is very sparsely populated; the few inhabitants mainly live from yak and sheep breeding.
Late in the afternoon, you arrive in Murghab.
Altitude of Murghab: approx. 3,540 m
🏠 Overnight: Rasul Guesthouse
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 9: Murghab – Sary Mogol (235 km, 6–7 h)
06:00 Breakfast
06:30 Departure
Early in the morning, you drive toward Lake Karakul. The views of surrounding mountains and glaciers are simply breathtaking.
The highest point of the entire journey is the Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 m), whose name means “White Horse.” From here, a descent of about 70 km leads down to the highest lake in Central Asia.
Lake Karakul lies at an altitude of 3,915 m and, with an area of 380 km², is the largest lake in Tajikistan. It was formed around 10 million years ago and lies in an almost desert-like landscape due to extremely low precipitation. You also visit the Kara-Art Bronze Age sun calendar created by the Saka people.
Afterwards, you continue toward Sary Mogol in Kyrgyzstan, a village near the imposing Lenin Peak (7,000 m). Views of the Alai Range are particularly impressive along this stretch.
Today you cross the border from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan via the Kyzyl-Art Pass (4,282 m).
🏠 Overnight: Bayish Guesthouse
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner




Day 10: Sary Mogol – Osh (230 km, 6–7 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
Today you continue driving to Osh. The route follows the Northern Alai Mountains, whose colors and formations create a striking backdrop.
You cross the Taldyk Pass (3,554 m) and repeatedly enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. From Sary Tash, the road leads steadily north, and by early evening you reach Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city independently.
Osh is considered an ancient settlement – some sources date its history back over 3,000 years, and legends attribute its founding to Alexander the Great or King Solomon. Located at the edge of the Fergana Valley, the city is home to both Uzbeks and Kyrgyz. Its border location makes the local market one of the liveliest and most interesting in Central Asia.
The prominent rock “Solomon’s Throne” (Suleiman-Too) is an important Muslim pilgrimage site. On its summit stands a reconstructed 15th-century mosque offering wonderful views over the city and surrounding area.
🏠 Overnight: Level Hotel, Classic Hotel, or similar
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 11: Osh – Arslanbob (185 km, 4 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
In the morning, you first visit the sacred mountain Suleiman-Too with its cave museum, as well as Osh’s lively bazaar. After a short walk over the mountain, through the museum, and along Aravansky Avenue, there is time to exchange money and make last purchases before continuing to Arslanbob.
After lunch, you drive via the town of Uzgen, passing wide agricultural plains and small villages. Road conditions are good, although temperatures can be quite high.
You reach the Jalal-Abad region and continue toward Bazar-Korgon. After the village of Kenesh, you turn right into the Arslanbob Valley. Past the village of Ayk, you pass several small settlements; the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and picturesque.
In Charbak, you turn again and finally reach the village of Arslanbob, famous for its vast walnut forests – the largest in the world. According to legend, Alexander the Great once visited the region and took walnut seeds back home.
If you arrive early, there is an option to visit the First Waterfall (approx. 2 km from the village).
Arslanbob is also known for hiking, horseback riding, and local handicrafts. Around the village, a lively mix of pristine nature and small markets develops.
🏠 Overnight: CBT Homestay (family-run guesthouse)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 12: Arslanbob – Kazarman (239 km, 5–6 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
Today you leave Arslanbob and continue to Kazarman. From this point onward, you increasingly experience the landscapes of northern Kyrgyzstan: wide valleys, mountain ranges, and remote settlements define the scenery. This is a longer driving stage, mostly on jeep tracks, but extremely scenic.
Around midday, you reach Jalal-Abad, where a good lunch is planned. The town is known as a former coal-mining center but lies off major transit routes. At this time of year, temperatures here are pleasantly cool.
Several photo stops are made along the way to capture the impressive mountain landscapes and panoramic views.
🏠 Overnight: CBT Homestay (family-run guesthouse)
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 13: Kazarman – Son Kul Lake
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
Today you drive from Kazarman to the beautiful Son Kul Lake. The route is highly varied and offers many impressions of the nomadic lifestyle in central Kyrgyzstan.
Shortly after Kazarman, the road passes through a narrow, partially forested valley where beekeepers, horse breeders, and shepherds use summer pastures. Locals sell homemade honey along the roadside. In this region, three provinces meet: Talas, Jalal-Abad, and Chui.
The higher you go, the more yurts, and herds of horses, sheep, and goats appear.
Upon arrival at Son Kul Lake, you are rewarded with impressive views of the Tian Shan Mountains. The high plateau is vast, green, and an important summer pasture area for nomads.
Son Kul is an alpine high-mountain lake in the Naryn region:

• Altitude: 3,016 m
• Area: approx. 270 km²
• Length: 29 km
• Width: up to 18 km
• Maximum depth: 13.2 m

This region is considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas of Kyrgyzstan.
🏠 Overnight: Yurt camp
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner



Day 14: Son Kul – Bishkek (314 km, 7–8 h)
08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
Today you leave the Son Kul plateau and drive back to Bishkek. The route crosses impressive high-mountain passes, including the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, offering wide views over the nomads’ summer pastures. Along the way, you see numerous yurts, horse herds, and grazing communities that provide an authentic picture of traditional Kyrgyz life.
A possible stop is the village of Kochkor, a typical gateway to Son Kul. There is often an opportunity to visit felt handicraft workshops and see how traditional Shyrdak carpets are made.
The route may also lead through the scenic Shamshi Valley and over the famous “33 Parrots Pass,” a winding serpentine road with spectacular views.
A cultural highlight is a visit to the Burana Tower, a 10th-century minaret with archaeological remains and balbal stone statues. Burana Tower is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important heritage sites and a staple of many travel routes between Son Kul and Bishkek.
In the late afternoon, you arrive in Bishkek, check into your hotel, and enjoy a free evening.
🏠 Overnight: Navat Hotel or similar
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
**END OF SERVICES**

Service includes:

• Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses in double or multi-bed rooms (see table above), as well as in shared yurts
• Meals: full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles (4WD jeeps, Toyota Land Cruiser) with professional, trained drivers
• Number of vehicles:
• 1–4 persons: 1 jeep
• 5–8 persons: 2 jeeps
• 9–12 persons: 3 jeeps
• 13–15 persons: 4 jeeps
• 16–20 persons: 5 jeeps
• Excursions as outlined in the itinerary, including entrance fees
• Demonstrations and activities according to the program (eagle hunting, traditional carpet making, yurt assembly, folk music performances)
• English-speaking tour guide (for 1–4 participants, the guide also acts as the driver) (on request German speaking guides are also available)
• GBAO permit (special permit for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region)
• Environmental fee
• 1 liter of mineral water per person per day

Not included in the price:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Charges for additional hotel services
• Single room supplement (see above)
• Fees for photo and video recording during sightseeing (if applicable)
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
• Travel insurance (mandatory)

Service does not include:
- Single rooms + 35USD per person
- Early check-in
-Tips to the guides and drivers
- Visa service