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From Panjakent to the Pamirs: Majestic Landscapes

#Ancient Cities #Pamir Highway #Silk Road
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Review Gallery Tour program Information

Review

Meeting point
Dushanbe
End location
Osh

Duration

15 days

Length

2500 km

Location

Khorugh

Recommended group composition

2-12 per

Difficulty level

Very easy - Suitable for individuals with minimal physical fitness or experience. Involves short, flat walks with little elevation gain or loss.

Easy - Requires basic physical fitness. Involves moderate walking on well-maintained trails with gentle inclines and declines.

Optimal - Suitable for individuals with average physical fitness. Involves moderate to challenging hiking, often with some elevation gain or loss.

Intense - Demands good physical fitness and endurance. Involves long hikes on rugged terrain with significant elevation changes.

Extreme - Suitable for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Involves technical climbing, glacier crossings, and exposure to high-altitude environments.

Super extreme - Reserved for highly skilled and experienced adventurers. Involves challenging mountaineering expeditions with significant risks and potential dangers.

Optimal

Recommended age

18+

The price is per person for a group of 2.

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Participants

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Tour in brief

Embark on a breathtaking journey from the ancient city of Panjakent through the rugged beauty of the Pamir Mountains. This adventure takes you from the historical ruins and vibrant bazaars of Panjakent to the stunning lakes and dramatic peaks of the Pamirs. Experience diverse landscapes, from the lush valleys and serene lakes to the stark, towering mountain passes. Explore ancient archaeological sites, immerse yourself in local cultures, and marvel at the natural wonders of one of Central Asia's most remote and spectacular regions.

Tour organizer and guide

LLC Pamir Guides

LLC Pamir Guides

It is hard to imagine Pamir Guides, a successful tour operator in Central Asia, without acknowledging the founding fathers. Saitaali and Kuban, come from a little town called Murgab (3560 m) in Eastern Pamir. They started their career when they were working as guides for ACTED (a French development organization) around the year 2000.

Tour program

Day 1. Panjakent - Iskenderkul

Day 1. Panjakent - Iskenderkul

10:00 AM – Welcome by Pamir Guides at the Tajik & Uzbek borders.
• Explore the ancient city and visit the Sarazm settlement, dating back 5500 years.
• After Sarazm, drive to Penjikent, possibly the site of five villages that marked the history of this remarkable city, which originated between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. Penjikent was an important cultural and craft center of Sogd, often referred to as "Central Asian Pompeii."
• Visit the archaeological site of Penjikent, which features a large Sogdian settlement from the 5th-6th century AD.
• Stop by the charming Penjikent Museum, showcasing artifacts excavated from the site, along with a splendid view of the new town built in 1936.
• Visit the Museum of Rudaki, the Mosque-Madrassa of Olim Dodho (17th-18th centuries), and explore the central bazaar of the town.
• 13:00 – Lunch at a restaurant.
• After lunch, drive to Iskandar Kul Lake, following the footsteps of Alexander the Great. This lake is considered the most beautiful in the country.
• Enjoy leisure time around the lake, visiting local residences and listening to legends about Alexander and the lake.
• Visit a waterfall nearby.
• 19:00 – Dinner at a guesthouse.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Guesthouse Alik

Day 2. Iskender kul – up to the over Ikender kul lake walking

Day 2. Iskender kul – up to the over Ikender kul lake walking

7:00 – Breakfast.
8:00 – Morning walk:
• Set off for a walk over Iskander Kul Lake in the Fan Mountains. This unique valley offers stunning scenery as we begin our trek along the lake and into the valley.
• Enjoy the beautiful surroundings before having a picnic.
• 13:00 – Picnic in nature.
• After the picnic, return to Iskander Kul Lake for an overnight stay in Alik.
• 19:00 – Dinner at the homestay.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Guesthouse Alik

Day 3. Sarutak

Day 3. Sarutak

8:00 – Breakfast.
9:30 – Morning drive to Dushanbe:
• Follow the same route over the Anzob Tunnel and through several tunnels in the Varzob Valley, known for its stunning beauty.
• Upon arrival in Dushanbe, visit Mehrigon Bazar to experience local culture and markets.
• Afterward, drive to your hotel for some rest to prepare for the upcoming adventures in the Pamir region.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Hello Duhanbe Hotel

Day 4. Dushanbe sightseeing

Day 4. Dushanbe sightseeing

9:30 – Breakfast.
10:30 – Depart for sightseeing in Dushanbe, the youngest capital of Central Asia:
• Established as the capital in 1925, it was originally a village in the Gisar Valley, known as Stalinabad until 1961.
• With a population of 800,000, Dushanbe features wide avenues and modern buildings, reflecting its multi-ethnic character.
• The name "Dushanbe" means "Monday," referring to the traditional market day in the region.
13:00 – Lunch at a restaurant.

Excursion Program in Dushanbe:
• Visit Central Square and I. Somoni Square.
• Explore the Botanical Garden.
• Discover the National Museum of Antiquities, showcasing collections from pre-Islamic times, including Greek, Bactrian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Zoroastrian artifacts. Don't miss the famous statue of "Buddha in a state of nirvana."
• Optionally visit another National Museum.
19:00 – Dinner at a restaurant.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Hello Dushanbe Hotel

Day 5. Dushanbe - Kalaikum

Day 5. Dushanbe - Kalaikum

7:30 – Breakfast.
8:30 – Depart Dushanbe:
• Journey toward the Pamir Range, passing through remote areas that experienced the civil war between 1992 and 1996.
• The local inhabitants lead a rugged life characterized by conservative values, yet their hospitality is legendary.
• On the way, visit Hulbuk Fortress, dating back to the 3rd century BC, and explore the Hulbuk Art Museum.
• Continue past Shurabad Pass (2267 m), following the Amu Daria River (Oxus).
• Shortly before reaching Kalaikhum, you will enter Badakhshan. The Badakhshani people differ from their Sunni neighbors, being Shiites of Ismaelite obedience, which is reflected in their clothing, lifestyle, and more liberal customs.
12:30 – Lunch at Hulbuk Rest in Kulob.
19:00 – Dinner at Zing Guesthouse.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Guesthouse Zing

Day 6. Kalaikum – Khijez

Day 6. Kalaikum – Khijez

8:30 – Breakfast.
9:30 – Departure:
• Begin your journey along the Pianj River (Amu Daria), which forms the border with Afghanistan. On one side, you will see an asphalt road lined with cement-brick houses, while on the Afghan side, just 100 meters away, there are mule tracks and mud houses.

• Continue driving to the Bartang Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes featuring towering mountains and a narrow valley alongside the Bartang River.

• Experience the warmth of local culture as you pass through several Pamiry villages and meet the friendly, hospitable people.

• Stay overnight in a local homestay in the small Khijez village, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals.

13:30 – Lunch at a small tea house.
19:30 – Dinner at the homestay.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Homestay Gulsha

Day 7. Kijez - Jizeive

Day 7. Kijez - Jizeive

8:30 – Breakfast.
9:30 – Departure:
• Drive 15 km towards Jizeive in the Bartang Valley until you reach the bridge.
• After crossing the bridge, start a 2.5-hour hike to Jeziev, a unique village with simple inhabitants, consisting of about 4-5 houses. The trail will be steep.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in the village, surrounded by beautiful scenery and additional lakes.
• After lunch, hike back down to the bridge, which will take about 2 hours.
• Continue your drive to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakchan Autonomous
• Province, nestled in a mountain pass along the Gunt River.
• Upon arrival in Khorog, you will have free time to explore the town center until dinner.
13:30 – Picnic in Jizev.
19:30 – Dinner at a restaurant.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Hotel Kevkas

Day 8. Khorog – Ishkashim

Day 8. Khorog – Ishkashim

8:00 – Breakfast.
8:30 – Departure:
• Begin with a short city tour around Khorog, including a visit to the Khorog Bazaar and park.
• Explore the Pamir Botanical Garden, located 5 km east of town. This expansive garden covers several hundred hectares and is known as the world's second highest botanical garden.
13:30 – Picnic in nature.
• After lunch, depart from Khorog towards the stunning open-air thermal baths of Garm-e Chesmeh.
• Continue your journey to Ishkashim, a border village that marks the entrance to the Wakhan Valley. This area serves as a historical buffer corridor established by the Russian and British empires.
• Enjoy splendid views with the Pamir mountain range on one side and the Hindu Kush summits, including Noshaq (culminating at 7492 m), on the other.
19:30 – Dinner at the homestay.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Homestay Davlatboy

Day 11. Khorog – Vanj valley

Day 11. Khorog – Vanj valley

8:00 – Breakfast.
9:00 – Departure:
• Depart for Vanj, a stunning valley surrounded by high mountains and featuring numerous villages.
• This valley is renowned for its abundance of fruits, making it a rich agricultural area.

Lunch at 13:00 en route.
Dinner at 19:00 in a homestay
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Homestay Aydibek

Day 12. Vanj – Kalaihumb

Day 12. Vanj – Kalaihumb

7:30 – Breakfast.
8:00 – Departure:
• Depart from Khorog to Kalaikum, following the scenic Panj River, retracing our steps.
• After Rushan, we may stop at a teahouse for lunch.
• As we say goodbye to the Pamir region, enjoy the stunning views of the valley and the diverse villages along the way.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Guesthouse Zing

Day 13. Kalaihumb – Dushanbe

Day 13. Kalaihumb – Dushanbe

8:00 – Breakfast.
9:00 – Departure:
• Early morning drive to Dushanbe via Tavel Dara Valley, crossing the Sagirdasht Pass (3252 m). The views from the pass are breathtaking.
• Experience the beauty of the valley, characterized by typical Tajik villages along the way.
• Pass by the stunning Rogun Dam, where the lake showcases incredible colors.
• Arrive in Dushanbe in the late afternoon.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Hotel

Day 14. Dushanbe - Khudjant

Day 14. Dushanbe - Khudjant

8:00 – Breakfast.
9:00 – Departure:
- Morning transfer to Khujand through the town of Istaravshan.
- Stop for lunch along the way.
- Cross the Shahristan Tunnel, with a visit to Istaravshan.
- Explore the local bazaar for a taste of local culture.
- Explore the local bazaar for a taste of local culture.
- Visit the architectural complex Hazrati Shokh, which includes:
                    • The mausoleum of Hazrati Shokh.
                    • The graves of Kusam Ibn Abbas.
                    • The mausoleum of Khudoyar Valami.
                    • The Namazgah Mosque (19th century).
- Continue to Mug-Teppa, one of the oldest settlements in Istaravshan.
- Arrival in Khujand.
Excursions and leisure Walk , Photo Where we live Hotel

Day 15. Khudjant – Oybek Tajikstan

Day 15. Khudjant – Oybek Tajikstan

• Morning drive to border about 1-hour drive.
Where we live Without accommodation

Map

Information

What's included:

  • Accommodation: Guesthouses, homestays, and hotels as described in the itinerary.
  • Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch (picnic or restaurant as specified), and dinner (at guesthouses, homestays, or restaurants as mentioned).
  • Transportation: Jeep or car travel as described, including border crossings.
  • Guides: Pamir Guides for the duration of the trip.
  • Entrance Fees: For museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Excursions: Activities such as boat sailing, thermal baths, and visits to local markets and villages.

What's not included:

  • Visa Fees: For Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, extra snacks, and drinks.
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides and drivers.
  • Optional Activities: Boat sailing on Iskanderkul Lake (if not specified as included).
  • Meals Not Specified: Any meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation Outside Itinerary: Any extra nights or accommodation not specified in the itinerary.

What is the best time to take this tour?

The best time to take this tour is from late June to early September. During these months, the weather in the Pamirs is relatively mild, and most of the roads and trails are accessible.
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