Border Information: if joining in Bishkek, you will most likely enter Kyrgyzstan at Bishkek Manas International Airport (IATA code: FRU).There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will need to carefully check your visas and GBAO permits at this initial meeting.The rest of the day is free for you to explore this relaxed and atmospheric city.Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Bishkek before the start of your trip with us - please contact your sales agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Bishkek.In Bishkek we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.*Important note - do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*
This morning we will depart Bishkek early and travel through beautiful mountain scenery towards Toktugal Lake. We will have the opportunity to stop often and admire the views before reaching our destination later this afternoon.Tonight we plan to wild camp near Toktugal.
Today we will have a full day's drive to Osh, Kyrgyzstan's capital of the south where we will spend the next two nights.On our second day we have an included visit to Suleiman's Mountain in the morning, we will then have free time in the afternoon to explore one of the oldest cities in the country.
We have an included visit to Suleiman's Mountain this morning after breakfast, we will then have free time in the afternoon to explore one of the oldest cities in the country.
This morning we will have free time to explore Osh before we drive over the Taldyk Pass (3615m) and onto the small remote village of Sary Tash.
Border Information: Exit Kyrgyszstan at Kyzylart, enter Tajikstan at Bor Dobo.Today we will continue to the border and cross into Tajikistan and onto Karakul Lake. With the border post situated at 4336m between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan you will be able to enjoy some spectacular scenery along the way.
Today we will travel over the Ak-Baital Pass which is the highest pass on the Pamir Highway before arriving in Murghab. There will be free time this afternoon to stretch your legs and explore this small town.
We will have an early start this morning as we have a full day drive ahead of us. Enjoy the amazing views of the Pamirs as we make our way over high passes to the Wakhan Corridor before eventually passing through another checkpoint where you will get your first glimpses of the Panj River. For the next 4 days we will be following the river which borders between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
This morning before we set off we will have a chance to hike up to see the Petroglyphs on the rocks above Langar. It is a steep climb but well worth it for the views over the village and the surrounding mountains.If time permits we will also stop off at Yamchun Fort and the hot springs on our way to Ishkashim.
Today we will continue our drive on to the capital of the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Region ( Khorog ) where we will be spending 2 nights.On the second day you will have free time to explore the town. Take a stroll through the local bazaar or simply relax in the parks and people watch.
We have a full day's drive today stopping for lunch en route. We will continue to follow the Afghanistan border and onto the town of Khalaykhum.
Today will be an early start as we have a full drive day planned to reach our next destination. We will eventually peel away from the Tajikistan/Afghanistan border and begin to make our way inland to Kulob.
This morning we will head north passing the Nurek Reservoir on the Vakhsh River before arriving at the stunning Iskanderkul Lake where we will make a bush camp for the night.
Over the next 3 days we will be trekking in the beautiful Fann Mountains. For those not wishing to hike there is an alternative option to visit Penjikent and the 7 Lakes.Option 1. - This morning we will begin our 3 day hike to visit some of the beautiful lakes of the Fann Mountains. We will leave the truck behind and take jeeps up to a small village called Artuch which will be the starting point of our trek. On arrival we will have some time to explore the village and get familiar with the countryside and local lifestyle. You can also do a short trek to Chukurak lake which is located approximately 2 hours away. Tonight we will stay in a local guesthouse. Option 2. - Early this morning after saying good bye to our trekkers we will drive towards Penjikent in the truck. After lunch we will have a city tour and explore the ruins of ancient Penjikent.Tonight we will stay in a local guesthouse. PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST ADVISE AT TIME OF BOOKING IF YOU WISH TO BOOK THE NON TREKKING OPTION, OTHERWISE YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE PUT ON OUR LAKES & MOUNTAINS TREK.
Option 1. - This morning our donkeys will arrive to carry our luggage. We will have a briefing with our mountain guide after breakfast and then begin our trek towards Bibijanat Lake. Trekking Distance - 7 kmMeals Included - Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerTonight we will be camping on the shore of Bibijant Lake. Option 2. - After Breakfast, we will head into the Shing Valley via Jeep to see the Seven Lakes. The mountains here seep a natural mineral called Shilajit which is used in Ayurvedic Medicine. Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerTonight we will stay in a traditional local guesthouse.
Option 1. - This morning we will start our ascent to Alaudin pass ( 3860 metres ). The beautiful panorama of the surrounding peaks and lakes will be seen from the top of the pass. We will then descend down to Alaudin Lake where we will camp tonight. Trekking Distance - 10kmMeals Included - Breakast, Lunch & DinnerTonight we will be camping by Alaudin Lake. Option 2. - After Breakfast we continue to explore the Seven Lakes. We will eventually need to leave the vehicle behind as the roads are no longer passable and we will hike for the last hour to reach the 7th and final lake. After lunch we will then make our way back to Penjikent. Tonight we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Option 1. - Today after packing up camp we will have a little free time before making our way back to Dushanbe. On the way we will meet up with our overland truck and non trekkers again to exchange stories over a farewell meal! Option 2. - This morning after breakfast we will rejoin with our overland truck and our trekkers and make our way back to the capital Dushanbe for a final farewell meal.
Border Information: if finishing in Dushanbe, you will most likely exit Tajikistan at Dushanbe International Airport (IATA code: DYU).Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Tajikistan. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.