Friday 13th September – Osh- Sary-Tash (Kyrgyzstan)

• Arrive at your convenience in Osh, the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan. The capital of the South is well connected with The Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia. Alternatively, continue directly from our Karakoram Highway Tour crossing the border at Irkeshtam from China to Kyrgyzstan. 
• Meet your local guide and driver upon arrival at Osh International Airport before being transferred to Sary-Tash. Along the journey, you’ll learn more about the historical significance of Osh.
• We’ll make a stop at a local restaurant for a lunch break and enjoy the natural scenery.
• On arrival to Sary-Tash, meet your fellow group members and the YPT guide for a pre-tour meeting and dinner.
• Sary-Tash is a remote village that lies at the crossroads of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the remote village.
• Overnight stay in Sary-Tash.

Saturday 14th September – Sary-Tash – Lake Karakul (Tajikistan) – Murghob

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our guesthouse before we begin our road trip to the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
• Along our journey, we’ll see Lenin Peak, locally known as Ibn Sina Peak. At 7134m it’s the highest mountain on the Pamir Mountains range.
• The scenic journey will take us along the industrial ghost towns of now-abandoned Soviet-era settlements. During the peak of the Soviet Union, these towns used to flourish bringing citizens from all over the republics together. Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, these once-thriving towns have now fallen into disrepair.

Afternoon

• On arrival at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, we’ll stop for lunch. We’ll have the opportunity to use up your Kyrgystani Som and/or exchange it for Tajikistani Somoni.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue with the border formalities. A special committee was assembled to disguise the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, based on ethnicity. There have been many border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan since independence.
• We’ll continue along the Ak-Baital mountain pass, at 4,655m, making it the highest section of the Pamir Highway. We’ll make stops to take in the barren landscape with snow-topped peaks.
• Next, we’ll visit Lake Karakul, meaning “black Lake” which was created by an impacted crater. The lake is home to a number of bird species, we’ll take a rest stop here and enjoy the beautiful scenery and photo opportunities.
• Arriving in the evening, we’ll check in to our hotel in Murghob before heading out to explore the local markets and the Lenin statue. Murghob is the highest town in Tajikistan and the former Soviet Union, surrounded by mountains, it is remarkable how there’s an active population here.
• For dinner, we’ll head to a local restaurant which serves plov, the national dish.
• Overnight stay in Murghob.

Sunday 15th September – Murghab – Langar

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast before we continue along the Pamir Highway.
• Our journey will take on another natural geographic wonder, as we leave behind the barren rocky landscape for the green flora scenery of the Wakhan Corridor.
• There’s something spectacular about the Wakhan Valley, which you’ll experience. The narrow strip is arguably the best place to visit in Central Asia. The mountainous region divides the Pamir Mountains from the Hindu Kush.
• Historically the Wakhan Valley served as a vital route for the ancient Silk Road, it’s also the path that Marco Polo took. We’ll take advantage of the views and make stops to capture the natural beauty.
• No journey is complete without visiting Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes which support various endangered bird species. It’s also a perfect opportunity for those keen photographers to capture the green lake.

Afternoon

• Along the scenic journey, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch and a rest break.
• We’ll continue along the Khargush Pass, which reaches an altitude of 4344m. Across the border, you’ll witness one of the most remote regions of Afghanistan, where the local communities have not only adapted to the difficult terrain but also the political situation.
• Once we arrive at Langer, you’ll notice its natural beauty is located at the end at the tip of the Wakhan Valley where the Wakhan and Pamir rivers combine to make the Panj.
• We’ll check into our guesthouse before heading out for dinner and exploring the village.
• Overnight stay in Langar.

Monday 16th September – Langar – Vrang – Ishkashim

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel, for those early risers it’s a great opportunity to explore and appreciate the breath-taking scenery.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll check out of the guesthouse and continue along the border with Afghanistan and the Panj. There are a number of bridges constructed over the Panj connecting the two countries which were financed by the US during their occupation of Afghanistan – this is the perfect opportunity to see what life is like across the border.
• During the Silk Road, alongside trade, religious practices were also spread particularly Buddhism. The rich, diverse teachings of Buddhism flourished with monasteries, temples, and caves, however with the spread of Islam these sites were abandoned. We’ll visit the remnants of the Buddhist complex and learn about the lifestyle and practices of the monks who once lived here.
• We’ll stop by a museum dedicated to Mubarak Kadam Wakhani, the Sufi, astronomer and musician who can be credited for the solar calendar. The Sufi literature was hidden during Stalin’s purge and now can be freely appreciated.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head into the village and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, it’s also a great place to enjoy some Tajik tea.
• Once we’re ready we’ll visit Khahkha Fortress, although there’s no historical record of its origins. It’s known to have been used during the Kushan Empire for weary travelers along the Great Silk Road. The fortress also provides us with a great vantage point to peer into Afghanistan.
• Next, we’ll not only visit a natural wonder but also an auspicious site for followers of the Islamic faith – Bibi Fatima hot springs, named after the prophet Mohammed’s daughter it’s believed to improve the fertility of women.
• We’ll continue to Yamchun Fort, the impressive fortification that is miraculously still standing in the Wakhan Valley. Used as an outpost, the remote ruins used to house a Zoroastrian fire temple.
• After a busy day, we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Ishkashim.

Tuesday 17th September – Ishkoshim – Khorog

Morning

• The leisurely morning starts with breakfast before we check out of the hotel.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll learn more about Ishkoshim – the border town is directly opposite an Afghanistan town that shares the same name. The twin towns are connected by a bridge used frequently to trade goods.
• We’ll continue along the Wakhan Corridor following the Panj where you can witness the quality of life between the two countries. We’ll take advantage of the route and make stops to interact with the locals and for photo opportunities.

Afternoon

• Along the journey, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, and we’ll have some time to explore the village and interact with the locals.
• Your journey will include reminders of the once mighty Soviet Union, we’ll stop at various Soviet Bus stops for photo opportunities.
• We’ll continue along the scenic journey to Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Historically the region was disputed between Bukhara, Afghanistan, Russia, and Britain during the Great Game.
• Once we arrive in Khorog, we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out for dinner and tea.
• Overnight stay in Khorog.

Wednesday 18th September – Khorog – Kalaikhumb

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel, before check out you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue along our journey to Kalaikhumb which follows the border of Afghanistan.
• One of the most striking scenery along the Pamir Highway is the Kotezek Pass. Reaching the altitude of 4272m, the lunar-like desert scenery is incredible, taking us on the beaten path of the potholed route is all part of the experience.
• Originally, this route was just a trail for residents, mainly used by herders. During the Soviet era saw the major construction of the highway, the complex terrain was overcome by exploding granite cliff walls and using the material to build roads over the Panj all while not crossing into Afghanistan’s territory.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll stop at a small village and enjoy the local cuisines.
• We’ll continue along the scenic journey towards Kalaikhumb, locally referred to as Qal’ai Khumb which means “fortress on the banks of the river of Khumb”. Historically it was the capital of Darvaz a principality that was ruled by Mir until 1878.
• Once we arrive in Kalaikhumb, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out to explore the town. It’s here, where the Pamir Highway meets the Panj and across the river, you can easily peer into Afghanistan’s neighbouring town.
• Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an evening walk.
• Overnight stay in Kalaikhumb.

Thursday 19th September – Kalaikhumb – Dushanbe

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at our hotel before we depart the Pamirs.
• We’ll take the scenic route towards Kulob, locally referred to as Kulyab. The journey follows the Afghanistan border and the Panj. We’ll continue along the lower Shurabad Pass which reaches the altitude of 2200m.
• As we take the journey, you’ll notice more and more frequent settlements, we’ll stop at these small villages to pick up supplies and for photo opportunities.

Afternoon

• We’ll take a lunch break along the scenic journey where we can enjoy the views.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll continue to Hulbuk fortress, the city was the largest in Central Asia until the 12th century. Soviet archaeologists discovered the site had deep roots in the Zoroastrian faith.
• Along the journey, we’ll visit the memorial dedicated to the 2018 Tajikistan tourist attack. A group of cyclists were viciously run over and then attacked by IS members.
• On arrival to Dushanbe, the largest and capital city of Tajikistan we’ll check in to our hotel before heading out to discover the vibrant city.
• We’ll head to our favourite restaurant in Dushanbe followed by an evening walk of the capital city.
• Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Friday 20th September – Dushanbe

Morning

• Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel before we discover Dushanbe.
• We’ll visit the beautiful botanical garden which houses plants and trees from all over the world. It’s also a popular spot for locals to socialize and take walks.
• Next, we’ll head towards the mountainous part of the capital to Victory Park where we can capture the impressive views of the city. The park was created to honour Tajik soldiers who fought in the Great Patriotic War.
• We’ll continue our city tour which includes Victory Square, Rudaki Street, Central Park, and the monument of Ismoil Somoni – the national hero of Tajikistan.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we’ll head to a local restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine.
• Our tour will also include Nowruz palace, the largest tea house in the world before visiting Dushanbe’s flagpole – which has the record of the tallest freestanding flagpole from 2011 to 2014.
• We’ll continue to the Ismaili Centre, dedicated to the Ismaili people. The centre is one of six and highlights the cultural identity of the Shia Ismaili minority group.
• As it’s our final night, for dinner to celebrate our journey along the Pamir Highway. For those inclined, we’ll head out for a few drinks and experience the nightlife in Dushanbe.
• Overnight stay in Dushanbe.

Saturday 21st September – Dushanbe

• A leisurely morning starts with breakfast at the hotel.
• At the end of the tour depart at your convenience. YPT can arrange additional nights in Dushanbe and airport drop-off for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.

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