This one-off Expedition provides an unparallelled opportunity to explore the spectacular mountain ranges shared between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Exploratory in nature, there is a degree of flexibility in the itinerary so we can take advantage of opportunities that present themselves along the way. You are accompanied by leaders with many years experience in this little-known and remote region, ensuring that this is truly a unique opportunity for the well-travelled adventurer!
Incorporating some of the most spectacular mountain passes and ancient cities of the Silk Road, our journey takes us through culturally rich and ethnically diverse areas that rarely see foreign travellers and have little tourist infrastructure. We drive from cosmopolitan Tashkent to Dushanbe - a national capital more on the scale of a rural centre - before several days of travel skirting Afghanistan's northern border. Far above the river valleys the road winds with kilometre after kilometre of stunning mountain landscape broken by tiny villages that seem to be cast back in time. We journey to the remote Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) of Tajikistan, a region better known for the colourful 'Great Game' events that took place here in the late 19th Century. Traversing the full length of the Pamir Highway from Khorog to Osh, our route incorporates rugged roads and stark yet beautiful high-altitude desert plateaux, each day revealing a new and more beautiful aspect to little-known Tajikistan. Finally we cross one of the world's most remote and desolate borders into Kyrgyzstan, overnighting in yurts at the very crossroads of the Silk Road at Sary Tash, a caravanserai that has served weary travellers for many centuries. Combining breathtaking landscapes with glimpses of a centuries-old way of life, this Expedition will amply reward the traveller who is willing venture to what locals call 'Bom-I-Dunyo' - the Roof of the World
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Mon) Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Prepare paperwork and visas for Tajikistan with free time once formalities are completed. |
| 3 | Drive from Tashkent to Tajik border, transfer vehicles and continue to Khojand for sightseeing. |
| 4 | Drive to Istaravshan with afternoon excursion in old city. |
| 5 | Depart for Dushanbe via Shakristan Pass (3378m) and Anjob Pass (3372m), visiting the ruins at Penjikent en route. |
| 6 | Full day to explore Dushanbe including a visit to Hissor Fortress and Museum of National Antiquities. Today we also prepare for our entry into the restricted Pamir region. |
| 7 | Depart for Kaliakhumb via the Khaburabot Pass (3252m). |
| 8 | Spectacular drive from Kalaikhum to Khorog along the River Panj – also the border with Afghanistan. |
| 9 | Drive from Khorog to Ishkashim, stopping en route for the hot springs at Garmchshma. Overnight in local home. |
| 10 | Visit Buddhist remains at Vrang, fire temple at Zong and other places of interest as we enter the Wakhan Valley en route to Langar. |
| 11 | Excursion to Bulunkul Lake via Khargushi Pass (4333m), before continuing to Murghab via the Naizatash Pass (4137m) and through a desolate lunar-like landscape. |
| 12 | Full day in Murghab to visit local petroglyphs and explore the local bazaar. |
| 13 | Continue north along Pamir Highway through dramatic landscape. Cross Ak-Baital Pass (4655m) and Kyzyl-Art Pass (4282m) into Kyrgyzstan, and overnight in yurts at Sary Tash. |
| 14 | Arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan's ancient city boasting some 3000 years of history. |
| 15 | Cross into Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley and continue to the city of Fergana. |
| 16 | Visit regional towns known for their production of handmade fabrics and ceramics. |
| 17 | Return to Tashkent for our final evening. |
| 18 | Tour ends in Tashkent after breakfast (Thu). |
Trip Highlights
Gallery
Video
From Our Blog
Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
At A Glance
Trip Length |
21 days |
Trip Code |
PCPT |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Challenging), Walking (Easy) | |
| Min Altitude | Max Altitude |
| 4655m | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan | |
Start City |
|
| Tashkent | |
End City |
|
| Tashkent | |
