Legendary Pamir of Tajikistan

Title of tour: Legendary Pamir of Tajikistan

Sites to visit: Dushanbe, Hissor, Norak, Yashil Kul Lake, Kalai Khum, Khorog, Ishkashim, Bulunkul Lake, Khoburubot

Day 1: Dushabe - Hissor - Dushanbe
At the airport, local driver will meet you and take to Dushanbe. The first site to explore will be Hissor fortress. Located 35 km from capital. It is history goes back to 7^th-17^th century. At that time, the fort served as a resident palace for Bukhara Emirs in this territory. Probably that's why its location has special place. It is on the hill and protected by strong and thick walls reaching 1 m. in addition, there are some holes for barrels on the walls. In the boundaries, there were a pool and a garden and across from the fortress there was a busy market square with a caravanserai and shops. Nowadays, there is only two towers at the entrance was survived. Furthermore, visit reconstructed version of "Madrasah I Kuhna" Mosque, which was a new school during 16^th and 17^th century. Then "Mahdumi Azam" mausoleum of 16^th century. After excursion to Hissor, have lunch in Dushanbe and start discovering the city: Botanical garden and Victory Park with panoramic view. Night in a hotel.

Day 2: Dushanbe - Norak - Kalai Khum
Today you start you amazing trip to Famous Pamir Mountains. Depart to Kalai Khum village in the mountains. On the way, you will see the biggest reservoir Norak, which is often called Tajik Sea. The way goes over mountain pass Shuraba (2 267 m). Then drive along Afghan border. Landscape will astonish you by its incredible beauty. Many worldly known explorers like Marco Polo, Hsuan Tsang, Mirza Muhammad Haidar were inspired by the Great Pamir Mountains. Nowadays, you can easily travel to this amazing part of the world. Pyanj River defines border with Afghanistan. Most of the traveler associated Pamir with the ocean of white and blue mountains. Spend night at local family homestay. You will learn local culture closer.

Day 3: Kalai Khum - Khorog
Your tour will go to Khorog town, the small town surrounded by mountains. It is located on the crossroads of three big rivers. They are Shojhdara, Ghund and Pyanj River. En route, you will meet the inhabitants of Pamir Mountains. The Pamir people are different from Tajik people in anthropological characteristics.  Most of the Pamiris are with light hair, fair skin and blue eyes. Pamir Mountains considered as a second highest populated mountain area after Himalayas in Tibet. One of other factors making the difference between Tajik and Pamiris is the geography and climate in the mountains. Dinner at the local restaurant and night in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Khorog - Ishkashim
Continue your adventure to Ishkashim village. It is an administrative center of Ishkishim District of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province. It is located along the Panj River, where it turns to the north. Panj River flows into the Amu Darya. Its length reaches 1 125 km and flow along the Afghan-Tajik border. Ishkashim situated opposite to Afghan town with similar name. Spend night in a homestay.

Day 5: Ishkashim - Yashil Kul Lake - Bulunkul Lake
Today's tour will take you to the most mesmerizing lakes of the area. They are Yashil Kul And Bulunkul Lake. They lay at the elevation of 3700 meters above sea level. The color of the water in Bulunkul Lake is very inetersting. It is between the dark blue and violet and have exceptional beauty in the sunlight. There fishes in the lake. You can also see yaks, half-wild domestic animal used for milking and meat. The highest pass on the way to lakes will be Koitezak, reaching 4 271 m. dinner and night near the lakes at homestay.

Day 6: Bulunkul - Khorog
After breakfast, start your adventure of M41 Pamir Tract, also known as Pamir Highway.  The interesting fact is that it is the second highest mountain road after the one in Tibet. Most of the passes, which you need to overcome, are higher than 4000 m. One of them is Koitezak pass 4 271 m. Due to the inaccessible terrain and harsh rocky mountains, the wildlife of the area is rich in unique animals. There are some species of mammals like Turkestan rat, tiger-cat, grizzly bear, badger, stoat, fox, grey and red wolves. Furthermore, it hosts large number of Marco Polo sheep, which is the biggest mountain sheep in the world. There is also big population of snow leopard, which is endangered. Dinner at local restaurant. Stay in a guesthouse in Khorog.

Day 7: Khorog - Kalai Khum
Today the road goes through the majestic mountains over 6000m above sea level. Due to the high and stony mountains, there only one way available from Khorog to Kalai Khum. While travelling in these areas, you will not only discover untouched nature of Pamir, but also learn interesting facts about Pamir inhabitant's life, starting from ethnography to history and culture. It gives good idea to understand how the history of human beings has developed. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to stop at local village and talk with friendly Pamiris. Driving along the Tajik-Afghan border, you will see villages on the both sides of River.

Day 8: Kalai Khum - Khoburubot - Dushanbe
In the morning, drive back to Dushanbe. The way goes through high mountains. Drive via Khoburubot Pass, which is 3 252 on the Western Pamir Tract. En route, you will have many breaks to admire the landscape or take some pictures. Magnificent valleys, silvery rivers and incredible gorges are the main highlight of the road. Of course, all this marvelous beauty accompanied with friendly local people. En route, meet Tajik people, who are warm-hearted, hard-working and hospitable. They always feel great respect to their traditions and customs. This tour is best option who is looking for a combination of natural beauty and authentic cultural heritages.   Arrive to Dushanbe and stay in a hotel.

Day 9: Flight
Today is the last day and transfer to airport for new adventures.

Transportation:
02-04 pax - Hyundai Starex
06-08 pax - 2 cars: Hyundai Starex
10 pax - 3 cars: Hyundai Starex
 

Price per person:
02 pax - 1300 $
04 pax - 800 $
06 pax - 900 $
08 pax - 745 $
10 pax - 815 $
Single - 80 $

Half board - 120 $
Full board - 240 $

English speaking guide - 780 $ per group
 

Tour includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Dushanbe - "Meridians" Hotel 3*
Kalai Khum - Home stays
Khorog - "Lal" Guesthouse
Ishkoshim - Home stays
Bulunkul - Home stays
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour                                            

Tour does not include:
- Visa
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- GBAO permit
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide