Pamir-The Roof of the World

Title of tour: Pamir-The Roof of the World

Sites to visit: Dushanbe, Hissor, Norak, Kalai Khum, Khorog, Khoburubot, Bartang Valley, Jizew

Day 1: Dushabe - Hissor - Dushanbe
Today our driver will meet you and drive to Dushanbe. After arrival continue to 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 have left. 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
Get started your tour to Legendary 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.

Day 3: Kalai Khum - Rushan
After breakfast, depart to Rushan. On the way drive up about 10 km from Kalai Khum village. There is an ancient fortress to explore in this area. According to archeologists, it was founded in 3^rd century.  In 2013, there were big reconstruction works on it. Go on to Rushan, en route, see some Afghan settlements and scaring path on the edges of Panj River. Rushan is the first settlement with unique Pamirian lifestyle. Pamir people differ very much from Tajik. They tradition, culture, religion and language is vary from others.  Spend night in a homestay and learn local culture closely.

Day 4: Rushan - Bartang Valley - Trek to Jizew
Another day driving among the Pamir Mountains. Depart to Bartang Valley. It is wide and incredible valley by its landscape. Even Pamiris surprised by the beauty of Bartang and often symbolize it as a homeland. On the one hand most of the Non-Bartangi view their compatriots, especially those from Upper Bartang, with related respect due to their diffucalt living conditions, which do not seem to have anything in common with those in the provincial capital Khorog. On the other hand, they are fascinated in the face of the age-old traditions that are still alive in this particularly remote region. Start trekking t Jizew valley. It make you feel the mountain life. In the morning, hike back to valley and stay at homestay. 

Day 5: Jizew - Rushan - Khorog
Start you day early in the morning. Have time to organize Afghan visas in Khorog. It is the smallest city occupied with mountains from the all four sides.  Khorog is located on the confluence of three river. Here  Shokhdara river and Ghund river join to Pyanj river. On the route to Khorog, you can stop to greet Pamir people, who considerably different from Tajik people. Most of the Pamiris are with blonde hair, light skin and blue eyes. Interesting fact is that Pamir Mountains are second highest populated area after the Himalayas in Tibet. Therefore, the mountain life of the local people make them different from Tajik people. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Khorog
Today explore the city of Khorog. The sightseeing will start Botanical Garden. Thanks to the big rivers nearby, the town boasts with many beautiful gardens. At the altitude of 2320m, on the east of the city, there is a well-cared Pamir Botanical Garden. In this lavish garden grows unusual plants from all over the world. The remarkable activities of the garden to adopt plants to the local climate conditions. Next, we will enjoy the city park and wonder in local handicraft shops, museum. Moreover, the vibrant local bazar offers to observe local life; friendly local farmers, bargaining of buyers and the smell of fresh fruits. Night in a guesthouse

Day 7: Khorog - Kalai Khum
After breakfast, drive back to Kalai Khum, taking the same way. Because of the high rocky mountains surrounding, there is only one road goes to Kalai Khum. In addition to the stunning beauty of the Pamir, travelling to these areas offers to find out more about the development of history, culture and life style of the mountain habitants. Observing them, you will have an idea of how the history of the human beings advanced to the modern world. On the way, possible to take a break in a small village to meet friendly local people. The settlements are on the both sides of the river, just on the other side, you will be able to see stony Afghan villages. Spend night in a homestay.

Day 6: Kalai Khum - Khoburubot - Dushanbe
Today you will drive on the mountainous road to Dushanbe, which goes Khoburubot Pass, reaching 3 252m above the sea level. It is famous as a West Pamir Tract. This way takes you through long the wide and sparkling river valley, spectacular gorges. You will have many photo stops to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the nature. En route it is possible to meet local people friendly smiles. You can also to stop and communicate with them. Tajik people are warm-hearted, hardworking and generous from the nature. They are very faithful to their traditions and customs. This tour is perfect for the people who always aware of combination of nature with local culture.

Day 9: Flight
Transfer to airport according to flight schedule.
 

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

Price per person:
02 pax - 1220 $
04 pax - 760 $
06 pax - 845 $
08 pax - 700 $
10 pax - 765 $
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
Rushan - Home stays
Jizew - Home stays
Khorog - "Lal" Guesthouse
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour                                            

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