The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan

Title of tour: The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan

Sites to visit: Karakul Lake, Murgab, Khorog, Kalai Khum, Khoburubot, Dushanbe

Day 1: Kyrgyz border - Karakul Lake - Murgab
Your Tajik guide will meet you at Kyrgyz-Tajik Border. The first site in the Pamir Highway trip will be Karakul Lake, located at 3 815 meters. From local language, it means "The Black Lake" Karakul is one of the large alpine lakes in the world together with lakes in Tibet and Titicaca. Continue to Murgab town. There is a saying among locals, " If you come to Pamir and don't visit Murgab, you are not considered visiting Pamir Mountains". Today you will drive over Ak Baital pass, which is 4 655 meters. It is the highest pass of Pamir. Most of the travelers associate the surrounding of Murgab to the surface of the moon. Night will be at guesthouse.

Day 2: Murgab - Khorog 
Today you will continue along the Pamir Highway, other name M41 Pamir Tract. The next destination will be Khorog. This highway is the second highest mountain road in the world. The first in Tibet. Most of the way goes on the mountain and road lying over 4000 m.  High mountains and unique climate is home to diverse wildlife. There many kind of mammal inhabit this area. They are Turkestan rat, tiger-cat, grizzly bear, badger, stoat, fox, grey and red wolves. In addition Pamir host the big population of the largest mountain sheep-Marco Polo. There is also snow leopard, which is on the list of endangered animals of the world. Arrive to Khorog and night in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Khorog - Kalai Khum
Today depart to Kalai Khum village. The area is mountainous and most of them above 6000 meters. For that reason, only one way connecting Khorog to Kalai Khum. On the way, there will be a chance to see the untouched beauty of landscape and meet real inhabitants of Pamir. Pamir people differ from Tajik people. Due to the mountainous environment, Pamiris could save their century old traditions and lifestyle. In addition, you will have observation about historical development of human being in the world. You can see villages on the both sides of river and on the other side Afghan settlement. Stay in a home stay in Kalai Khum.

Day 4: Kalai Khum - Khoburubot - Dushanbe
After breakfast, tour continues to capital city Dushanbe. Following the Western Pamir Tract, you will overcome high mountains. One of them is Khoburubot pass, reaching 3 252 m. The way will be full of fantastic valleys and otherworldly beauty. We will make many photo stops to capture the nature. Moreover, stop at the local village to greet local people. By the way, learn about their lifestyle. Tajik people are very friendly and hospitable. They are very true to their traditions and customs. This tour is perfect for travelers who are in search of nature adventure and as the same time interested in local culture.

Day 5: Dushanbe - Hissor - Dushanbe
Today is devoted to discover Dushanbe and its surrounding.  The city tour will include Rudake Park, National library, White House, National State Seal, House of parliament and Ministry of Inner Affairs. Later visit the largest National Flag in the world. Its size reaches 165 m high, 30 meters in width and 60 meters in length. The excursion in Central Museum will be very informative. Afternoon, drive to Hisor fort (35km). It dating back to VII-XVII century. It was a palace of Bukhara Emirate in these areas. It was built on the high hill with strong protection: walls reached 1 m thickness. According to researchers in remains, there were a pool and a garden and across from the fortress, there was also a busy market square with a caravanserai and shops. In addition, visit "Madrasa I Kuhna" mosque, which was a new school of 16th-17th centuries. Next is the mausoleum of "Mahdumi Azam", dating back to16th century. Drive back to Dushanbe.

Day 6: Dushanbe - Airport
After breakfast, drive to airport.