Dushanbe

Welcome to mountainous Tajikistan! Upon arrival at Dushanbe airport, meet your private guide and the driver, who will escort you to the hotel downtown.

National Museum of Antiquities

After a short break, kick off your 12 days Tajikistan tour itinerary with the National Museum of Antiquities, which houses a large collection of authentic historical artifacts.

Victory Park

Then, head to Victory Park, which was built to commemorate the Soviet-Tajik fallen soldiers in World War II.

Afterward, proceed to the Botanical Garden to admire native and exotic trees and shrubs.

Hisor Fortress

This morning, we’ll drive for an hour to visit the hilltop Hisor Fortress in the western suburbs of Dushanbe.

Rudaki Park

Then, return to downtown and wander around the Rudaki Park, which is dedicated to Abdullah Rudaki (858-941), the founder of Persian classical literature.

National Library of Tajikistan

Afterward, admire some of the city's landmarks from the exterior: the National Library, the Palace of Nations, the Stele with the Emblem of Tajikistan, the Parliament, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Dushanbe Flagpole. At the nearby Somoni Square, pay your respects to the Statue of Ismoil Somoni, revered as the "Father of the Tajik Nation".

National Museum of Tajikistan

Next, visit the National Museum and learn about the ancient, medieval and modern histories of Tajikistan.

Navruz Palace

Then, be spellbound by the grand Navruz Palace, where national and international conferences are held. At last, head to the Asian Bazaar, which is indispensable for experiencing the indigenous life in Central Asia.

After breakfast, we will proceed to Kalai-Khumb Village. On the way, pass by the Nurek Water Reservoir and Shuraba Pass 2,267 meters above sea level, and then drive along the border of Afghanistan and enter the Pamirs. The average altitude of Pamir is more than 4,500 meters, where the beauty of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and lakes will definitely impress you. Stay one night in Kalai-Khumb.

Khorog

Today we will head to Khorog along the M41 highway which is accompanied by the Panj River. On the other side of the river is Afghanistan. During the trip, we may happen to meet simple Pamiris. The Pamir Plateau is one of the few areas in Central Asia that retain the ancient ethnic and cultural characteristics of the Pamirs. Check in the hotel on arrival.

Botanical Garden

After breakfast, enjoy a short hike at the Botanical Garden near Khorog, one of the world’s highest of its kind.

Sacred Spring Chiluchor Chashma

Afterward, drive southward for 1.5 hours to the Garm Chashma Hot Spring, once a resting spot on the Silk Road. Then, another 2-hour drive leads you to Ishkashim, the starting point of the Wakhan Corridor. Keep driving until a bridge pops into view, across which lies a town also named Ishkashim in Afghanistan. Upon arriving at Ishkashim, check in at the guesthouse. Since the network signal can be poor from here, you can contact your family in advance to let them know that you are safe.

★ Drive into the Fold of the Earth - Wakhan Corridor! Today, we’ll explore the Wakhan Corridor, which was once a significant part of the ancient Silk Road. The first stop will be Yamchun Village. Upon arrival in the village, visit Kaahka Fortress, which was built in the 3rd century, and the Yamchun Fortress, which is 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. Continue a 5-minute drive up the fortress and we’ll arrive at the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs.

Continue a 5-minute drive up the fortress and we’ll arrive at the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs. We’ll also pass by Vrang Village, known for its five-story stone stepped Buddhist pyramid.

Then, proceed to Yamg Village and you’ll be accompanied to visit the hillside House-Museum of Mubarak Kadam Wakhani. Continue driving eastward to Langar Village, the largest stopover point tucked away in the Wakhan Valley. Upon arrival, check in at the guesthouse.

Yashilkul Lake

Today, our first stop is Petroglyphs in Langar, which vividly depict cute carvings like goats, yaks, and human images. Afterward, leave Langar and pass through the 4,344-meter (14,252-foot) high Khargush Pass. After a 3-hour drive, arrive at the Yashilkul Lake and Bulunkul Lake, both sitting 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level, and enjoy a scenic walking tour around them. About 1.5 kilometers away is the Bulunkul Lake, which is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains, sand dunes, and relatively lush vegetation.

Murghab

Continue heading northeast, and we will arrive at Murghab in 3 hours. Tonight, rest at a local hotel in Murghab.

Lake Karakul

After breakfast, we’ll head to Lake Karakul through the 4,655-meter (15,272-foot) high AK-Baital Pass, the highest point of M41. Hike for 1.5 hours to soak up the tranquil atmosphere, and appreciate the stunning scene of the lake reflecting three dramatic peaks: Muztagh Ata (meaning the ‘Father of Ice Mountain’), Kongur Peak, and Kongur Tiube. Around the lake live the hospitable Kyrgyz people, who make a living by herding yaks, sheep, and goats.

Murghab

At last, drive back to Murghab, taking about 3 hours.

Khorog

Today, we’ll backtrack to Khorog via the Pamir Highway and pass by the 4,271-meter (14,012-foot) high bumpy Koitezek Pass. If you feel sick, tell your driver and we’ll stop for a while to let you recover. En route, admire the mighty Ghund River alongside stunning cliffs flowing westwards, green fir trees in the valley, and blue and gray iron roofs scattered around. After reaching Khorog, enjoy a rest or chat with the locals. Khorog has relatively good educational facilities, and lots of young people can speak English.

Today, we’ll go back to Kalai-Khumb along the way you came. En route, chase the downstream Panj River and stop at a village on the riverbank to learn about the locals’ lives. Simple white flat- and sloping-roofed cottages stand on the vast land, some of which had weathered into a yellowish color over time, with utility poles nearing. Enter the house decorated with a red and blue carpeted bed and floor, have a chat with the locals, and listen to their stories about the Pamir life, where the warm stove dispels the coldness.

Dushanbe

Today, we’re going back to Dushanbe. En route, drive by the Khaburabot Pass, 3,252 meters (10,669 feet) above sea level. This is the first major mountain pass along the Pamir Highway near Dushanbe, with rugged and poorly maintained terrain due to natural disasters like avalanches and landslides. However, you’ll be rewarded with the hill-surrounded scenery along the way: the towering and snowy summits, villages dotted at the foot of the mountains, pale orange mud houses, and industrious and hospitable villagers. After arriving in Dushanbe, check in at the hotel.

Dushanbe

AS the 12 days Tajikistan tour comes to an end, today the guide will send you to Dushanbe International Airport for your homeward flight. Wish you a pleasant trip!