Lakes of the Pamir

Name of tour: Lakes of the Pamir

Duration: 7 days & 6 nights

Day 1: Kyrgyz border – Karakul Lake – Murgab
On our first day we will travelling to Tajikistan. Along the Panir Tract highway, there is a beautiful lake of Karakul. It is a light-blue alpine lake. In fact, it is the highest large lake in the world (3815 m). The name of the lake has a meaning of “The Black Lake ''. We will have a shortstop for you to take photos of the lake. Then we head to Murgab. There is a saying that not seeing Murgab is equal to not visiting the Pamir in the first place. Murgab is considered to be the Roof of the World. Along the way, there is a high mountain pass of Ak Baital. The elevation of the pass is 4 655 m. Murgab has a landscape that is oftentimes compared to the moon’s surface. The overnight stay is in a guest house.

Day 2: Murgab – Yashil Kul Lake – Bulunkul Lake – Langar
On this day we will be heading to beautiful lakes of the Pamir during your tour. These are Yashil Kul and Bulunkul that are located in the district of Murghab at an altitude of 3700 m. Under the direct lights of the sun, the lakes appear to show colors in between violet and dark-blue. The lakes also demonstrate an abundance of fish species. One can also find yaks in the area. They are quite unique in the sense that they provide both milk and meat while also serving as a beast of burden. They share characteristics of both cow and sheep. On our way, we will also go through the high mountain pass of Naizatash (4137 m). In the afternoon we will continue our way to Langar. The night is in a homestay.
 
Day 3: Langar – Khorog
We leave Langar and will be travelling along the Pamir Tract to Khorog. The highway itself is, in fact, the second-highest mountain road coming behind the Tibet highway. Most of the highway is on the elevation above 4000 m. There is also a mountain pass of Koitezak (4271 m). This place with barely accessible landscapes with rocky mountains has its own unique biodiversity in Tajikistan. The fauna of the place features Turkestan rat, grizzly bear, tiger-cat, stoat, fox, badger and etc. There is also a large population of Marco Polo sheep and a big population of the snow leopard which are under threat of going extinct. The overnight stay is in a guest house.
 
Day 4: Khorog – Kalai Khum
The rocky mountains at a high altitude of over 6000 meters made it barely possible to build a road. As we will be passing the Pamirs, you have a great opportunity to get to know the ethnography, history, and day-to-day life of mountain dwellers, while enjoying the beauty of untouched nature. Along the way, we will have a few stops in villages to meet locals and see their lifestyle. There are villages to both sides of the river that goes in narrow valleys between mountains. On the other side of the river there Afgan stony villages with its gardens.
 
Day 5: Kalai Khum – Khoburubot – Dushanbe
We start driving towards the city of Dushanbe in the morning. We will be driving over the mountain pass of Khoburubot (3252 m). The road which is known as the Western Pamir Tract goes through beautiful valleys and gorges with rivers that make up for a great spot to stop, have a rest, and take photos of nature. Along the way, you will meet very hospitable and kind-hearted locals in small villages. These people are proud of highly respect their traditions and folklore. Those who are into ethnic and cultural explorations will not be disappointed as well as those who are big lovers of exotics and wild nature. Dinner will be served in a restaurant. The overnight is in a hotel.
 
Day 6: Dushanbe – Hissor – Dushanbe
A guided tour of a city will take up most of the day in Tajikistan. The route of the tour includes the House of parliament, White House, National library, National state seal, and Rudake Park. We will take a walk to the Ministry of Inner Affairs and to the biggest national flag in the world which is on the 165 m tall pole. The dimension of the flag is 30 to 60 meters. You will also get to visit the Central Museum where you will have an excursion. After this, we will drive 35 km to the fortress of the VII century, Hisor fortress. The historic site features a fortress and citadel. The fortress served as a residence for the delegate of the Emir of Bukhara. It was well-defended construction with walls that are 1 m thick. It stood on high ground and had loopholes for guns and cannons. Inside the fortress had a market square with caravanserais and shops. Nowadays, the entrance gates with towers are all that remains from the fortress. The site also has recently restored monuments of Madrasa I Kuhna (school of 16th-17th centuries), mosque, and the mausoleum of Mahdumi Azam. By the end of the day, we return to Dushanbe. The night is in a hotel.
 
Day 7: Dushanbe – Airport
Transfer to the airport is in the morning.