Bartang Valley & Wahan Corridor

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  • Itinerary
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Tour Overview

Note: Itineraries can be customized. Contact us for more info.

Highlights

  • Sightseeing of Dushanbe City
  • Pamir and Hindukush Mountains
  • Hot springs (Garm Chashma and Bibi Fotimai Sahro)
  • Ancient Fortres Kahkaha and Yamchun
  • Buddha Stupa in Vrang Village
  • Zoroastrien Shrines in Wakhan Corridor
  • Petroglyphs
  • Kara Kul (Black Lake)
  • Bartang Valley
  • Gisev Gorge

Included

  • All accommodation
  • All transport as outlined
  • Meals – Full Board (B-L-D)
  • 1L bottled water
  • All entrance fees
  • Guide Service

Not Included

  • Visa fee/support
  • Beverages other than water
  • International flights
  • Tips for guide/driver
  • Souvenirs

Day 1: Dushanbe

Our guide will pick you up at the airport and check you into your hotel. The first day will be spent on a guided city tour. First we will visit Rudaki Park, the National library, the Parliament House and the Jomi Theater. Then we will walk through the National park and take pictures of the second biggest National Flag in the world – 165 m high pole, 30 m wide, 60 m long. After a tour in Central Museum you will have lunch. Then you will visit the Gurminj Museum of traditional Musical Instruments and the Kohi Navruz — the most beautiful and largest cultural and recreational center in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. To feel the real life, you should visit the Asian (Mehrgon) Bazaar. There are colorful goods, fruits and vegetables. Today we will see the main sights of Dushanbe and you will learn many interesting facts about the Tajik people. Dinner will be in a traditional restaurant where you will taste Tajik dishes.

Day 2: Dushanbe – Kalay Khumb (Journey to the Roof of the World)

Today we travel to the beautiful village of Kalay Khumb, located in the heart of the Pamir Mountains. On the way, we pass the magnificent Norak Reservoir, often called the “Blue Sea” due to its stunning blue color. The highest point of the day, the Shurabad Pass (2,200 meters), offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

As we continue, the road crosses the Afghan border and takes us to the Pamir Mountains — a place that has long attracted explorers such as Marco Polo, Huang Tsang and Mirza Muhammad Haidar. The breathtaking landscapes here are unlike any other in the world.

The Pyanj River, which serves as a natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, accompanies us as we travel through this magnificent region.

Often called the “Ocean of White and Blue Mountains”, the Pamirs will amaze you. Tonight you will experience local hospitality, giving you a unique opportunity to witness the daily life of the Pamir people in this remote corner of the world.

Day 3: Kalai Khumb – Khorog (Heart of the Pamirs)

Today we continue our journey deeper into the Pamirs as we drive to Khorog, one of the smallest and most remote cities in the world. Tucked between towering rocky mountains on all sides, Khorog is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Shokhdara, Ghund, and the Pyanj River.

As we travel, you’ll encounter local Pamir people, whose unique appearance and culture distinguish them from the rest of the Tajik population. Many Pamiris have light hair, fair skin, and blue or green eyes, reflecting their distinct ancestry and long-standing isolation in the mountains.

The Pamir Mountains, second only to the Himalayas in terms of human settlement at high altitudes, are home to resilient communities with deep-rooted traditions. Their way of life has been shaped by the rugged landscape and centuries of self-reliance, making your visit here a window into a unique and ancient culture.

Upon arrival in Khorog, you’ll have time to explore this charming mountain town — a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Pamirs.

Day 4: Khorog – Ishkashim (Wakhan Valley)

This morning begins with a leisurely exploration of Khorog, including a visit to the lively local market and the tranquil Botanical Garden, one of the highest gardens in the world. Perched high above the city, the garden offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

We then follow the river for 110 km south along the stunning Afghan border to the beautiful Ishkashim Valley. On the way, we stop at Garmcashma, a natural hot spring known for its healing mineral waters. Enjoy an additional dip in the warm pools surrounded by tranquil mountain scenery — a great way to unwind.

As you approach Ishkashim, the breathtaking views become even more breathtaking and you will feel the deep cultural and historical spirit of the Wakhan Corridor, a legendary route of the ancient Silk Road.

Day 5: Day 5: Ishkashim – Langar (Ancient Fortresses & Sacred Springs)

Today’s journey takes us deeper into the Wakhan Valley, rich in history and mysticism. Our first stop is the village of Namadgut, where we’ll visit the Khahkha Fortress, a dramatic structure perched on a rocky outcrop dating back to the 3rd century Kushan Empire.

Next, we continue to Yamchun Fortress, one of the most breathtaking and well-preserved fortresses in the region. Standing high above the valley, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Afghanistan across the river.

Nearby, we’ll visit the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, revered for their healing properties. According to local legend, women come here to enhance fertility, and the warm, mineral-rich waters offer a rejuvenating experience for all.

Later, we explore the Buddhist Stupas of Vrang, dating back to the 4th century, a fascinating reminder of the Silk Road’s religious and cultural diversity. These ancient ruins echo a time when Buddhist pilgrims traveled through this high-mountain corridor.

After a full day of exploration (130 km), we’ll arrive in Langar, where you’ll stay in a traditional Pamiri homestay. Expect warm hospitality, a shared basic bathroom, and Asian-style bedding — mattresses and blankets on the floor in cozy rooms of a Pamiri house.

Day 6: Langar-Alichor-(Bashgunbez)-Murgab

Leaving the lush valleys of the Wakhan Valley behind, we head into the rocky, mostly barren, but nevertheless dramatic landscape of Alichor. If you wish, you can ride a specially prepared Yak Bull and horse from Alichor village to Bashgunbez village. What Yak Bull? Yak Bull is a specially trained Yak for tourists to ride. So we spend the 6th day happily and stay in Bashgunbez village. Alichor (Bashgunbez) is a beautiful village between Khorog and Murgab.

On the 6th day, we will travel from the village of Alichor (Bashgunbez) to the Murgab district via Chesh-Dobo. «Chesh-Dobo» is a high-mountainous area located in the Murgab district of the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region of Tajikistan. This place is located in the eastern part of the Pamir Mountains, at an altitude of more than 3600 meters above sea level. Chesh-Dobo is one of the most interesting places for tourists. The natural beauty of its surroundings, high mountains and the traditional lifestyle of the local people, natural hot springs attract tourists. In particular, taking pictures with yaks and getting acquainted with local culture will be a special experience for tourists. Thus, after an interesting trip, we will go to the Murgab district in a good mood, where we will get acquainted with a hotel and a small market. Murgab is the Pamir Highway we have been waiting for, the route between Khorog and Osh passed through the high mountain terrain of the Tibetan plateau style in 1931.

Day 7: Murghab – Karakul (Over the Roof of Central Asia)

Today’s journey takes us across some of the most dramatic and high-altitude terrain in the Pamirs as we travel to Karakul Lake. Our route climbs to the legendary Ak-Baital Pass — known as “The White Mare Pass” — which, at 4,655 meters, is the highest drivable pass in the former Soviet Union.

Along the way, we make a short detour to visit the remote Shor and Rankul Lakes, perfect spots for a peaceful picnic lunch surrounded by the raw beauty of untouched nature. These high-altitude lakes reflect the snowcapped peaks and add to the surreal landscape of this region.

In the afternoon, we reach the Karakul Lake, one of the largest and highest alpine lakes in Central Asia. Nestled in a barren, lunar-like plateau, the lake was formed millions of years ago by a meteorite impact and remains one of the most geologically unique locations on Earth.

We’ll take a short scenic walk along the lakeshore before arriving at our homestay in Karakul village, where you’ll spend the night. As evening approaches, the views over the lake and surrounding mountains become even more mesmerizing — especially at sunset, when the golden light bathes the snow-dusted peaks in stunning color.

Day 8: Karakul – Jalang (Summur Pasture — A Step into the Wild)

Today, we continue our journey from Karakul to the Jalang Summer Pasture — a remote, untouched region where the beauty of nature remains in its purest form. The drive will take us through rugged landscapes, far removed from civilization.

As we arrive at Jalang, you’ll have the chance to explore ancient petroglyphs — rock carvings that tell stories of the past, etched into the land by ancient cultures. You may also see yaks, the hardy creatures that roam these high-altitude pastures, a symbol of life in the Pamirs.

Tonight, you’ll experience the traditional yurt stay, sleeping in a Mongolian-style tent surrounded by the vast and untouched wilderness. The landscape here is wild and unspoiled, offering spectacular views of the endless natural beauty that defines this region.

This is a chance to fully immerse yourself in the simplicity and serenity of life away from the modern world, under the open sky and surrounded by nature at its finest

Day 9: Jalang – Ghudara (Ancient Tombs & Bartang Valley)

Today’s adventure takes us through the beautiful and remote Bartang Valley. After traveling 50 km from Jalang, we’ll visit the geometric Saka tombs of Shohola, dating back to the second millennium B.C. These ancient tombs are part of the fascinating solar calendar used by the Saka people, and they stand as a testament to the advanced cultures that once thrived in this region.

Continuing on, we’ll drive towards the Kook Jar Pass, where we begin a scenic walk down into the Bartang Valley, renowned for its serene beauty and peaceful surroundings. This valley remains largely untouched, offering a perfect escape into nature.

In the evening, we will arrive in Ghudara, where you will stay in a traditional Pamiri homestay. Experience the warm hospitality of the local people while enjoying a cozy, culturally rich environment. This is a great place to rest and reflect on the ancient history and breathtaking landscapes you’ve encountered.

Day 10: Ghudara – Spunj (Exploring the Heart of the Bartang Valley)

Today we leave behind the rugged mountains of the High Pamir and head towards the lush and charming Bartang Valley, a region known for its striking contrast with the surrounding harsh landscapes. The valley is dotted with small, welcoming villages where the locals carve plots of farmland directly into the mountainsides, creating an impressive sight of terraced fields.

Bartang Valley is often regarded as one of the most remarkable spots in the western Pamirs, with its outstanding opportunities for climbing, rich culture, and the sounds of traditional local musicians that fill the air. The valley’s hospitality and natural beauty are truly unforgettable.

After a scenic journey, we’ll arrive in the village of Spunj, a historically significant location that once served as a shelter for the local people from Afghan slave traders. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to wander through the village, explore its unique architecture, and learn about the local way of life.

Tonight, you will stay in a cozy local homestay, experiencing the warm hospitality and cultural traditions of the Bartang Valley.

Day 11: Spunj – Jizev (Hike to the Hidden Eco-Village)

Today’s journey takes us off the beaten path and into one of the Pamirs’ most serene and untouched gems — Jizev Village. After a short drive to the Jizev junction, we’ll cross the Bartang River via a wooden bridge and begin a gentle 7 km hike through stunning natural surroundings.

Jizev is a unique eco-village, untouched by roads or power lines. There are only about 15 traditional houses nestled in a peaceful valley where locals use solar panels or small generators for electricity. The area is rich in birdlife, herbs, and small alpine lakes scattered along the trail, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers.

As we walk deeper into the valley, we’ll pass through groves and alongside crystal-clear streams, surrounded by majestic mountains. This hike offers a chance to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature.

Overnight in a local homestay, where you’ll experience traditional Pamiri hospitality and fall asleep under the stars in one of the most tranquil corners of the Pamirs.

Day 12: Jizev – Kalai Khumb (Scenic Drive Along the Afghan Border)

After a peaceful night in the tranquil village of Jizev, we begin our return journey from the heart of the Bartang Valley to the town of Kalai Khumb. The drive takes us down the winding mountain roads, offering spectacular views of remote villages, river gorges, and towering cliffs.

We continue along the Panj River, which forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This stretch of the journey is one of the most dramatic and visually stunning, with the narrow road carved into the sides of steep cliffs, twisting and turning through breathtaking mountain landscapes.

As we travel, you’ll see glimpses of Afghan villages on the opposite side of the river and appreciate the rugged beauty of this remote region. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Kalai Khumb, where you’ll have a chance to rest and enjoy the comforts of your guesthouse.

Day 13: Kalai Khumb – Dushanbe (Through the Heart of the Mountains)

After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive back to Dushanbe, traveling through the rugged beauty of the Western Pamir Tract. Our journey takes us over the majestic Khoburubot Pass at an altitude of 3,252 meters, offering breathtaking views of mountain landscapes, deep river valleys, and dramatic gorges.

This mountain road winds through some of the most picturesque and remote regions of Tajikistan. Along the way, we’ll make stops to soak in the views, take photos, and enjoy the serenity of nature. You’ll also pass through charming villages, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of rural Tajiks — a people known for their warm hospitality, deep traditions, and kindness.

This part of the trip is perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to the cultural richness and natural beauty of Tajikistan. We’ll arrive in Dushanbe in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 14: Departure – Farewell and a New Beginning

After an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tajikistan, it’s time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure.

We hope you leave with a deep connection to the culture, mountains, and warm people of Tajikistan, beautiful memories, and amazing photos.

Safe travels and we hope to see you again!

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