Pamir Highway and Silk Road

Arrival in the international airport “Manas” (Bishkek). Domestic flight to Osh. Meeting at the airport of Osh. Transfer and check in at the hotel after 14:00. Leisure time.

Osh, known as the "southern capital", is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 963 meters above sea level, on the southeastern edge of the fertile Ferghana Valley, right at the foot of the Pamir-Alay mountains.

Depending on your arrival time, we recommend taking a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit the local bazaar or the shopping street filled with dozens of shops and street food options. If you’d like, you can take the stairway trail up to the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain, which takes about half an hour to reach the viewpoint at 1092 meters. From there, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the entire city of Osh. At this viewpoint, you'll find a massive flag of Kyrgyzstan waving and a small mosque called Babur's house (15th-16th centuries), who was the grandson of Tamerlane. The setting of this mountain right in the city center adds to its appeal, and if you go closer to sunset, you'll catch the most breathtaking views.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: lunch, dinner

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Transfer along the Pamir Highway. The drive promises to be incredibly scenic, so grab a window seat: we’ll see red mountains and rivers, the vastness of the Alay Valley, and the dizzying serpentine road of the Taldyk Pass (3600 m), and finally, the snowy northern face of the seven-thousander, Lenin Peak (7134 m).

Upon arrival at the yurt camp, situated in the Edelweiss Meadow (3600 m) with the best views of Lenin Peak, we’ll check-in and enjoy lunch.

Afterward, we’ll take a walk to the Lukovaya (Leek) Meadow (3800 m) – a protected meadow that was once place for climbing camps but is now inhabited only by marmots and wild green onions. During the height of the swift Pamir summer, the meadow turns into a vibrant green carpet with a riot of colors, and by the end of August, it becomes a silent realm painted in ochre hues.

We'll follow a beautiful route along the edge of the Achik-Tash Canyon, where we’ll see whimsical pillar-like rocks, a conical pyramid, the confluence of two rivers, and colorful mountains. We’ll hear the rush of water and the resonant silence of the stones.

Walking time: 2 hrs; altitude difference: +250 m, -250 m.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Travel time: 5–6 hrs; altitude difference: -260 m, +260 m.

We’ll start this morning with an easy hiking along the picturesque "fjords" of the Achik-Tash Valley, dotted with a variety of beautiful, colorful lakes. Some of them even join together, changing shapes every year. Their sparkling turquoise surface reflects the impressive peaks of the Pamirs, and herds of yaks often graze along the shores.

Next, we’ll head to the large, pristine Tulpar-Kol Lake. We’ll descend to the river and cross a bridge to the other side, where the sacred lake lies. The locals believe one shouldn't take water, bathe, and feed cattle or fish. According to shepherds, it's best to come to the lake with a clear mind. You can pray on the shore, dip sick parts of your body or sprinkle them with water, and you'll definitely receive healing. We’ll walk around the lake, taking in its winding shapes from different view points, and learn about the daily life and traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz whose yurts are nearby. Along the way, we may encounter donkeys, horses, and untouched meadows filled with delicate blooming edelweiss, vibrant buttercups, and alpine forget-me-nots.

Return to the yurt camp. Culinary master class on cooking Uzgen plov.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

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After breakfast at the yurt camp, we will set out for the "Kyzyl-Art" Kyrgyz-Tajik land border.The journey includes an ascent to the Kyzyl-Art Pass (4280 m) through the Trans Alay Range. 

Following border formalities, we continue to the picturesque high-altitude Karakul Lake (3914 m). Karakul, meaning "Black Lake" in Turkic, is an endorheic glacial-tectonic lake formed approximately 25 million years ago by a meteorite impact. Situated 100 meters higher than Lake Titicaca in the Andes, Karakul is surrounded by barren rocky ridges, with its western edges descending directly into the lake and the eastern ridges standing several kilometers away. The crater has a diameter of 45 km, and the lake covers an area of 380 sq. km (excluding islands) with a maximum depth of around 240 meters.

After a roadside lunch, the journey continues to Murghab via the Ak-Baital Pass (4655 m), one of the highest drivable pass in the world.

Murghab, the highest settlement in Tajikistan and all of Central Asia, is located on the Murghab Plateau. Founded in the late 19th century as the Pamir Post of the Russian Empire, Murghab is home to a bazaar and craft shops where you can purchase unique handmade items crafted by Pamiri artisans: handwoven carpets, traditional hats (kalpaks), bags, embroidered textiles, and other souvenirs.

Accommodation at a local hotel and dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Transfer to Langar, a high-altitude village in the Wakhan Valley of the Southern Pamirs.

The journey takes you through the Wakhan Corridor, a remote and rarely visited region that is part of the historical and cultural Gorno-Badakhshan (“Mountain Badakhshan”) autonomous region. This narrow strip of land, bordered by the Pamir ranges to the north and the Hindu Kush mountains to the south, connects Afghanistan and China along the upper reaches of the Panj and Wakhan rivers. Prepare for dizzying switchbacks and steep slopes as the road winds along high terraces. On clear days, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped seven-thousanders of the Hindu Kush, the highest peaks of Afghanistan.

Arriving in Langar, situated at an altitude of 3000 meters and surrounded by towering peaks of the Pamirs and Hindu Kush, you’ll experience the unique lifestyle and traditions of the local Wakhi people. Langar is famous for its ancient petroglyphs – over 6,000 rock carvings depicting scenes of hunting, caravans, and horsemen have been discovered here. The village also features a small local museum and the Shrine of Shoh Kambari Oftob, the man who brought Ismailism to the region. This mausoleum is a sacred site where traditional mountain rituals are still performed.

The Aryan peoples inhabiting the Wakhan Valley are extraordinarily fascinating. Their culture reflects a vivid and unique blend of various religions, traditions, and philosophies, all while maintaining a deep sense of unity and harmony with the surrounding majestic mountains. The history of the Wakhan bears the footprints of Alexander the Great and his army, who propagated Greco-Buddhism here; Tibetan Buddhists, who founded massive monasteries; Arabs, who brought Islam; and Mongol conquerors, whose assistance was sought by Sunni and Ismaili factions in their struggles against each other.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Transfer to the village of Ishkashim, with a stop at Jamg along the way. Sightseeing in Jamg: visit the tomb and reconstructed house-museum of the renowned scholar, inventor, poet, and musician Sufi Mubarak Kadam. You’ll also see a stone with a hole that was used as a sundial over 700 years ago.

We will also stop at the Bibi Fatima hot springs, famous for their legendary healing properties. The name of the springs is associated with Fatima, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad. The water, which maintains a constant temperature of +40°C throughout the year, contains radon and other minerals, giving it unique therapeutic qualities. The springs emerge from the rock in two places, referred to by locals as “Fatima’s sleeves.” There is a small infrastructure around the springs, including a pool, changing rooms, and relaxation areas. You can also descend a staircase to enjoy a refreshing shower under a small natural waterfall.

Lunch will be provided as boxed meals en route.

Arrival in Ishkashim.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Transfer to Khorog, the administrative center of Gorno-Badakhshan, a charming green town surrounded by towering poplar trees and traditional Pamiri houses on its outskirts. Nestled in a deep gorge at 2200 meters above sea level, near the confluence of the Gunt and Panj Rivers, Khorog is protected from strong winds and harsh winters, enjoying warm, dry summers. The town is famous for its lush gardens filled with apple, apricot, and mulberry trees.

Upon arrival in Khorog, check-in at the hotel. Sightseeing in Khorog: visit the Pamir Botanical Garden, the second highest botanical garden in the world (after Nepal’s), featuring a unique collection of flora from across the globe. The garden is located on river terraces above the eastern part of Khorog at an altitude of 2320 meters, offering stunning views. Next, explore the History and Ethnography Museum, showcasing fascinating exhibits on the region’s history, art, and crafts. A standout artifact is the first piano brought to the Pamirs, carried by ten soldiers on foot from Osh in 1914 for the daughter of a local ruler. The soldiers followed much the same route we have traveled over the past few days, but without the convenience of modern transport.

Finally, stop by the local bazar, where you can purchase fresh produce, fruits, and local specialties.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Transfer to the village of Kalai-Khumb with a stop at the ancient site of Karon, located at an altitude of around 2000 meters in the Darvaz District of Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan. This archaeological treasure is an ancient monument of architecture and culture, with excavations that began in 2013.

Lunch en route. Arrival in Kalai-Khumb, a small town near the Afghan border, situated at the confluence of the Khumbob and Panj Rivers. This settlement, located at an altitude of 1200 meters, has a population of around 2,000 people. Its name translates from Tajik as "Fortress at the Bottom of a Jug." Kalai-Khumb was founded in the 15th century as a fortress along the Khumbob River and served as the capital of the independent Tajik principality of Darvaz (meaning "gateway") until the mid-19th century.

The Darvaz District is known for its fertile land and agricultural production. Locally grown crops include grains, melons (watermelons and cantaloupes), vegetables, and fruits. In Kalaikhumb, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the region’s finest pomegranates, figs, persimmons, pistachios, and almonds, freshly harvested from the surrounding areas.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Transfer to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, with stops at the Mausoleum of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and Hulbuk Fortress along the way.

Lunch in the city of Kulob.

Arrival in Dushanbe, a vibrant and sunny city with a well-developed infrastructure, known for its numerous streets, avenues, and squares named after poets and writers. The name "Dushanbe" translates from Tajik as "Monday," as the city grew around a crossroads where a major market was held on Mondays.

Leisure time, rest.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sightseeing in Dushanbe: visit to the National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan, home to a unique collection of ancient artifacts, including the centerpiece, the colossal statue "Buddha in Nirvana," measuring 12.9 meters in length and weighing 5.5 tons (6th–8th centuries), dating back to the 6th–8th centuries. A walk through Rudaki Park, Central Park, the Ismail Samani Monument, and the Flagpole.

Transfer to the ruins of the ancient Hissar Fortress (18th century, 30 km from Dushanbe). Visit to two madrasahs from the 18th–19th centuries and a 16th-century mausoleum. Visit to Mehrgon Bazaar, where you can experience the authentic spirit of Tajikistan and witness the traditional Eastern art of trade.

Return to Dushanbe.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

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Transfer to the mountain village of Margeb. A walk through the village offers a glimpse into traditional dairy processing methods and the daily life of local shepherds tending their herds.

Lunch.

Transfer  to the high-altitude Iskanderkul Lake, located at 2,195 meters in the Fann Mountains. Named after Alexander the Great, this lake is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Central Asia. As we approach Iskanderkul, breathtaking panoramic views unfold.

Accommodation in a cottage near Iskanderkul Lake.

Overnight in the cottage.

 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we take a short and easy hike to a spectacular waterfall known as "The Fann Niagara". Located in a narrow scenic gorge on the Iskanderdarya River, this 43-meter-high cascade is one of the region’s most picturesque sights. A viewing platform offers the best vantage point to admire the waterfall.

Transfer to Penjikent, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history spanning 5,500 years. Known as "Pompeii of Central Asia", Penjikent was a major cultural and artisanal center of Zoroastrian Sogdiana. It was renowned for its remarkable beauty and architecture. Unique Sogdian murals can still be found on the city's outskirts.

Sightseeing in Penjikent: Rudaki Museum, dedicated to the renowned Persian poet born here; ruins of ancient Sogdian Penjikent (5th–8th centuries), where the remains of residential buildings, a citadel with Zoroastrian fire temples, wall paintings, and traces of the old city bazaar have been preserved. Visit to the local bazaar, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast

Transfer to the Seven Lakes region (Marguzor Lakes).

En route, visit the ancient Sogdian settlement of Sarazm (4th–3rd millennium BCE), one of the oldest sites in Central Asia and Tajikistan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarazm was a key hub on the Great Lapis Lazuli Route, which later became part of the famous Silk Road. The site preserves ruins of palatial and religious structures, and significant discoveries here include jewelry made of precious stones and seashells.

Arrival in the Haftkul Valley, where seven stunning, multicolored lakes are nestled in the valley of the Shing River, at altitudes ranging from 1,598 to 2,400 meters. Enjoy a light hike along scenic mountain trails, followed by a picnic on the shore of one of the lakes.

After lunch, transfer to the Jartepa land border checkpoint, where we complete border and customs formalities. Upon crossing into Uzbekistan, meet the driver on the Uzbek side.

Transfer to Samarkand. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and rest.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast, lunch

Sightseeing in Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road and a city of legendary beauty.

Visit Registan Square, the most famous square in Central Asia, surrounded by three monumental madrasahs – Sher-Dor, Tillya-Kari, and Ulugbek Madrasah. Discover the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the grand dynastic tomb of Tamerlane, which later inspired the design of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Admire Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the largest congregational mosque in Central Asia, renowned for its majestic architecture. Stroll through Siab Bazaar, the city’s largest and most vibrant market, offering an authentic taste of local culture.

Visit the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, a breathtaking ensemble of 11 medieval mausoleums adorned with exquisite tilework. Explore the museum of Ulugbek Observatory, one of the greatest astronomical centers of the medieval world, where a fragment of the giant underground sextant used for celestial calculations is still preserved.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast

08:00 – transfer to Gijduvan, a town renowned for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Visit the Narzullaev family, a dynasty of master potters, to learn about the Gijduvan school of ceramics, from shaping and firing to intricate hand-painting.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at the potters' home, featuring a tasting of the famous Gijduvan kebabs.

Continue to Bukhara, one of Uzbekistan’s most ancient cities and a key stop along the Great Silk Road. In the Middle Ages, Bukhara was a major political, cultural, and religious hub of the Islamic world. Today, more than 140 architectural monuments remain, including grand madrasahs, mosques, and the iconic Kalon Minaret, as well as the Ark Fortress, medieval bathhouses, and domed trading markets. The historical center of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Out-of-town guided sightseeing tour (4 km from Bukhara): visit the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the opulent summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, blending Oriental and European architectural styles.

Upon arrival in Bukhara, check-in at the hotel. Sightseeing in Bukhara: starting with Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, the city’s most famous square with an artificial pond, surrounded by the Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, and Khanqah. Nearby is the beloved statue of Nasreddin Hodja, a legendary folk character. Explore the domed shopping arcade of the 16th century, where local artisans continue the traditions of silk weaving, embroidery, metalwork, and ceramics.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast, lunch

Continuation of the Bukhara Sightseeing Tour: 

Visit to the Samanid Mausoleum, a dynastic tomb blending Sogdian and Islamic architectural traditions, considered one of the finest examples of early Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

Explore the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, an unusual structure shaped like an elongated prism, associated with biblical legends of Job (Ayub), who is said to have struck the ground here, bringing forth a sacred spring.

The tour continues at the Bolo-Hauz Complex, a historic landmark of Bukhara’s Registan Square. This ensemble consists of a picturesque water reservoir, a minaret, and a mosque, adorned with 20 intricately carved wooden columns.

Step inside the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel known as a "city within a city." This massive stronghold once housed Bukhara’s rulers and remains one of the most significant monuments of the city's past.

Discover the Poi-Kalyan Complex, the central architectural ensemble and the most iconic symbol of Bukhara, featuring the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah.

Admire the Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, a masterpiece of Islamic artistry, richly decorated with intricate patterns and vibrant ornamental details.

Finally, visit the Ulugbek Madrasah, a striking example of Timurid-era educational architecture, with its balanced and refined design reflecting the ruler's passion for science and learning.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Transfer to Khiva via the famous Kyzylkum Desert, following the ancient route once traveled by countless Silk Road caravans. The name "Kyzylkum" translates from Turkic as "Red Sands", and indeed, the desert’s sand has a distinctive reddish hue. Along the way, we will make several stops to walk along picturesque dunes and admire one of the two largest rivers in the region – the Amu Darya.

Arrival in Khiva. Evening walking through the historic district of Ichan-Kala (18th century) – the walled inner city of Old Khiva, a state museum-reserve surrounded by imposing fortress walls.

Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Khiva is a stunning, well-preserved example of a medieval Eastern city, seemingly untouched by time. Ichan-Kala, the inner city, appears like a scene from an Oriental fairy tale, where every building is a unique architectural masterpiece and an important historical landmark.

Sightseeing in Khiva (Ichan-Kala): Pahlavan Mahmud Complex, a revered pilgrimage site; Kunya Ark Fortress, the heart of Ichan-Kala, once the citadel of Khiva’s rulers – a "city within a city"; Islam Khoja Madrasah and Minaret, the tallest minaret in Khiva (56.6 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city; Tash Hauli Palace, the main residence of Khivan rulers, known for its elaborate courtyards and intricate tilework; Allakuli Khan Madrasah, home to the Ibn Sina Museum of Medical History, dedicated to Avicenna’s contributions to medicine; Juma Mosque, the city’s central and most unusual mosque, featuring 213 intricately carved wooden columns; Muhammad Amin Khan Minaret and Madrasah, the largest madrasah in Khiva and one of the most impressive in Central Asia.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Meals: breakfast

Group transfer from Khiva to Urgench Airport. End of the tour program.

 Meals: breakfast