Glimpses of Pamir

Itinerary name: Glimpses of Pamir

Day-by-day program:

Day 1: Dushanbe – Hissor – Dushanbe
Today you will have a city tour full of cultural and historical sightseeing of the city Dushanbe. You will start from the architectural monuments like National library, White House, National State Seal, and House of Parliament and beautiful Rudake Park. Later you can walk to the largest National Flag of the world. The flag of Tajikistan reaches 165 m height, 30 m width and 60 m length. Before having lunch in the local restaurant, there will be detailed excursion in Central Museum. Afternoon, you will drive about 40minutes from the city to visit Hissor fortress, dating back to VII–XVII centuries. During medieval ages, this place used to host the representatives of Bukhara Emirate here. Nowadays it includes citadel and fortified are of remains. Originally, it was protected with high strong walls and even has many holes for guns and barrels. Its location on the hill means that it was good for protection from external attacks. Archeological researches found the facts about a pool, a big garden and a busy market square with a caravan sarai and shops. All these were in the boundaries of the fort. Nowadays only two towers next to the main gate has preserved. Another remarkable sites are “Madrasa I Kuhna” mosque dating back to 16th-17th centuries, the mausoleum of “Mahdumi Azam” from16th century. However, these monuments were reconstructed recently. Drive back to the city and rest in a hotel.

Day 2: Dushanbe – Khoburubot – Kalai Khum  
Today you will drive Kalai Khum village through exciting mountain road. The road goes via Khoburubot Pass, reaching 3 252 m on the famous Western Pamir Tract. On the way, you will see magnificent beauty of mountain rivers and wide valleys. You will definitely have some shots of mesmerizing pictures on your camera. En route, it is possible to see local people, and even talk with them. Tajik people are famous with their warm-hearted, hardworking and friendly nature. They always respect their traditions and customs. During this travel you will have a great opportunity not only discover wonderful nature, but also learn about charming culture of local people. Overnight in a local family homestay.

Day 3: Kalai Khum – Khorog
After enjoying breakfast, drive to Khorog. It is the smallest city occupied with mountains from the all sides.  Khorog is located on the crossroads of three river, where Shokhdara river and Ghund river join to Pyanj river. On the route to Khorog, you will meet Pamir people, who considerably different from Tajik people. Most of the Pamiris are with blonde hair, light skin and blue eyes. The interesting fact is that Pamir Mountains are second highest populated area after the Himalayas in Tibet. Therefore, the mountain life of the local people make them different from Tajik people. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Khorog – Kalai Khum
In the morning, drive back to Kalai Khum, taking the same way. Due to the high mountains around which reach 6000 meters, there is only one road goes through. Except the magnificent beauty of the Pamir, travelling through these areas provides an opportunity to learn more about the development of history, culture and life style of the mountain habitants. In the end, it gives an idea of how the history of the human beings advanced to the modern civilization. En route, possible to take a break in a small village to meet local people and observe their life by communicating. It is possible to see settlements on the both sides of the river, on other side you will be able to see Afghan villages. You will spend a night in a homestay.

Day 5: Kalai Khum – Norak – Dushanbe
In the morning, transfer to Dushanbe through Norak water reservoir. Today will be the last day driving along the Afghanistan border. Before the end, you will enjoy the legendary Pamir Mountains. Today you will reach 2,267m at highest point, which is Shuraba Pass.  The world’s most famous travelers like Marco Polo, Hsuan Tsang, Mirza Muhammad Haidar  were impressed by these majestic mountains. The natural define of the Afghan-Tajik border is River Pyanj. Most of the explorers and travelers associated Pamir Mountain with the ocean of blue and white mountains. En route, you will see the biggest reservoir Norak, which is often associated with sea.  Arrive to city and stay in a hotel.

Day 6: Dushanbe – Airport
After breakfast, transfer to airport according to flight schedule.