Tour to Khorog and Murgab

Program’s name: Tour to Khorog and Murgab

Quantity of days: 8

Day 1: Dushanbe – Khoburubot – Kalai Khum 
Today you will drive Kalai Khum village through exciting mountain road of Tajikistan. 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 mesmerizing pictures on your camera. En route, it is possible to see local people, and even talk with them. Tajik people are very warm-hearted, hardworking and friendly by the nature. They always respect the traditions and customs of their ancestors. This tour will not provide only beautiful nature, but also make you experience the local culture and history.

Day 2: Kalai Khum – Khorog
Today we will drive to Khorog. Khorog 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 stop to say hello to Pamir people, who considerably different from Tajik people during the tour. 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 3: Khorog – Murgab
In Pamir it is often said that “visiting these areas without coming to Murgab does not mean visiting Pamir” Murgab is the heart of Pamir, therefore it is called the Rood of the World. After breakfast, we will move to Murgab town in Tajikistan. On the way, there are many passes above 6 000 meters, which we need to overcome. Most of the travelers associate the amazing scenery of Murgab with the surface of the Moon. This comparison addresses the uniqueness and hardly reachable location of  Murgab during your tour. The elevation and isolation of this place is similar to Arctic climate. The weather is often characterized by dry air, short and cool summers and almost snowless, harsh, and freezing winters. After arrival, stay in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Murgab – Yashil Kul Lake – Bulunkul Lake – Langar
There are many beautiful alpine lakes in Pamir. Some of them are Yashil Kul and Bulunkul (Blue lakes), which located at the altitude of 3 700 m in Murghab region. The Bulunkul Lake changes its color according to the sunlight: from violet to dark-blue. Species of fish like are found in abundance in the lake. Moreover, you will be lucky to see half-wild yak. It is one kind of animal, which has characteristics of cow and sheep. Local people use yaks for milk and meat, because they do not need much care as far as they live in the mountain terrain. In order to get to the lake, Naizatash pass (4 137 m). In the afternoon, drive to Langar and rest in a homestay.

Day 5: Langar – Khorog
Today you will go along the Tajik-Afghan border to Khorog village, which is situated in the middle of the Asia during your tour in Tajikistan. The snow-capped majestic mountains, eternal glaciers, silver blue rivers and vast valleys and endless deserts characterize famous Pamir Mountains. It is obvious why these mountains called as “the Roof of the World”. The average elevation of Pamir is between 3500 m and 4200 m. It is one of the high and rare place in the world; therefore, inhabitants of this place could preserve the real ethnic and cultural traditions. For centuries, Pamir people live in these areas were divided by the high mountains, which led to the development of difference in culture and languages, causing different dialects and enclaves. Night will be in guesthouse.

Day 6: Khorog – Kalai Khum
After breakfast, drive back to Kalai Khum, taking the same way. Due to the high mountains around, there is only one road goes through. There is no alternative way was built. Except the magnificent beauty of the Pamir, travelling through these areas provides an opportunity to learn more about the developing 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. Most of the settlements are on the both sides of the river, just on other side you will be able to see Afghan villages. You will spend a night in a homestay.

Day 7: Kalai Khum – Norak – Dushanbe
In the morning, depart 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. Arrive to city and stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Dushanbe – Airport
After enjoying breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you to airport.