Adventure awaits in rugged and remote Tajikistan
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan sprawl across the vast expanses of Central Asia but are still hidden from many visitor’s minds, despite offering outstanding beauty, simplicity and a feeling of complete remoteness. The allure lies in the heritage of the Silk Road, where ideas, culture and people flowed from East to West, and in the green field backcountry and sweeping mountain landscapes that play host to the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Journey through cities featuring crumbling reminders of Soviet occupation and influence and out into the stunning wilds, where the ancient history of these long-lived nations – Persian and Mongol, Buddhist and Muslim – becomes clearer. While political and military forces have battled over these regions, life in these isolated areas has changed little in the past centuries – the families you will stay with in their homes have remained, while empires have fallen.
Experience the legendary hospitality of Central Asia. With five nights spent across Tajikistan's excellent homestay network, you'll immerse yourself in local life
Skirting the border with Afghanistan, get glimpses of the other side, from the hair-raising Afghan-built footbridges (ovrings) to the exotic imports on display in Khorog's local bazaar
Enjoy a picnic lunch as you take in the splendour of Karakul, the largest lake of some 800 in the Pamirs
Soaring along the iconic Pamir Highway is an unforgettable experience, especially in fine weather when the mighty peak of Muztag Ata rears its head
Dushanbe is perfect final stop. With included visits to the Hissor Fort and National Museum of Antiquities, you can discover the nation's capital while learning more about the country's fascinating past
This trip visits places as high as 5,000 metres above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this.
The varied terrain of Tajikistan also makes for extremely varied weather. Temperatures can range from below freezing to over 40ºC so check the weather forecast online before you visit and pack accordingly.
Medical facilities can be as far away as 2-3 days' drive at times, as some locations are very remote. During this journey the group will spend time in remote areas without home comforts or easy access to medical facilities. You will need to have excellent physical health to join this trip.
In the Pamirs you'll stay in local homestays, with the whole group often sleeping in one large room on mattresses on the floor. Bathroom facilities are outdoors, and it won't be possible to take a shower every night of the trip.
Daily drives range from 3 to 10 hours in duration. Depending on passenger numbers, the group may be split into two vehicles. Though the longer travel days and single night overnight stays can be tiring, you'll be in a private vehicle, and much of the scenery in this part of the world is simply stunning.
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tajikistan Discovery trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
2. A Single Supplement is available for this trip, excluding nights in home stays.
3. You will need to obtain your Tajikistan e-visa & GBAO permit before travelling on this trip.
Our Tajikistan Discovery trips score an average of 3.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews in the last year.
This awesome trip took in stunning, truly stunning, scenery across the mountains and in the Wakhan valley. Sasha (driver) and Jam (guide) were both really good and looked after us well. The accommodation really is very basic but allows an exceptional itinerary. Tajik loos are atrocious. I hope you like lamb. I loved this trip and dream of the Panj Valley on the Afghan border.
Review submitted 11 Oct 2017
If remote places fascinate you, check this tour out. Bureaucracy: Kyrgyzstan - no visa; Tajikistan - on line within 24 hours in my case. Bishkek and Dushanbe are modernising capital cities with new public buildings and quite good restaurants. Osh is a pleasant market town. The Pamirs are starkly desolate. The Panj River marking the border of Tajikistan with Afghanistan varies from broad and braided to rapids in steep narrow gorges flanked by high mountains. The road is an adventure in itself at times. We stayed in guesthouses run by the hospitable people making a living in this extreme region. Our Tajik guide, Jamshed helped us interact with local people and learn about their lives. There is some history with the odd fort and temple too. The conditions are sometimes challenging (See the Trip Notes) but I pleased to have done this journey.
Review submitted 23 Jul 2017