This ultimate itinerary for mountain lovers whisks you up above the clouds to the Roof of the World. Focused on the natural wonders of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, from alpine lakes and glacier-fed rivers to soaring peaks and high altitude desert, there’s no better way to escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world.
The first part of the tour is in little-visited Tajikistan, where you can compare and contrast the modern capital of Dushanbe with ancient ruins and the stark environment of the High Pamir. Together we will drive along the Pamir Highway – renowned as one of the world’s greatest road trips — reaching the dizzying height of 4,655 meters when we cross the Ak Baital Pass on the Murghab Plateau.
Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes are softer and greener, and the lakes of Song Kul and Issyk Kul are true jewels of Central Asia. You’ll be immersed in the country’s rich nomadic culture when we stay in traditional yurts, meet shepherds, and watch an exhilarating game of Ulak Tartysh. Hiking, horse riding, and picnicking in scenic beauty spots will enhance your appreciation of Kyrgyzstan’s topography and biodiversity, as well as your admiration for the resilient people who call these remote places their home.
Welcome to Central Asia and Tajikistan! Most of the flights arrive early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel for immediate check-in. Have a rest after the long flight and then breakfast. Meet your fellow travelers and your guide in the hotel lobby in the late morning.
As well as being the capital, Dushanbe is the largest city in Tajikistan. It was a small village with a market every Monday. The Persian word for Monday is Dushanbe, and that’s how the settlement got its name. It was not until the Soviet period that Dushanbe grew into the political and industrial center of Tajikistan.
Our Dushanbe city tour will start at the large, modern National Museum of Tajikistan to get an overview of the country we are about to explore. We will see the Navruz Palace, which was conceived as the largest teahouse in the world, but became so impressive during its construction that it is now used as a palatial venue for official government meetings and conferences. It’s over the top inside and out! This contrasts with the peaceful atmosphere of Rudaki Park, dedicated to the great Persian poet Rudaki; and our final stop, the golden statue of Ismail Somoni, which commemorates the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of the Samanid State, a golden age in Tajik history when science and the arts flourished.
Overnight at Hotel Serena (5*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gently gaining altitude, we leave Dushanbe behind and begin our journey towards the Pamir Mountains. The roads are rough enough to shake your bones and it is going to be a long day, so do not forget your snacks, and charge up your batteries to make sure your chosen soundtrack lasts until evening. Of course, we will make plenty of stops to stretch our legs and take photos, the first of which is at the Nurek Reservoir.
In the city of Kulob in Tajikistan’s southern region of Khatlon, we will have lunch before driving north-east and slowly gaining slowly altitude. The road will take us up and over the Shuraba Pass at 2267m. The scenery becomes wilder and more dramatic as we climb; it’s the backdrop for countless adventures. The roaring Panj River will be our constant companion. It forms the natural and political boundary between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which is clearly visible on the opposite riverbank.
Tonight, our accommodation is in an immaculate, modern hotel in the small town of Kalai Khumb, the gateway of the Pamir region.
Overnight at Hotel Karon (3*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s scenic journey then continues along the glacial Panj River. Looking across the water you can spot Afghan villages clinging to the cliffs, and pathways that traverse and snake their way through the rocky mountains. On the way, we visit Castle Karon, a vast and until recently unknown archeological site. On a mountaintop above the Panj River, there was once an extensive city with a citadel, water and fire temples, and a polo field with stands for 10,000 spectators. Archeologists are still excavating the site.
We expect to reach Khorog, the biggest city, and capital of the Pamir region, in the mid-afternoon. We will visit the bazaar, which often has visiting traders from Afghanistan, and also the botanical garden, which is high above the valley and thus offers panoramic views on Khorog and the surrounding peaks. You may notice the characteristic features which distinguish the Pamiri people; unlike other Tajiks, a high proportion of Pamiris have blonde hair, fair skin, and blue eyes.
Overnight in a simple 2* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the drive south from Khorog, our first stop is at Garm Chashma, a naturally occurring hot spring, for an (optional) dip in the mineral-rich waters. We will then reach the Wakhan Corridor, a remote region shared by Tajikistan and Afghanistan, which became famous in the 19th century when it functioned as a buffer zone between the Russian and British Empires during the Great Game.
The Wakhan’s history is much older than this, however: it was a Silk Road pass through the mountains for millennia, and even Marco Polo calmed to have walked this way. The border town of Ishkashim is the regional administrative center, but it feels more like a large village. We will check in at a guesthouse and have some time to explore before dinner. In the evening we will enjoy a folk show performed by a local Wakhi group of dancers and musicians.
Overnight at Hanis Guesthouse (shared western toilet and shower)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey continues along the Wakhan Corridor today, with several points of interest to see along the way. In the village of Namadgut we will find the Kah Kakha Fortress, which dates from the 3rd century, and we will also scramble up to the dramatically situated Yamchun Fort a little further along the valley.
Lunch will be a picnic at the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, which are named after the Prophet Mohammed’s sister. Local women believe that taking the waters here will increase their fertility. We will visit the Sufi Muborakqadam Museum with its solar calendar, then take another from driving at Vrang, a 4th-century Buddhist stupa that was once part of a much larger monastery. Locals will tell you that there is a stone on top of the stupa which is imprinted with the Buddha’s footprint, and this made it an ancient place of pilgrimage.
We will arrive in the afternoon in a warm and welcoming family-run guesthouse in the village of Hissor. After check-in we will have some free time. Dinner will be served in the guesthouse, and once night falls we highly recommend you step outside for the most brilliant star gazing to be found anywhere on Earth.
Overnight in a simple guesthouse in Hissor (shared western toilet and shower)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will leave the lush valleys behind and climb steadily to the rockier, almost lunar environment which characterizes the high altitude desert of the Great Pamir. We will cross the dramatic Kargushi Pass at an elevation of 4,300 meters above sea level before dropping back down slightly. This reconnects us to the world-famous Pamir Highway: the stretch between Khorog and Osh was completed in 1931 and at points, it reaches almost 4,000 meters above sea level.
A bit off the main road, we will visit the beautiful mountain lakes of Yashikul and Bulunkul. The Eastern Pamirs are part of Tajikistan but are mostly inhabited by ethnic Kyrgyz, many of whom still live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, inhabiting villages during the harsh winter months, then in last spring moving their yurts into the lush summer pastures where their cattle can graze. You will start to notice Kyrgyz yurts and herds of sheep, horses, and yaks as we drive towards Murghab, the center of Eastern Pamirs and our endpoint for today.
Overnight at the Pamir Hotel (simple rooms, but private bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The high point of the tour — and the highest pass in the former Soviet Union — is on our agenda for today: Ak Baital Pass (4,655 meters). We will descend from there to Karakul, at a more comfortable 3,800 meters. The name Karakul translates as “Black Lake”, as it appears dark when it’s not in direct sun. It’s one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and hosts the Roof of the World Regatta. We will cross one more pass, Kyzyl Art (4,280 meters), and by doing so enter Kyrgyzstan to be met by our Kyrgyz guide and driver. By evening we will reach the yurts where we’ll stay overnight, situated beside Tulpar Kol, a picturesque lake at the foot of majestic Peak Lenin (7,139 meters).
Overnight in a yurt (2-4 people in one yurt, shared toilets, no shower)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we will have time to appreciate this beautiful area and go for a light hike, if you would like. After lunch, we will drive as far as Sary Tash, then leave the Pamir Highway and the Pamir-Alay mountain range behind us. The landscape now changes completely, and we will be surrounded by lush farmland and small villages on the way to the scenic Taldyk Pass (3500 meters). The road is for the most part in quite good condition, and we plan to arrive in 3,000 year old Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city, just in time for dinner and to check-in at the comfortable hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Rayan (4*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Osh is known as “the capital of the south”. It has an estimated three millennia of history, but unfortunately not much has survived from pre-Soviet times. Our city tour in Osh will be very relaxed. In the morning, when it is not too hot, we will visit the most important sight in Osh, sacred Suleiman Mountain. Nicknamed “Kichik-Mecca” (Little Mecca), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major place of Islamic and pre-Islamic pilgrimage. On top of the mountain is a stone shelter known as Babur’s House. It is named after the 15-16th century ruler who meditated and fasted here for 40 days before later founding the Mughal Dynasty in India. From the mountaintop, you will have a fabulous view of the city.
Next, we will get to meet a blacksmith who makes traditional knives. He will show you the technology and processes used in making these metal artworks. Afterward, we will visit a tandyr workshop. For more than 200 years, the men of this family are engaged in the manufacture of tandyr. A tandyr is a special clay oven designed for baking lepeshka (Kyrgyzstan’s round bread) and samsa. The production of tandyr is a very time-consuming business because the technology is not automated and everything is done with the help of hands and feet. These master craftsmen come from a family with a 200-year long tradition of tandyr making, and they will be delighted to show you how their ovens are made. We will be lucky enough to eat bread fresh from the tanfyr for lunch, and also to try organic products from Alaiku Organics, a small company that is reviving forgotten recipes for natural foods and drinks. There will be some time in the afternoon, and we will gather again in the evening for dinner in the city.
Overnight at Hotel Rayan (4*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will depart from Osh towards the Tien Shan Mountains in the north of Kyrgyzstan. In Uzgen, not far from Osh, we will make our first stop to visit a Karakhanid-era minaret, dating from the 11-12th century. We will cross the Kuk Art Ashu Pass (3,300 meters), which offers breathtaking panoramic views. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in the mountain village of Kazarman, where we will spend the night in a hospitable, family-run guesthouse.
Overnight in a simple guesthouse (shared western toilet and shower)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have another long ride on a bumpy dirt road, but the compensation is the amazing mountain landscapes, and two dramatic passes: Koo Ashu (2,800 meters) and then Moldo Ashu (3,360 meters). Lunch will be a picnic on the way. Finally, we will arrive at Song Kul, an idyllic lake surrounded by meadows filled with a whole range of alpine plants, including Edelweiss. The meadows are used as summer pastures by shepherds from the region for their cattle. We will dine and stay and overnight in a yurt camp.
Overnight in a yurt camp (two people per yurt, shared western toilets and shower)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you will have free time to observe nomadic life and go on a walk or horse ride to the shore of the lake. Later we, will Ulak Tartysh, a traditional spectacle of horsemanship. After the performance, you will be able to take photos with the horses and their athletic riders. Lunch will be in the yurt camp. In the afternoon, we will depart from Song Kul and drive c. 3-4 hours down to the village of Kochkor to check in at Nomad Lodge. Dinner will be served in a family guesthouse.
Overnight at Nomad Lodge (3*)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before breakfast, you will see how boorsok (small, deep-fried breads which are a local delicacy) are made, and then eat your fill of this popular Kyrgyz breakfast food. In the village we will visit the women’s cooperative specializing in hand-making traditional Kyrgyz carpets from felt, which are called shirdak.
We will then drive to Issyk Kul, “the pearl of Kyrgyzstan” and the second-largest mountain lake in the world. At an altitude of 1,600 meters, it is warm enough in summer for swimming and a popular beach destination for the Kyrgyz and Kazakh people. We will have several interesting stops along the way.
Our first stop is in the village of Kyzyl Tuu, where we will meet a yurt maker and learn more about this traditional nomadic dwelling. Many people in this village are involved in yurt making business. Near Bokonbayevo, we will meet an eagle hunter, who will show us his eagle and give a short demonstration for us. At Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, which derives its name from its bizarre landscape made of fabulous rock formations, we will walk for around one hour. From here, it is then just half an hour to reach our destination, a yurt camp near the shore of Issyk Kul. We will arrive well before dinner, so you can go swimming or have some rest. In the evening we will have a cooking class to prepare a local meal of manty (dumplings).
Overnight in a yurt camp (two people per yurt, one toilet, and shower per yurt)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will drive further eastwards along the southern shore of Issyk Kul towards the town of Karakol. We will take a diversion into the side valley of Jety Oguz, famous for its two red rock formations called Seven Bulls and The Broken Heart. Here your guide will tell you the legend behind their interesting names.
In Karakol, we will have a short tour of the town’s most interesting sites. These include the Dungan Mosque (built in 1904), and the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, which has stood since 1869. We will also visit the museum dedicated to the Russian explorer Przhevalski. Lunch in Karakol will be in the home of a Uighur family. From Karakol, it is another 30 kilometers drive north to the village of Tepke where we will spend the night in a lovely guesthouse. The owners breed horses and will show the horses to us during our stay. Dinner will be at the guesthouse.
Overnight at Reina Kench Guesthouse (shower and toilet in the room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning’s transfer to Cholpon Ata is via the northern shore of Issyk Kul. On the way, we will visit the Nomads Museum in the village of Jarkynbaevo and also the open-air museum of petroglyphs (stone inscriptions) at Cholpon Ata. Our hotel is right on the beach, so in the afternoon you can either relax there or opt for a one-hour motor-boat cruise. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Raduga (3*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will transfer to Bishkek, the final capital city on our tour. We will break up the drive with stops at the Museum of Nomadic Civilizations on the northern shore of the lake and also at Burana Tower, near to the town of Tokmok. This minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval settlement of Balasagun, the capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. You can climb up the winding staircase to enjoy a nice view of the Chuy Valley, and will also be able to see the open-air museum featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved monumental figures made of stone. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we will check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure, dining independently.
Overnight at Hotel Plaza (4*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we will lightly tour the charming capital of Kyrgyzstan, the greenest city in Central Asia. Our sightseeing program in Bishkek includes stops at the central market of the city, Osh Bazaar; as well as Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, and Victory Square. We will have more free time in the afternoon with some optional activities and a chance for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Our final, farewell dinner together will be in the Supara restaurant, accompanied by an authentic folk show.
Overnight at Hotel Plaza (4*) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the final morning, you will transfer to the airport at an appropriate time to catch your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Currently there are no planned trips. Please contact us if you would like to know about the availability of this tour in the future.
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek and larger towns, there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets, or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard. In the mountains and small villages, you better don't rely on ATMs. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible everywhere. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. The political situation in the country is calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night, and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of all Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can contact us. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in the capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, the weather in some mountain areas may change quickly.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
The Tajik currency is called the Somoni (TJS). In the capital Dushanbe there are a few ATMs that you’ll find in shopping malls, supermarkets, or on the main streets, but most of them accept only Visa cards. Outside of Dushanbe, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are only a few of them and they may run out of money or have very small withdrawal limits.
We recommend bringing cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible in most places, except for a few high-end restaurants and hotels. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
The political situation in the country has been calm in recent years and there are no indications of upcoming tensions, except for the border conflict with Kyrgyzstan in the Fergana valley - we do not visit this area on our tours. The border with Kyrgyzstan is closed due to political tensions and it is not clear when it will open again. The border with Afghanistan is closed as well. Guests and locals are treated with respect and Tajikistan can be regarded as a safe destination for travelers. That being said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only take official taxi rides. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Tajik partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Tajikistan for a period of up to 30 days. A notable exception is the United Kingdom - UK citizens need to apply for an electronic visa to visit Tajikistan. You can get the visa yourself through the official government website for 30 USD per person: https://www.evisa.tj/. If you book a trip to Tajikistan with us we will get the visa for you.
Please note, if you are planning to visit the Pamir region, you need a GBAO permit, which you can purchase online, together with the eVisa, for an additional fee of USD 20. If you book a tour with us, we can get the GBAO permit for you.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Tajikistan.
The climate of Tajikistan is continental and dry across most of the country, including the largest cities. In regions situated at relatively low altitudes, such as the capital Dushanbe, the south of Tajikistan around Kulob, and the Khujand region, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated at high altitudes, where temperatures are in the mid-20s or less during the summer. If you visit the Fann or Pamir Mountains, make sure to bring some warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night at elevations of more than 3000 meters. The best season to visit Tajikistan is during summer when it's possible to go to the mountains.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Tajikistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Tajikistan are basic at best. Please note: there is a small risk of malaria in the south of Tajikistan by the borders with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. None of our tours visit this region.
