15 days Tajikistan Dushanbe to Osh

DISCOVER

Tajikistan & a small part of Kyrgyzstan

Buckle up for a real adventure, as we xxplore Tajikistan and a litttle part of Kyrgyzstan for the first time together, uncovering its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and surprise charms.

DURATION

Days

TRIP TYPE

UNXXPLORED

AVENTURE LEVEL

GROUP SIZE

4 - 8 Guests

Only desk researched, this is the official test drive of this journey-and it is not for the faint of heart. This unxxplored trip is for you if you’re ready to smash through the walls of your comfort zone. If you can handle rustic accommodations and high altitudes. If you are open to the unexpected and are willing to embrace bumps in the road.

Highlights

Sightseeing in Dushanbe
Enjoy views to the Hindu Kush and Karakorum mountains
Peer across the Panj river into Afghanistan
Hike the Bartang Valley

Experience a road adventure, travelling the Pamir Highway; the world’s second highest road, it winds through high-altitude pastures, along the Pyni River and reveals so many spectacular sights.

Horse riding at the foot of Mt Lenin in Kyrgyzstan

Discover Osh, Kyrgyzstan.

DAY 1

Arrive in Dushanbe

HOTEL The Rumi Hotel or similar 4 star

Welcome to Dushanbe! We hope you land early enough today as we spend the day exploring the city’s unique districts and sights with our guide. On our list to visit and explore is the National library, the “White House” an iconic government building and the Central Museum. It will be an interesting day, interrupted maybe by some last minute shopping for all kind of snacks we crave while we are in the remote areas during our road adventure. If you land later in the day, we meet in the evening instead, for a safety briefing and our first dinner together.

Driving distance: 360km

Driving time: 8 hours

Overnight altitude: 1200m

DAY 2

Dushanbe to Kalai Khumb

HOTEL Karon Palace Hotel

Hello XXploras, we are on the road! After the car handover we make our way to Kalai Khumb. Easing into the drive most roads are in great condition, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable ride. However, the last 40km presents a thrilling experience as you navigate through a narrow gorge and a dirt road.
The entire trip usually takes around 8 hours, giving us plenty of time to stop, soak in the breathtaking scenery and also enjoy a lunch.
Our highest point of the day is the Shurabad pass at 2200m.
After a first day filled with incredible experiences, we’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind at a comfortable hotel and enjoy a local dinner.

Driving distance: 360km

Driving time: 8 hours

Overnight altitude: 1200m

DAY 3

Kalai Khumb to Rushan

LAL Hotel or similar

After a delicious breakfast we continue our journey. We start the day with a short drive before embarking on a hikeup to the ancient Old City of Karon. Located on the hills, this historical site dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers breathtaking views. After exploring the ruins, we will hike down to the main road and continue our journey to Rushan along the Panj River. We start to see villages spring up on the Afghan side of the Pyanj river. From the distance the clay houses look like clumsily stacked boxes clinging on to the side of the riverbank. Children play in the fields while women wash clothing in the Pyanj. Tonight, we will stay in a homestay and enjoy a delicious dinner.

TRANSPORT
Driving distance : 150km, 5 hours

Overnight altitude 2000m

DAY 4

Rushan to Jizev

Homestay, mattress incl. Breakfast (very simple)

Today, we will drive to the remarkable Bartang Valley, known for its wild and unforgettable beauty.

This valley is considered by the Pamiri people as a prototypical region of their homeland. We will drive to the junction with Jizev side valley and embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the village. Tonight, we will have the extraordinary opportunity to spend the night in a traditional Pamir house and immerse ourselves in the mountain life of the locals. Please be prepared for very rural conditions.

TRANSPORT
Driving: 50km/1hour

Hike: 2-3 hours

Overnight altiutde: 2500m

DAY 5

Jizev to Khorog

GUESTHOUSE

In the morning, we will hike down and continue our journey to Khorog. Khorog, a tiny city surrounded by rocky mountains on all sides, is a unique destination.

Built at the confluence of three rivers, it offers stunning natural beauty. The presence of blond-haired, fair-skinned, and blue-eyed Pamiris is noticeable, and the Pamir Mountains in Khorog are among the highest inhabited mountains in the world after the Himalayas. Life in the mountains has shaped the local traditions and culture.

TRANSPORT
Driving: 70km, 2 hours

Hiking: 2 hours

Overnight altitude: 2100m

DAY 6

In and around Khorog

HOTEL Vatan or similar

Today we explore Khorog and learn fascinating facts about the Pamiri people. But maybe you prefer some alone time before we go on to the higher altitudes and very rustic conditions for the next few days. It is all up to you!

Driving: 0km, 0 hours

Overnight altitude: 2100m

DAY 7

Khorog to Ishkashim

HOTEL Darvoz Guesthouse or similar

Today our adventure continues along the Afghan border as we marvel at the skyscraping Pamir mountains, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, vast valleys, and dry deserts. But before we depart and if we are lucky, the famous Afhghanistan market takes place. Of course we will spnd some time there.

On our way our way, we will make a short detour to the Garm Chashma hot spring.

This evening, we experience the local way of life as we spend the night in a homestay.

Driving: 110km / 3 hours

Overnight altitude: 2600m

DAY 8

Ishkashim to Langar

Homestay

Driving further along the Afghan border, we will visit remarkable ancient fortresses on our way to Langar.

One is the Khahkha Fortress, dating back to the Kushan era of the 3rd Century. Another one is the Yamchun fort, perhaps the most impressive of them. We take a break at the Bibi Fatima hot springs, named for the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter and where local women believe they can increase their fertility. In the evening we arrive in Langar which is located at the confluence of the Wakhandarya and Pamir rivers, where our ever-present travel friend, the River Panj, is formed.

Driving time: 130km/7 hours
Overnight altitude: 3000m

DAY 09

Langar to Bulunkul

Homestay

Continuing our journey, we will drive along the Khargush valley, passing through the Khargush Pass at an elevation of 4344m.

Our destination is the Murghab region, home to the stunning Yashilkul and Bulunkul lakes, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level. We may have the chance to see yaks. Yaks are extremely important in the high Pamirs. Horses don’t take the severe winters well, so yaks have long served as pack animals along this long, lonely trade route – transporting goods and humans.

Tonight, we will stay with locals and experience their hospitality. It is gonna be cold, so be prepared!

Driving: 160km / 6 hours

Overnight altitude: 3600m

DAY 10

Bulunkul to Murghab

Guesthouse

It is a shorter drive today from Bulunkul to Murghab, therefore we can fill it with some activities. We can go for a hike in the morning, or alternatevely we might be up for up for a yak ride. Our drive feels like driving on the moon today. We will passing over the Naizatash Pass at an elevation of 4,137m before we then arrive in Murghab at 3,618m. It is with Khorog, the only “town” in the Pamirs. It’s known as one of the few points of civilisation, although a question of definition could be raised.It is on Kyrgyz time, one hour ahead of Tajik time.

Driving: 145km / 5 hours
Overnight altitude: 3000m

DAY 11

Murghab to Karakul

Military family member Kimberly Kendall of Wiesbaden, Germany, wins the nature and landscapes category of the other eligible patrons division of the 2015 Army Digital Photography Contest.

Guesthouse

Today, we strap in for our most epic drive yet. Headed to the gorgeous Karakul Lake in Tajik National Park, we drive through incredibly striking scenery. Crossing the Ak-Baital Pass (4655m), the highest section of road in the former Soviet Union, we get closer to the moon than ever before and the landscape feels otherworldly. The dramatic, lunar barren terrain is contrasted with brilliant blue lakes abound, under the wide presence of the bright blue sky.

Next, we descend to Karakul Lake, the highest lake in Central Asia at nearly 3963m above sea level. For the rest of the day, we are free to leisurely walk around this wonderful lake and admire the peaceful surroundings.

Driving: 210km / 7 hours

Overnight altitude: 3600m

DAY 12

Karakul Lake to Mt Lenin

HOTEL Yurts

A long and varied day of driving, we embark on our final stretch of the Pamir Highway, crossing the Kyzylart Pass (4280m). Rugged and dry, the Kyzylart Pass essentially forms the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Beyond the pass, we traverse 20kms of “no man’s land” to get to the border. Be sure to have extra layers of clothes on hand here—we could see sub-zero temperatures in this area, even in the dead of summer.

Once in Kyrgyzstan, we are quickly met with a stark contrast, as the landscape shifts to lush farmlands and small villages, dotting the mountain sides.

We may change cars to our next destination, Mt. Lenin basecamp. A nice Yurt village awaits us and we our first Kyrgyz meal in nature.

Driving: 150km / 5 hours

Overnight altitude: 3500m

DAY 13

Around Mt. Lenin (ky)

After a carb fuelled breakfast you have the choice of going for a hike and explore the surroundings or book a horse-riding trip for yourself. This activity can be booked by us but you have to pay extra for it (roughly 50USD). In the evening we meet again for a last nomadic dinner.

No driving today

Overnight altitude: 3500m

DAY 14

Mt. Lenin to Osh

HOTEL Osh Grand Hotel or similar

This is our last day today and we hope you have enjoyed this adventure!
Along the way to Osh, we will enjoy majestic views of the Alai Mountain Range as we cross the Taldyk Pass.
Weather and road conditions permitting, we aim to arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s oldest city, in the afternoon, giving us free time to explore the town or simply unwind and relax, then we have one last dinner together.

Driving: 100km/3hours

Overnight altitude: 960m

DAY 15

Osh

HOTEL None

As your road trip along the majestic Pamir Highway comes to an end, it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary adventure. We hope that your journey has been filled with excitement, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in your heart.

The Pamir Highway, known as the second highest highway in the world, has hopefully left an indelible mark on your travel experience. From the breathtaking mountain vistas to the warm hospitality of the local communities, this road trip has offered you a glimpse into the wonders of this remarkable region.

As you embark on the next leg of your journey, we encourage you to carry the spirit of the Pamir Highway with you. Let the memories of the winding roads, the vibrant cultures, and the camaraderie with fellow travelers fuel your future adventures.

Remember to embrace the unknown, for it is in those moments that the true essence of travel unfolds.

Driving: 0km/0hours

Overnight altitude: 960m

What to expect from an unxxplored journey

Well researched but never xxperienced, this trip is a test drive

On an unxxplored journey, we embrace both the surprise joys and the bumps in the road. The research has been done, the journey is mapped out and the itinerary is organized. But we can’t know for sure how smooth the ride will be until we get on the road.

XXplora Founder Mareen Windisch invites you to join her on this test drive-to discover the destination for the first time with her, and to join in the excitement of the unknown and the thrills of an unxxplored journey.

The benefits

We have done the research and the route is set, so you don’t have to worry about planning. Note that daily activities may change.

We have taken care of all of the logistics, including cars, permits, guides and accommodations, so you can simply arrive and drive.

We equip you with a pre-departure guide, providing you with answers to your most pressing questions.

We take the lead on the journey, so you can lean back and fully immerse yourself in the adventure.

We take safety seriously. When making decisions on things like when to stop driving, when to rest and when to alter plans, we always make the call in favour of keeping us safe and sound.

You get to discover the destination deeply and enjoy the freedom of travelling by car, stopping whenever you wish.

You get to experience this form of immersive, authentic and adventurous travel in a safe and organized way, together with like-minded women.

You will have the time of your life and be hooked on our xxplorations! Just ask our past clients – after their first trips, they become repeat XXploras!

The commitment

We love connecting with locals whenever possible, so you need to be open to different cultures and on-the-fly experiences, like an unexpected lunch at a family’s home.

We have a lot of ground to cover, and with that comes unavoidable early mornings and long days. Don’t expect a relaxing holiday—be prepared for an action-packed adventure, which can be tiring at times. We recommend a great playlist for long driving stretches.

We make decisions to keep us safe, and expect that you follow our lead and act responsibly. We reserve the right to “send you home” in extreme cases.

Pack your positive attitude, as road journey can get frustrating. We plan the route out well, but we can’t plan for sudden roadblocks or bad weather, sometimes we need to patiently let situations pass.

We hope you are joining this journey because you love driving, but it is not a requirement – you’re welcome to take the backseat and enjoy the scenery. With some of the roads being challenging, we ask that you’re honest and let us know if the driving is ever too much.

You are responsible for your own travel insurance.

the investment

Interested?
Here is a rough idea of what the 15-day journey will cost.

The cost is between USD 3300 and USD 3600 per person, depending on group size. We’ve listed what we anticipate the shared and personal costs being below. The final investment may vary, however, if unforeseeable costs arise while on the journey. Please note, that the car rental market is not developed in Tajikistan. We drive well maintained but old cars! But that doesn’t mean the rental fee is cheap. There is more demand than supply. Please read the xxpedition guide, of this journey which prepares you for the adventure.

Cost shared
by the numbers
of participants

TRANSPORTATION

Car Rental Fee per car with a maximum of four people per car. The fee also includes return of the cars to Dushanbe. While there may be cheaper vehicles, ours will provide comprehensive insurance and also the power of attorney for each car for all drivers.

Transport from Kyrgyz border to Osh via Mt Lenin

PETROL

Approximately $450USD per car for 1500km km of driving.

Lead car / Driver / Guide

Lead car including, a knowlegable driver/mechanics and a guide.

EQUIPMENT

Expenses for gas for cooking, bottled water, walkie talkies for the communication between our cars, new bedsheets, presents for our hosts, table and chairs for picnics etc… We have done this many times in other parts of the world, so we know what to take.

Cost per
participant

ACCOMODATION and Meals

Up to $1000USD per person in twin shared rooms, incl. dinners and breakfast at the homestays. If we stay at a hotel we eat at local places and share the cost.

Permit FeeS

Roughly $50USD per person.

car rental deposit

$800USD car deposit to be paid in cash on arrival.
The following outline’s the rental company’s policy:

· If the tire is torn or the windshield/window is broken, the amount of the damage is deducted from the deposit.

· If the car is scratched or dented and the damage is less than $400USD, the actual repair cost will be deducted from the deposit; if the damage is more, $400USD will be deducted from the deposit and the rest will be covered by the insurance.

· If the car is completely broken, the $800USD deposit will be kept and the rest will be covered by insurance.

Additional costs

payment terms

A non-refundable deposit of $800USD is required to confirm your space. Then, once our group reaches its maximum size, the balance of the investment is due, no later than three months before our journey. In the case of force majeure, your investment will be refunded, less the expenses incurred.

Are you in?

We have a maximum of 8 travellers for this journey and we interview everyone who wants to join to be sure it’s a good fit with our style of travel and this raw adventure. Please email us directly if you want to hear more about how to join or schedule a call with us. We’d love to hear from you.