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 Dushanbe
Welcome to Tajikistan. We hope you can join us already in the morning for a city tour.
Read More..DAY 2 Kalai Khumb
Today we drive from Dushanbe to Khalai Khumb, Qal'ai Khumb also Qal'a-i-Khu. It is a small town located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan on the border with Afghanistan.
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Rushan is a town and the seat of Rushan District of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in southeastern Tajikistan. The town with agglomeration has a total population of 6,577 people.
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The trek to the remote Jizev Valley combines beautiful scenery with a stay in a traditional Tajik village. Expect scenery ranging from arid mountains to aqua blue ponds and an overnight stay at a families home.
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Khorog is the only place along our way that offers some comforts of a city. With mediocre supermarkets, a great bazaar and a few restaurants the 28,000-person capital of the Pamirs is the place to have a well-rounded meal, wifi, and a comfortable night’s rest before the loneliness of the Pamir plateau.
Read More..DAY 6 In Khorog
DAY 7 Ishkashim
Located near the Panj River on the Afghan border, Ishkashim lies directly opposite a town of the same name in Afghanistan. A bridge connecting these towns was constructed in 2006, where the border has been sliced through the Pamir mountains of Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Read More..DAY 8 Langar
Langar lies in the upper part of the Wakhan corridor. The village stands at the altitude of 3000m above sea level. Before moving on you can enjoy a soft mountain climate since next we can only expect harsh mountain dessert towards Murghab.
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Nestled deep in the high Pamirs, you will find a small piece of land with 45 homes along a road that comes to a rather abrupt end. In these homes live the 306 people of Bulunkul, more affectionately known as the coldest town in Central Asia. Besides them resides a large lake of the same name.
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Murghab is a small town with a population of 6000 people who are mostly of Kyrgyz ethnicity. Living conditions here on 3650 alitude meters are very harsh.
Read More..DAY 11 Karakul
The sparkling jewel at the foot of the Pamir Mountains was formed when a giant meteorite struck Earth, some 5 Million years ago.
Read More..DAY 12 Mt Lenin
Crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan we reach the basecamp of Mt. Lenin. The area around Mt Lenin is beautiful for hikes and horse riding. We stay in yurts here and enjoy the scenery, still at 3500 altitude meters.
DAY 14 Osh
Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country and often referred to as the "capital of the south". It has beautiful markets to visit.
Read More..Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Dushanbe
HOTEL The Rumi Hotel or similar 4 star
Driving distance: 360km
Driving time: 8 hours
Overnight altitude: 1200m
DAY 2
Dushanbe to Kalai Khumb
HOTEL Karon Palace Hotel
KARON PALACE HOTEL
In the heart of the Darvaz district in Kalai-Khumba, among the majestic mountain ranges, keeping the secrets of ancient civilizations, opened its doors to the hotel Karon Palace. Surrounded by powerful streams of mountain rivers, centuries-old plane trees and newly planted young trees and shrubs, brought from different parts of Europe, our Hotel pleases not only the eye but the soul and body of a tired traveler
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
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Read More..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)
HOMESTAY
This is one of the most basic homestays. The families are happy to host us but you have to leave your comfort at home.
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
Hotel or similar
Hotel "LAL" is located in the heart of Khorog, 50 meters from the Central Park and the best address in town.
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
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Read More..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
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Read More..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
Guesthouse
RAMBUTAN HOTEL
This little gem is located in a quiet laneway, close to many restaurants, bars, and only a short way away from Angkor Wat. The boutique hotel is built like a small Khmer village and features spacious suites with private balconies with views of lush greenery and the beautiful saltwater pool. We love the cozy and friendly atmosphere at this property.
Read More..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
OSH GRAND HOTEL
After all these days in homestays and yurts, this hotel feels like heaven. Located in Osh, the property features a bar and a restaurant serving local cuisine. The accommodation provides free WiFi and guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Enjoy a good night sleep!
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
- Entrance or activity fees, if any.
- All flights
- Tips (we will let you know what is appropriate in our eyes)
- Your visas
- Your travel insurance
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.
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