Today you start your journey towards the Pamirs over the spectacular mountain pass, to Kalaikumb, the halfway point on the way to Khorog. This time we will take the northern road via Tavildara and Khaburabad pass 3255m (or via Kulyab region if weather does not allow). You may notice more conservative attitudes of local dressing style and beards, but the hospitality is just as welcoming. Lunch is at a roadside café or picnic on the route. 

Accommodation: 4* Karon Palace

Another scenic drive to Khorog, the capital of (GBAO) Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, along the Panj River which is a natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan makes our day unforgettable. After an earlier breakfast we will visit Karon archeology complex known as a Machu Picchu of Tajikistan. Karon is a one-of-a-kind, new archeological site in Tajikistan history of which is still being considered and reconsidered among the historians and archeologists of global community.Late afternoon you will reach Khorog and check in to the luxury boutique hotel. For the rest of your time you can have a visit to botanical garden which is the second highest altitude garden in the world. 

Accommodation: 3* Lal Hotel

Today after an earlier breakfast, we will drive toward Ishkashim. Ishkashim district is undoubtedly the most attractive destination in Gorno-Badakhshan for its wealth of archeological sites (castles, petroglyphs and more than 60 shrines and holly places and thermal springs) and spectacular scenery with views across the Wakhan Corridor to the snow-covered Hindi Kush in Pakistan. 

About 30 km from Khorog, there is a famous thermal, holly hot spring called Garmchashma described for the first time by a Danish explorer Ole Olufsen in 1897. The hot spring is believed to be a healing spring for many diseases. You can stop here for a quick bath. Afternoon we will reach Ishkashim where we overnight and have a folklore Pamiri concert arranged for us. 

Accommodation: simple guesthouse with twin room option

After breakfast, you will continue the exploration further visiting village of Namadgut, there are ruins of a vast fortress known as Kakhkakha, the oldest parts of which back to the II century BC (Kushan Empire). On the other side of the road from the fortress is the shrine Ostoni-Shohi Mardon (one of the names attributed to Ali-Muhammed the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-low). The outer gate to the shrine is covered in calligraphy and the interior of the shrine is a good example of early wood carving. We take a visit to the house museum of an astronomer and scholar Sufi Muborak Wakhoni (1839-1930). The museum is a very fine example of a traditional Pamiri house with superb carved pillars and beams. Just outside the museum there is the solar calendar used by Sufi Muborak for determining the start of the Navruz festival. Probably the most spectacular site in Tajikistani Wakhan is the area above the village of Yamchun, with imposing Yamchun Fortress. Parts of this fortress date to the Greeco-Bactrian and Kushan periods (III-I centuries BCE). The nearby Bibi Fatima hot spring is believed to improve female and male fertility. Here we can have a quick bath. Our lunch will be served at the traditional guesthouse. 

After lunch we will move further to Vrang, to see Buda Stupa, and in Zong village you will stop for visiting Abrashim Qala fort. Your day finishes in back in Zong where you will stay at guesthouse. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Today's itinerary includes a hike up to view the Langar petroglyphs, a collection of over 6,000 ancient messages left by Scythians, Arians, Zoroastrians, and other past inhabitants of the area. The petroglyphs, which date back to the Bronze and earlier eras, depict hunting scenes, ibex, various symbols, and unknown markings. After viewing the petroglyphs, we will continue our trek through a narrow gorge, which eventually leads to a lush green area with a small river where we may encounter local shepherds and their livestock. Here, we will enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of Engels peak and its surrounding area, before descending back to our guesthouse. This trek will take approximately 7-8 hours. Elevation gain +/- 1200m, 16km.

Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Another adventurous day for you begins after the breakfast. We will head to Murgab town. Murgab district comprises more than half of the land area of Gorno-Badakhshan. The majority of the population is ethnic Kyrgyz. The drive is scenic with a u number of stops; both photo and learning discovery ones depending on the circumstances and availability of the nomadic yurts on the way. On the way to Mughab we will visit Alichur village to have lunch.

Accommodation: 2* Hotel Pamir

Today is going to be a big day. After an early breakfast we will drive back to Khorog, the capital of (GBAO) Gorno-Badakhshan Oblast, we will stop in Bulunkul for lunch and visit Bulunkul and Yashikul lakes. The scenery around the Bulunkul and Yashilkul lakes is spectacular. There will be several photo stops. On the way we will also stop to see old wooden bridges over the Ghund river.

Accommodation: 3* Lal Hotel  

After breakfast, we'll start on a scenic drive through the stunning Bartang Valley, considered one of the wildest and most untouched regions in the Pamir. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to witness the traditional Pamiri way of life in authentic villages. 

In the afternoon, we'll arrive at the Jisev Valley bridge and begin a leisurely uphill hike for 2-3 hours, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the valley. We will spend the next two nights in a simple family homestay, nestled in a picturesque landscape at an altitude of approximately 2,500 m.

Overnight in a very simple family homestay (pit toilet outside, shower tent with solar-heated water and a calm river with clean water nearby; single room not guaranteed).

Accommodation: Simple homestay  

  On this day, we will have the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the Jizev Valley and its surroundings. We will spend the day exploring the area, interacting with the locals, and experiencing their daily way of life. For those who are interested, there is also an option to embark on a hike further up the valley, where you can enjoy stunning views of a picturesque mountain lake.

Overnight in a very simple family homestay (pit toilet outside, shower tent with solar-heated water and a calm river with clean water nearby; single room not guaranteed)
Accommodation: Simple homestay  

Today we will continue our journey back to Kalai Khumb along the Panj river aka Oxus and Afghan border. Looking at the beautiful landscapes from counter perspective is an interesting experience. A walking tour around Darvaz town is included.

Accommodation: 4* Karon Palace 

A long journey to Dushanbe. This time we take the southern road via Kulyab. On the way to Dushanbe there will be more stops including a short stop at Hulbuk Fort form the IX-XI centuries at Vose settlement and Nurek reservoir. Lunch is at a local restaurant in Kulyab. We will reach Dushanbe late afternoon, will have some time to rest before we have a farewell dinner with guide, driver and other travelers. 

Accommodation: 4* Atlas Hotel  

You will be transferred to the airport. Have a safe flight!