Join me on a magical journey to the Tajik Pamir Mountains, home of the Ismaili people. This adventure will take us on a crazy road trip, an 8 day trekking expedition and finish with a wonderful music festival with musicians from all over Central Asia. In 2012/13 I had the pleasure to live and work for the Red Cross in Tajikistan and experience the incredible hospitality of its people and the breathtaking beauty of the Tajik mountains. I speak Russian and learned basic Tajik. Since then, I have been dreaming of going back. Our trip will span exactly 3 weeks (21 days). It starts in Dushanbe from where we will make our way to Gharm, where I used to live. By Jeep we will drive deeper and deeper into the Pamir Mountains, which are 24,590 feet high, an extension of the Himalayas. After one week of our road trip, we will start hiking. Expect to see no other human being for the coming 8 days except our group, our guide and our donkeys. Our guide is Odina, an experienced mountaineering guide and personal friend. Trust me, it doesn’t get any more “off-the beaten path” than this…. We will walk high, up to an attitude of 16,730 feet and we will walk 5-8 hours a day. However, the hike is not technical and anyone with a good physical condition can join. Upon arrival in the Pamiri capital of Khorog after our hiking, we will attend the beautiful “Roof of the World” music festival. (http://youtu.be/OrwuxQpvhgQ) It unites musicians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kirgistan and Turkmenistan. The organizer is a good friend of mine (I used to play with him when I lived in Tajikistan). He will make sure we get to see not only the official concerts but also the incredible offline sessions. Experiencing Central Asia and getting to know its people has been one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life that I can’t wait to share with you.