Departure to the Pamirs via Tawildara and Khaburabad pass (3252m) or via Kulyab region. When we pass over Khaburabad to Kalaikhum the scenery and the people change again. The people here are Pamiris with their own languages. Kalaikhum is located on the Panj River, a major tributary of the famous Amu Darya (Oxus) River. Accommodation in a private guesthouse. In Kalaikhum. B/L/D.

Kalaikhum to Bartang. We will drive along the Panj river upstream passing the Vanj Valley. During this entire trip, we will see Afghanistan from right side across the river, where the big difference of lifestyle of Afghan and Tajik Pamirs is visible. We will see the effort of the Afghanis to have their first highway that is built with no machinery. Then we arrive to the meeting point of the Bartang and Panj Rivers where our rout will turn left from the main road and follow the Bartang River upstream. Bartang is dotted with small villages and plots of land are carved out of the mountainsides by local farmers. Considered one of the most beautiful spots in the western Pamirs, the valley is famous for its superb hiking, hospitable villages and local musicians. We will stay a night in Siponj village, historically used as a shelter from neighboring Afghan slave traders. Acclimatization before the trek to Gisev. Homestay. B/L/D.

Moving to Gisev. Gisev village is one of the ecological villages in the Pamirs that still has neither vehicle road nor electrical cabling. Some houses use solar energy or small generators. The entire valley has only about 15 houses. This valley has many small beautiful lakes, different varieties of birds and herbs and few groves and is very popular for tourists. We will cross the Bartang river through wooden bridge. Further we begin the trek to Gisev village (8 km). Homestay. B/L/D.

A full day here allows for a thorough exploration of the area. Renowned for its beautiful and clear lakes, the area is incredibly scenic and is a good place to sample the traditional Pamiri way of life. We will have short walks up to some of the higher lakes. Bartang folklore music. Homestay. B/L/D.

We will descent to the main road and drive to Khorog. The road will follow near Panj River. Khorog is the administrative centre of the Pamir region, dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghunt rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks. Accommodation in hotel. B/L/D.

Visit, to the Ethnographical Museum, Botanical Garden (one of the highest in the world) and the construction site of one of Central Asia University’s campuses (unique university of its kind that is specifically developed for the mountain regions by the Aga Khan IV the leader of Ismaili Shia Muslims of the World, and its campuses are spread in tree countries, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan). Accommodation in hotel. B/L/D.

Khorog - Ishkashim: Not far from Khorog (45 km) there is the famous Mineral Hot Spring-Garm Chashma and Ruby Mines of Khu i Lal (where Badakhshani rubies were mined as early as 14th century). The road to Ishkashim is smooth journey. Ishkashim is a small town at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor, where the 19th century Great Game ended. Continuing up northwards we will see amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right; a number of peaks in view are above 6,000m. If we are lucky and we arrive to Ishkashim on Saturday, we will be able to visit the Crosse border Tajik-Afghan market on the Afghan side. There is no need to obtain Afghan visa for this visit. Guesthouse. B/L/D.

Ishkashim to Langar. On the way we will visit the Kah-Kaha in Namadgut one of the oldest fortress on the Silk Road, museum a local scholar, theologian, poet and traveler Sufi Muborak-Kadami Vakhani, who died in 1910. There is a stone pillar with a hole near his house, which he used to calculate a solar calendar. His house is decorated with inscriptions and decorations made by the scholar. On the way we will visit Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra, ruins of Yamchun fortress (IV-III B.C.) that once guarded Pamir branch of the Great Silk Road. Home stay. B/L/D.

Langar. Langar is situated on the crossroad of the Wakhan Corridor with Pamir and Wakhan rivers where the Great Game took place (reached by Capt John Wood in 1838). Visit to sacred place Shoh Kambari Oftob in the middle of village and hiking to the famous Vakhan Collection of (3200m) petroglyphs. There are about 6,000 petroglyphs showing different scenes of the life of Ancient people of Pamirs. Homestay. B/L/D.

Langar -Yashil Kul Lake: After breakfast we will leave the spectacular views of Afghanistan, with the ice-capped summit of the Wakhan Range, and the Pamir River and will cross Khargushi pass. We will arrive to Bulun Kul and Yashil Kul Lakes, where we will stay in a small hamlet of Bulunkul. The people living here are Pamiris, Tajiks and Kyrgyz nomads living in a harsh but hospitable environment. Here we will deepen our understanding of how people have adapted to a life in such remote mountainous areas. We will walk around the ruins of a caravanserai and solar calendar on the north side of Lake Yashil Kul. Homestay. B/L/D.

Yashil Kul-Murgab. On the way we will visit an old color paintings in grot Shakhty and if the weather is clear enough, we will head up to the Shorbulak Observatory, from where we can see the Muztag Ata and Kongur Peaks, which are part of the Khun Lun Range (located in China). Murgab is a quiet town with an only bazaar of the High Pamir region where Kyrgyz’s and Tajiks live. We will pay a visit to handicraft shop in “Yak House”. Homestay. B/L/D.

Murgab – Median Valley: Explore the stunning Median Valley, one of the main grazing areas near Murgab, as well as the Elli Su hot springs. There will be plenty of opportunity to go on some easy treks in the afternoon and spend time in the reviving hot springs. Yurt stay in Median. B/L/D.

Median Valley – Karakul: The views of mountains and glaciers along the way today are simply breath-taking as the road takes us to the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m). This is the highest pass in the former USSR. During the journey, we will take a detour to the Shorkul and Rankul Lakes. This is indeed the “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape is the stunning Karakul Lake, created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. We will have an opportunity for a short walk along the lake. The surrounding area offers some spectacular views, which are especially dramatic with the sun setting over the nearby snow-capped mountains. Home stay. B/L/D.