Drive from Dushanbe to Kalai Khumb (Darwaz district of GBAO). Overnight in guesthouse. Altitude: 1200 m Distance: 370 km Driving times: 6 h

From Kalai Khumb we leave for Poi Mazar through Vanj valley with some 180 km of terrain ahead of us, and the promise of some spectacular scenery along the way. The road joins the river Panj, which in turn forms the border with Afghanistan. The contrast across the river valley is telling, Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country, but in general the roads are sealed and buildings are connected with electricity. The situation barely 100m away is even starker, and it is as if the river represents not just a physical divide, but also a step back in time. The valley of the Vanj is wide and green. We will explore this remote small village and the way of living and culture of people. Overnight in Home stay. Altitude: 2405 m Distance: 180 km Driving time: 5h

Start of the trek from Poi Mazor. Reaching the snout of the Bear (Medvezhiy) glacier. At the side of the glacier there are two small lakes among the mountains. Enjoying the small lakes and the view to the high mountains and glacier. Camping.

Trekking to the Medvezhy (Bears) glacier; this gives you a superb view up the steep Russian Geographical Society (Geograficheskoe Obshchestva) glacier, down which, it is said, Soviet mountaineers used to ski after visiting the Fedchenko glacier) with Peak Garmo (6,595m) at its head. Camping.

Trek along and across the moraine-covered snout of the Bears glacier, wading through its icy stream, across the snout of the Abdulkhagor glacier and steep climb up the lateral moraine / ablation valley (3,500m). Nice views of surrounding peaks. Trek across moraine to Abdulkhagor Glacier. Camping.

Trek in and out of the ablation valley – tremendous views down and across the plunging, steep crevassed section of the Abdulkhagor glacier, free of moraine, with smaller feeder glaciers coming in (4,400 metres). Begin descent to Poi Mazor. Camping.

Return to Vanch valley- Poi Mazor village, resting, having tea in a traditional Pamiri house. Relaxing. Overnight in local homestay.

Drive back to Kalai Khumb. Overnight in Guesthouse.

Driving to Dushanbe.