Explore Three Silk Road Countries: Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan and one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Its multinational population of more than 800,000 people consists of at least 80 different nationalities. Bishkek is situated at an altitude of 700-900 meters above sea level. Upon your arrival you will be met and assisted by your English-speaking guide. Transfer to your hotel for overnight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have either a short sightseeing tour of the city or free time to relax. (L, D)

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Bishkek
The full day sightseeing tour of Bishkek includes visits to the Museum of History, the Museum of Arts and Oak Park, which is a unique museum of outdoor sculptures engraved in stone, metal and wood. Later you will visit the Erkindik Gallery, where you can admire the work of local craftsmen and artists. After the Gallery, we will walk to the central Ala-Too Square with the white marble Government House. Accommodation at Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Bishkek – Osh
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Osh. Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located in the Fergana Valley – reputedly 3000 years old. Archaeologists have found artifacts dating back to about the fifth century B.C. One claim that is often heard is that Osh is “Older than Rome ”.  There are several legends about the origin of the city, including claims to having been founded by Solomon or Alexander the Great. City tour includes visits to Suleiman Throne and Osh Bazaar. Accommodation at 2* Sun Rise Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Osh – Sari Tash
Departure for Sari Tash. While driving via Chigirchik and Talduk passes on the famous Pamir Highway that provides beautiful mountain scenery, we arrive in Sari Tash. Sari Tash is a minor village and major crossroads in the Alay Valley of Osh Province, Kyrgyzstan. Overnight in local Guest House. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Sari Tash – Murghab
Departure for Karakul. Travelling up to the Kizil Art Pass (4336m) we will cross the border and pass through the gateway to the Pamir Plateau, or as Marco Polo called it – ‘The Roof of the World’. Hidden deep 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. The surrounding area offers some spectacular views. Leaving Karakul Lake, the road takes us to the Muzkol Valley, and eventually up to the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass), which at 4655m stands as the highest pass in the former USSR. Views of mountains and glaciers along the way are breathtaking. Continue on to the quiet town of Murgab. Murghab gained substantial importance when the major road between Osh and Khorog was completed in 1934. It was one of the early achievements in the Inner Asian mountain belt. Accommodation in a small guesthouse. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Murgab – Langar
We will continue on to Langar today and if the weather is clear enough, we’ll head up to the Shorbulak Observatory, from where you can see the Muztag Ata and Kongur Peaks, which are part of the Khun Lun Range. Following the Alichur Plateau we will pass a number of other interesting salt lakes, before crossing the Khargush Pass, which brings us spectacular views of Afghanistan, with the ice-capped summit of the Wakhan Range ahead of us, and the Pamir River marking the border just a few miles away. There will be plenty of chances to stop for some dramatic photos of this unique view. Once our passports have been checked through the Kargush army base, we will continue along the Pamir River, hopefully spotting one of the rare herds of Bactrian camels that still exist here. With very little vegetation in the area, the surrounding views of the mountains are even more spectacular. Soon we will reach Langar, the last village of the Tajik Wakhan Corridor before the border of Afghanistan. Langar boasts a castle and some interesting petroglyphs, and is home to the ‘Wakhi’ people, most of which are farmers or shepherds. Homestay (B, L, D)

Day 7: Langar – Ishkashim
Drive along the Panj River for Ishkashim. We will have some stops along the way to look at the old castles that once guarded this section of the Silk Road, including Yamchun Fort.

Day 8: Cross Tajik-Afghan border in Ishkashim
Cross the Tajik-Afghan border in Ishkashim. After border formalities we will visit the local bazaar in Afghan Ishkashim and will proceed to Qala Panja (135 kms) with short stops en route for photo sessions. A rough road built by the Soviets takes us into the Wakhan Corridor. There may be some river crossings to negotiate. Picnic lunch at Khandud. Accommodation in guesthouse. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Kala-i-Panja – Sarhad-i-Broghil
We shall get deeper into the Wakhan Valley having short stops for photos. The road here is very rough and often passes through streams. We shall make a picnic stop en route before proceeding to Sarhad-i-Broghil. Our drive today takes us literally to the end of the road. At Sarhad the valley narrows, the mountains close in, and from here, any further progress must be made either on foot or horse. On arrival transfer to a local home stay. (B, L ,D)

Day 10: Sarhad-i-Broghil
Full-day hikes around the valley. The scenery in this amazing valley is truly magnificent, and in addition, we will undoubtedly meet many of the local Wakhi people. The women are especially noticeable with their bright red scarves and beaded necklaces. Overnight in tents or home stay. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Sarhad-i-Broghil – Kala-i-Panja
Driving back along the Wakhan Corridor we plan to spend the night looking out over the Pamir River back into Tajikistan. Accommodation in guesthouse.

Day 12: Kala-i-Panja – Ishkashim – Afghan-Tajik Border – Khorog
The road to Khorog is mostly tarmacked, so it should be a pretty smooth journey. Not far from Khorog are the ruby mines of Khu i Lal (where Badakhshani rubies were mined as far back as the 14th century). Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Khorog – Kalai Khumb
After breakfast we drive along the Panj river downstream passing the Vanj Valley. During this trip, we will see Afghanistan from the left side across the river, where the considerable difference of lifestyle between Afghan and Tajik Pamirs is apparent. We will see the effort of the Afghanis to have their first highway that is built with no machinery. The road will follow near Panj River, a tributary of the mighty Amu Darya (the famous River Oxus). Guesthouse. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Kalai Khumb – Dushanbe
Today we will have a full day’s drive through canyons, farmland, and Khabu-r-Rubat pass to Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. Once you have checked in to your hotel and freshened up, we will walk into town for dinner. Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Dushanbe
Today we will have all day to explore Tajikistan’s capital, see the sights, and maybe pick up some souvenirs. Depending on opening hours, we will visit the impressive Museum of National Antiquities, which houses Asia’s largest statue of the Buddha in Nirvana (a mighty 13 meters), ancient weapons, and portraits of Alexander the Great. Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Departure
Early morning (2:30am) transfer to airport for your flight home. (B)

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you’d like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES – Contact us for details.

Kutrubes Travel also offers a variety of other tours throughout this region. Contact us for detailed itineraries and descriptions.