Depart Auckland on our overnight Emirates flight to Dubai where we immediately connect with our Emirates onward flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Arrive at Bishkek early afternoon where we are met by Evgeniy, our guide, and transfered to our hotel. This afternoon is free to relax and recover from our long flights. Tonight we meet for a welcome dinner and to learn more about our time in Kyrgzstand from Evgeniy
After breakfast we visit the Ala Archa National Park where we will see beautiful mountains and gorgeous nature. The Ala-Archa State Natural Park is located 41 km from the capital on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz ridge (Kyrgyz Ala-Too) at an altitude of 1600–4860 m. It covers an area of 2280 ha. It starts from the high center of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and extends north to the Ala-Archa gorge. The river Chu flows through the Ala Archa Park. We return to Bishkek for a city tour followed by dinner. Overnight Bishkek (B,D)
This morning we drive along the north side of the beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul and enjoy the excellent mountain views that frame the lake. We will also visit the Burana Tower, a 10th century heritage of the Karakhanid empire. Upon arrival in Karakol, we visit an old Russian Orthodox church, and also a chinese mosque of the 18th century. Overnight in Karakol (B,D)
Today we visit the beautiful region of Altyn Arashan. Altyn Arashan is a high-altitude gorge in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan offering stunning views. It lies along the trekking route from Teploklyuchenka set in an alpine valley and containing the 5020m Pik Palatka. We then take an unforgettable excursion in an ex Russian military SUV to places where the snow leopard and other wild animals roam. We will take a short walking tour and try to spot some wildlife, followed by a swim in the hot springs in a high-mountain gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too Ridge, located near the city of Karakol. This gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan due to its unique nature, hot springs, vast fir forests and stunning views. We return to Karakol for accommodation and dinner (B,D)
After breakfast we board our 4×4 jeeps and commence a 6-hour journey along the southern coast of Lake Issyk Kul, where we will stop to see how the local nomads hunt with the help of eagles. Then we travel through the mountains to the alpine lake of Son-Kul, which is located at an altitude of 3000m above sea level. Son-Kul Lake is located in a basin in the heart of the Inner Tien Shan, 90 km north-west of Naryn. This basin is 57 km long and 29 km wide and is located inside imposing mountains. In the center of this basin lies the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, Son-Kul, which is 29 km long,17 km wide, and at an altitude of 3016m above sea level. The lake is of tectonic origin and filled with fresh water. We will spend the night in yurts and experience the life of the nomads (B,D)
After breakfast we drive to Kazarman city along one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Kyrgyzstan, where we can enjoy the scenery and take gorgeous photos. We will stop for lunch in yurts on the Sonkul Lake. Overnight in the home style hotel (B,D)
Today we travel through a mountain pass, which is open only 3 months a year, offering unforgettable views. A picnic-stop on the way at one of the most scenic spots before arriving in the 3000-year-old Osh city. Upon arrival in Osh, we visit the sacred mountain “Suleiman Too” which is under the protection of UNESCO. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Osh. (B,D)
After breakfast we travel 4 hours to the Pamir mountains where we will spend the night at the foot of Lenin peak, which sits over 7000m, at the base camp for climbers which has an altitude of 3500m. Here we will take a walk to the famous “Onion field”, from where all climbers start climbing the peak, as well as view the glacial lakes offering a great photo opportunity with the famous mountain in the background. We will see the life of shepherds in the summer pastures, as well as herds of horses and Yaks (B,D)
Notes on transport in Kyrgyzstan: The city tour in Bishkek, and the day excursion to Alaarcha, will be by Mercedes Sprinter coach. On the excursion to Altyn Arashan, we will use an ex-Soviet military SUV. The rest of the route in Kyrgyzstan will be by 4 x 4 jeeps
After breakfast we take a short walk in an ‘Edelweiss field’ and then leave to the border with Tajikistan. This trip will take 3 hours and we will climb a pass that’s over 4200 meters high. At the border we say goodbye to Evgeniy we greet Davood, our next guide, and our drivers for the Tajikistan portion of our adventure. We then continue on a wonderful drive towards one of Tajikistan’s most fabulous places, Karakul, offering some of the most dramatic scenery of the trip, with the lunar-like landscapes and bright blue lakes providing plenty of opportunities to take our breath away. We descend to Karakul Lake, the highest lake in Central Asia and at 3915m above sea level, which is too high to support any aquatic life. Overnight at a guesthouse. (B,D)
Today we will continue our trip towards Murghab and get a chance to explore the interesting barren landscape of the area. We will again cross a high-altitude pass, the Ak-Baital at 4655m, which is the highest section of road in the former Soviet Union. We continue to Murghab, the center of East Pamirs. This small town sits at 3670m and very little has changed over the last two centuries. We anticipate arriving in lunch time. Murghab itself has few attractions but it will serve as our base for one night as we explore the area a little. The 7546m peak of Mustag Ata in China is visible to the northeast of the town, just 110 km away. Overnight in a hotel or a guesthouse. (B,D)
Today we leave behind the lush valleys of Murghab and enter Wakhan Valley, The Wakhan Valley (also pronounced Vakhan) is a majestic alpine valley in the Badakhshan Region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan (the “Wakhan Corridor” refers to the part of the valley in Afghanistan). Its upper reaches consist of two wide, hilly plains surrounded by alpine peaks, beginning near the Chinese border in one of the most remote regions of the world. Further down where the Pamir and Wakhan rivers join to form the Pyanj River, the valley narrows, finally becoming a severe canyon with roaring river rapids at its end in Ishkashem. Its muddy rivers are fed by water from huge glaciers on some of the highest mountains on the planet, fantastic views of which are visible throughout the area. Overnight in a guest house (B,D)
Driving along the Wakhan Valley we detour to the village of Vrang with 4th century Buddhist stupas, that are reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans that passed through the region. Nearby in another little village we visit the Yamchun Fortress, perhaps the most impressive the ancient ruins and stupas in the region. We take a break at the Bibifitima hot springs for a dip. In Namadgut settlement we visit the ancient Kahkaha Fortress. There are a number of these ancient fortresses in the area that date back to the Kushan period of the 3rd century. Overnight in a guesthouse. (B,D)
From Ishkashim we leave for Khorog along the river Pyanj, that straddle the border with Afghanistan. We reach Khorog, the capital city of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) late afternoon. Accommodation in a family run hotel (B,D)
Autonomous Oblast Khorog is a small town that at various times has been under the control of Russia, the Emirate of Bukhara and Afghanistan. The Russians built a fo¬rt here in the Soviet era, with Khorog being in a highly str¬ategic location on the border with Afgha¬nistan, but today it languishes and is one of the least deve¬loped parts of the country, with the Aga Khan Foundation con¬tributing to the bulk of the local econo¬my. It holds the dis¬tinction of being ho-me the second highest botanical garden in the world, at 3900¬m. We have a little time to explore Khorog including the bazaar and the lovely botanical garden, which is perched high above the town, affording some great panoramic views. Overnight in a small hotel (B,D)
We set off west towa¬rds the Pamirs highway and Kalai khumb, driving through beautiful scenery and interesting villages en route. This small town, which has one small avenue for the whole town, diverts the attention of all foreigners by its beauty. The town has approximately a population of 23,000, and was historically a semi-independent statelet ruled by an Amir. Arrive to Kalai khumb in the early evening. Overnight in a hotel (B,D)
Note: the guesthouses, which are in all small settlements in the Pamirs, are family houses and the rooms consist mostly of two beds
Today we will drive out towards the capital city of Tajikistan Dushanbe. driving through beautiful sce¬nery and interesting villages en route. This area is a little more conservative, and we see many men with beards, and wo¬men wearing traditio¬nal dress. We cross the Shurabad Pa¬ss at 2200m. On route we will visit the ancient for¬tress of Hulbuk, dated back to the 8th century and recen¬tly restored under the decree of the pre¬sident. A local gu¬ide will details intere¬sting stories about the life in the fort¬ress and show outlines of the roo¬ms, halls and harems of the local govern¬or’s palace. We will reach Dushanbe in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel. Tonight, we have a farewell dinner in a special restaurant! (B,D)
Up early after breakfast, we transfer to Dushanbe airport and fly with Emirates to Dubai where we will connect with for our overnight flight to Auckland
** Dates are subject to change to adjust for any flight schedule changes**
Estimated Tour Price:
The above itinerary is subject to change due to airline reschedules, adverse weather and road conditions, unexpected political situations, or the decision by the host ground operator based on what is best for the group at time of arrival. Every effort will be made to deliver the itinerary and tour price exactly as stated