Example Itinerary

The Hidden World of Tajikistan

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Tajikistan

Set in the heart of Central Asia lies the beautifully-preserved country of Tajikistan, so far from the beaten track it is an enchanting land, enveloped by stunning natural beauty. Visitors will start their tour in the city of Dushanbe, where a vast range of traditional and cultural art can be seen. The route will take you through picturesque scenery made up of stunning and unique landscapes. Along the way, you will visit an abundance of hidden gems including the ruby mines of Khu i Lal, rejuvenating mineral hot springs and travel down the famous Silk Road.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Natural Pools: The bubbling mineral hot springs of Garm Kashma are said to help with skin problems and other ailments.
  • Prehistoric Rock Art: Langar's steep slopes are home to over 6,000 examples of ancient petroglyphs, which offer a window of insight into the region's deep history.
  • Stargazing: Sparkling skies and a full view of the Milky Way await in the mountains of Murghab, where there is no interruption from light pollution.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Dushanbe

Arrive at the international airport in Dushanbe, from where you’ll be met and transferred to your four-star hotel, where you will reside for the next two days. After recuperating, take the opportunity to explore this large capital city. There are many ancient monuments to discover before heading back to your hotel for a night’s rest.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Within walking distance of a number of popular local attractions, and just a 15-minute drive from Dushanbe International Airport, the Hyatt Regency has a much sought after location in this Tajik city.

Services: The service here is first-class with a personalized touch and guests’ needs are met on every request.

History: The capital city of Dushanbe has a historical past that dates back over 3,000 years. A number of archaeological finds highlight the city’s unsettled history, including Greek-Bactrian ruins and a settlement from the Kushan period, dating back to the 7th century.

Read More
Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Preferred Hotel
About

This luxury hotel in the center of Dushanbe is one of the city's more modern options. As soon as you step inside the grand lobby with its traditional Tajik features, it's clear that plenty of time and effort have gone into the hotel's design.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Dushanbe

There is plenty of time on your second day in Tajikistan to visit the Gurminj Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments as well as the Museum of Antiquities at your leisure. Here, there is a vast assortment of Buddhist art, including the spectacular Great Buddha of Nirvana (the tallest in Central Asia) which has been retrieved from the lost Kushan empire and various other historical sites. Head back to your hotel at night and prepare to set off for the rest of the trip.

Dushanbe
Dushanbe

Day 3

Map

Qal'ai Khumb

Setting off down the M41 Highway towards the Pamirs, you will be taken through the Kulyab region where Tajik culture can be seen in all its splendour. Traditional attire is the norm here and the locals adorn long beards. Further along the highway, 236 miles from Dushanbe, is Qal'ai Khumb, located on the Panj river, where you will spend the night in a local hotel, a welcoming retreat after seven to eight hours on the road.

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by the Pamir Mountains and on the border with Afghanistan, Qalai-Khumb is a gateway to many exciting destinations. The hotel's 22 spacious, inviting rooms combine local and modern design elements with such amenities as complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite televisions, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, high-quality linens, and essential toiletries.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Khorog

Following the Panj River, the road from Kalai-Humb to Khorog is a particularly stunning one which stretches over 161 miles. Afghanistan lies over the river on the right side and the differences in Afghan and Tajik lifestyles are clearly visible. Afghan's admirable attempt to construct a highway without machinery can be seen from this road. The route ends after five to six hours in Khorog, a small town on the Afghan-Tajik border, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing night in a private guesthouse.

Hotel Options
About

The extremely cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Serena Inn belies its noble purpose. Originally built especially to accommodate Aga Khan on his visit to the town, it’s the pride of Khorog, sitting on its outskirts, nestled in the foothills of Mount Badakhshan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khorog
Khorog

Day 5

Map

Ishkashim

Renowned for its healing properties, the hot mineral springs of Garm Chashma are located just 28 miles from Khorog. Just a stone’s throw away are the fascinating ruby mines of Khu i Lal, famous for its Badakhshani rubies. A three- to four-hour road journey leads from here to the town of Ishkashim, located a relatively short 74 miles from Khorog, set deep within the valley at the mouth of the Wakhan Corridor. On Saturdays, you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Afghan culture by visiting a market held over the border. Check in to a guesthouse in the town, where you will stay for the night.

Hotel Options
About

For visitors to Ishkashim, we recommend Hani’s Guesthouse where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Well located in the center of town, next to the police station and close to nearby amenities, the two storey guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Ishkashim
Ishkashim

Day 6

Map

Langar

The first stop of this action-packed day set along an 86-mile road is at the ancient fortress of Kah-Kaha, located in Namadgut. Next is the museum of Sufi Muborkak-Kadami Vakhani, a famous local traveler, scholar, theologian and poet, where some of his most famous work can be seen. Further down the road, we stop at the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, a huge place of worship in this region, and the hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra. Guarding the Silk Road, the ruins of the Yamchun fortress is the last stop on this road. Tonight, after five to six hours of road journeys, you will experience the hospitality and values of the Tajiks first hand by spending the night in one of the local’s traditional homes in the village of Langar.

Hotel Options
About

A homestay offers a fascinating window into Tajik culture where guests will feel an immediate connection with the culture and locals that can’t be found in hotels. In this humble but comfortable homestay with the basic facilities covered, guests will have a chance to live how the locals live, while having a base from which to explore remote Tajikistan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Langar
Langar

Day 7

Map

Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes

In the cool of morning, leave the quaint town of Langar and start a steep uphill climb to the rock-face overlooking the village. Not only are there panoramic views over the corridor but you can also check out the multitude of ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock. After lunch, drive the 93 miles over the Khargush Pass and onto Yashikkul Lake. As you climb higher up the Pamirs, you will notice the landscape changes after a five- to six-hour drive from lush valleys to more rocky terrain where the local Kyrgyz herders keep their livestock. Tonight, you will spend the night at a guesthouse near Bulunkul Lake for a truly unforgettable experience.

Hotel Options
About

In remote areas of Tajikistan, travelers rely on basic guest houses where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Typically located in the center of town, the guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes
Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes

Day 8

Map

Murghab

After rejoining the Pamir Highway, your eighth day in Tajikistan will take you to Murghab, 90 miles from Bulunkul and takes around three hours, to four hours. It’s a secluded town which lies 11,909 feet above sea level. Although remote, the landscape here is stunning, with a raw and untouched beauty. You will be able to purchase authentic Tajik-style items and handicrafts made from yak hair and felt. At night, marvel at the spectacular night sky, where the Milky Way can be seen clearly, strewn across an inky black canopy. As is synonymous with Tajikistan, the hospitality in this town is second-to-none and there is never short of homestays thanks to a local ecotourism project.

Hotel Options
About

The lonely town of Murghab, in its position in the midst of the Pamirs, is a town well accustomed to receiving tired and weary travelers, worn out from their adventures in the surrounding areas in the beautiful but punishing terrain, and looking for a little respite. Luckily Ibrahim and his charming family, who run the Anara Guesthouse, are ready to welcome tired and grubby guests with a warm smile and even warmer showers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

For a comfortable and characterful place to stay in Murghab, we recommend the Sarykol Lodge. A great place to break up an adventurous journey in the Pamirs, Murghab has long been an important central hub for travelers and trade.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Murghab
Murghab

Day 9

Map

Murghab

Today is reserved mainly for seeing the vastly unseen part of Tajikistan, strictly off the beaten track. A short drive to Rangkul takes you on a journey back in time to how the Kyrgyz have lived for centuries. The local herders keep sheep, yak and goats in this province and you can catch a rare glimpse of this simple way of life by staying with them in a traditional yurt camp. Spend the afternoon trekking near the lake on an indigenous Bactrian camel, where you can enjoy alpine scenes. At night, head back to Murgab to complete the 74-mile round trip for another memorable homestay.

Day 10

Map

Khorog

After breakfast, you are invited to explore the peaceful and surreal surroundings of this region. A transfer towards the town of Murghab is a great opportunity to take a look at the picturesque scenery and you will stop for a welcomed lunch along the way. Next, hit the 198-mile journey to the ancient city of Khorog, which takes around six to seven hours. Tonight, enjoy a delectable meal at a modern hotel in the city, where you will also be spending the night.

Hotel Options
About

The extremely cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Serena Inn belies its noble purpose. Originally built especially to accommodate Aga Khan on his visit to the town, it’s the pride of Khorog, sitting on its outskirts, nestled in the foothills of Mount Badakhshan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khorog
Khorog

Day 11

Map

Qal'ai Khumb

A traditional breakfast is followed by a visit to the botanical gardens of Khorog, where you can take a leisurely stroll and look around the exclusive range of exquisite plants from around the world. A transfer from here takes you 161 miles to the town of Kalai-Humb and a stop for lunch along the way breaks up the six-hour road trip. Tonight is a relaxing affair with dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by the Pamir Mountains and on the border with Afghanistan, Qalai-Khumb is a gateway to many exciting destinations. The hotel's 22 spacious, inviting rooms combine local and modern design elements with such amenities as complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite televisions, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, high-quality linens, and essential toiletries.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Qal'ai Khumb
Qal'ai Khumb

Day 12

Map

Dushanbe

The penultimate day of this tour is a relaxing one, dedicated to enjoying the stunning scenes over eight hours across a 236-mile route. After breakfast, take a drive through dramatic landscapes to Dushanbe via Kulyb. You will stop for lunch along the way and tonight, sample some authentic dishes within an oriental tea room. Spend the last night in Tajikistan in a private guesthouse.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Within walking distance of a number of popular local attractions, and just a 15-minute drive from Dushanbe International Airport, the Hyatt Regency has a much sought after location in this Tajik city.

Services: The service here is first-class with a personalized touch and guests’ needs are met on every request.

History: The capital city of Dushanbe has a historical past that dates back over 3,000 years. A number of archaeological finds highlight the city’s unsettled history, including Greek-Bactrian ruins and a settlement from the Kushan period, dating back to the 7th century.

Read More
Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Preferred Hotel
About

This luxury hotel in the center of Dushanbe is one of the city's more modern options. As soon as you step inside the grand lobby with its traditional Tajik features, it's clear that plenty of time and effort have gone into the hotel's design.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Map

Departure

This action-packed adventure across Tajikistan finishes on day 13. After breakfast in the guesthouse, it is time to say goodbye to the country’s incredible hospitality and traditional values. You will be transferred to the airport where you will catch your plane out of the country and to your next destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.