Trek the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan

Due to flight schedules to Dushanbe, hotel accommodation is booked for this first night based on the majority of international travellers will be flying on Day 1 from Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK254 and arriving in the very early hours of Day 2. A group arrival transfer is included to connect with this flight. Please read the Getting There section below for more details on the recommend flight options for this trip, which effectively starts at midday on Day 2 to allow time for everyone to arrive at the starting hotel and rest up from their long journey. Those choosing to arrive early into Dushanbe can ask the host to assist with additional nights of accommodation and private transfers.

Welcome to Dushanbe! Your host will meet you at the airport in the early hours of this morning and transfer you to your hotel, where you can get some much needed rest after your long flight. Enjoy a late breakfast, then around midday meet up with your tour leader and fellow adventurers for a briefing on the expedition ahead. Head out to a local restaurant for some lunch before spending the afternoon exploring the monuments, museums and bazaars of Tajikistan's capital before dinner at a local restaurant.

The expedition gets under way as you head off for a two-day road trip, heading east to reach the Pamir Mountains. Orchards and villages are embedded in the green landscape which lines the route from Dushanbe. Stop at Nurek Lake to stretch your legs while taking in the views of this vast reservoir with the second highest dam in the world. On the way to Kulob you'll pass through a narrow ravine and then cross a high pass, bordered by bizarrely weathered, red-brown conglomerate rocks. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the mighty Panj River. Reaching Kalai Khumb (1270m) in the late afternoon, get to know Pamir hospitality for the first time at your privately run guesthouse as you chat to your hosts over dinner.

Start the day with a hike up to the Karon archaeological site at 1700m, palace ruins dated to 2nd Century BC, providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Today's drive follows the mighty Panj River, which forms the border with Afghanistan. The road squeezes into a huge ravine between the rugged mountain ranges of the West Pamirs, and there are plenty of stops along the route to stretch your legs and take in this unique place. By evening, you'll reach Khorog, the capital of the mountainous region of Badakhshan where you'll be staying in order to acclimatise before the trek. Khorog sits at 2070m on the Pamir Highway, in a narrow valley where the azure rivers Shakhdara and Ghund flow towards the murky Panj. The small town is also an important cultural centre with two universities, a public library, a theatre and the world's second-highest botanical garden (2300m).

Start the day with a short walking tour of Khorog town, then it's time for an acclimatisation hike up to the Botanical Gardens high above the city. The garden was created in 1940 and is a small oasis of over 2000 plant species, with fantastic views of Khorog and the Pamir Mountains in the distance. Then walk down to another hiking area popular with locals, perhaps there may be chance to stop for a cup of tea in one of the houses. After lunch you'll drive on from Khorog towards the Ghund Valley, along the way stopping for views of the silver-coloured salt lakes Sasyk and Tuzkul, before entering Bulunkul village (3700m), where the temperature drops to -63° C in winter (luckily, this is a summer trek!) Overnight at a local guesthouse.

Begin the day with an easy walk around Bulunkul village meeting the locals of this remote community, before setting off around the lake shore. Have lunch at a homestay by Yashilkul Lake and then a short drive to where you'll meet the rest of the trekking team, who will provide logistics support for your adventure. You'll then start the trek proper by hiking up over Burghumol Pass (3925m) to reach the Langar Dara Valley. Your first overnight camp will be here (at 3760m).

Have breakfast at camp before lacing the boots back up, to hike the trail up through the Langar Dara Valley. The landscape here is spectacular, with 6000m peaks looming above. The trails climbs slowly but steadily towards the next camping spot. Along the trail, you might stop at a shepherd's summer house for a cup of tea. Reach camp and enjoy dinner and a spot of stargazing tonight as the twilight fades.

Heading higher into the peaks there are two route options available today. The first is via the Langar Pass (4630m) which is a longer trek but easier-going for the donkeys carrying the gear. The second option goes via Chapdarkul Lake (4530m), which has a breathtaking view but rougher terrain of rocks and gravel to traverse. Your mountain guide will make the call, but either way the route descends to Uchkul Lake at 4300m for tonight's camp.

With a couple of full trekking days behind you, the rhythm of life on the trail is settling in now. Zip open the tent, grab coffee and breakfast and spend another few hours hiking in one of the world's most majestic mountain ranges. You have just under 14km to get through today, to reach the beautiful Lake Kulen at 4445m for tonight's camp out.

The trek reaches two more stunning high-altitude lakes today, starting with Zaroshkul Lake at 4520m as you set foot on a section of the newly created Pamir Trail – a 1000km route across the Fann and Pamir mountains of Tajikistan. This section of the trail meanders through a spectacular valley where you'll likely see yaks en route. Tuck into a lakeside picnic lunch before continuing the hike, with several river crossings to be made on foot or by horseback, until an easy descent to Tshakhin Lake (4340m) where you'll set up camp.

Rise early today, fuelling up with a big breakfast ready for a tough day on the legs. Today's distance is shorter, but the descent can be hard going on this part of the Pamir Trail as your altitude drops 750m until you reach Kavk (3765m). The reward for your efforts is a big one - a short walk from your riverside camp spot are the Kavk natural hot springs, where you can soak away any aches after multiple days of trekking.

Enjoy your last epic day of trekking today, packing down the riverside camp and setting off along the trail. The finish line is in sight as you descend to the village of Batchor (3400m) on the upper reaches of the River Ghund. This small Pamiri village makes for a perfect place to toast your trekking exploits as you are welcomed into a homestay with a local family. Spend a leisurely evening enjoying the excellent hospitality of the Pamiris, and bid farewell to your expedition team who are returning to their families today.

Bidding the incredible Pamir Mountains farewell, you'll hit the road again for the journey back towards Dushanbe, setting off through a deeply cut valley of the roaring River Ghund. The alpine backdrop either side of the road changes noticeably and the air gets milder and warmer as you travel along the Pamir Highway. Stop off in villages along the route for a glimpse into life in this part of Central Asia. Arriving back in Khorog, after a refreshing shower and some lunch, enjoy an afternoon stroll around the city to its beautiful park or the lively bazaar full of local craft goods.

The road trip continues along the Panj River. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning terrain, with a rocky ravine deeply cut between the mountains and surreal-looking white sand dunes by the river. Looking over to the Afghan side, you'll spot 'ovrings' - perilous-looking paths cut into the steep rock walls, which are the only connections between villages. If you are lucky, you'll see locals walking light-footed with remarkable speed on these stunning constructions. In the evening you'll reach the already familiar guesthouse in Kalai Khumb, where you stayed earlier in the trip.

Return to Dushanbe today via the northern route via the Saghir-dasht Pass (3252m). During a short break in Tavildara,s marvel at the Navruz mountain, whose colourful rock strata are folded into a unique tulip shape. Continuing the drive, pass by numerous orchards and villages embedded in green landscape lining the way through the wide valleys of Obikhingou and Vakhsh. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the comforts of civilisation again. Head out for a celebratory dinner to toast your success, having completed an expedition like no other.

Bid Tajikistan and its people farewell today, as your epic adventure comes to an end. Your host will provide a group airport transfer in time for the early hours Turkish Airlines TK255 flight to Istanbul on Day 16. Please see the Getting There section for more details. Those choosing to stay longer in Dushanbe may wish to ask the host to assist with additional nights of accommodation and private transfers.