Epic Tajikistan (16 days)

Epic Tajikistan Trek: Lakes, Mountains & Valleys.

Welcome to Tajikistan – one of the least-touristed parts of the world. This thrilling journey is certainly not for the faint of heart, with average daily treks of around five to six hours, and nights spent camping high up in the mountains of Tajikistan. Starting in the capital of Dushanbe, you’ll begin your intrepid 16-day trip through the Fann mountains and many lofty passes, stopping along the way at the Karakul river, Sarikhodang gorge, Lake Koulikalon, among others. Don’t forget your camera – this is a journey that simply must be captured through a lens, if not just committed to memory.

Day 1 Dushanbe
Arrive in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, situated at the confluence of two rivers, in the afternoon. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your private Tajik home. Once you settle in, you are free to explore the city, or relax in your quarters for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 Dushanbe
Enjoy a pleasant breakfast in your private residence before stepping out into Dushanbe’s historic streets. Today you’ll visit the Botanical Gardens, the Place of Ismoil Samoni, and a bustling local market. Markets are important in this city - the name “Dushanbe” translates as Monday, which was when the major local market was held. You’ll dine at local restaurants for both lunch and dinner, and return to your private home in the evening.

Day 3 Karakul
After breakfast this morning, you’ll say goodbye to your private residence, and hit the road as your adventure truly begins. The route will take you through the stunning Varzob Gorge, complete with majestic mountains and sparkling waterfalls. Lunch will be served on the road today, as you continue through a tunnel that leads to the Zerafchan valley and the stunning Iskanderkul Lake nestled into the picturesque Fann mountains, over 7,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy a stroll around the lake and visit a waterfall. Next you’re headed to Sarytag village and the Karakul river, where you’ll be greeted by a team of local guides and their donkeys. Tonight, you’ll set up camp and sleep soundly under the stars.

Day 4 Karakul
Wake up this morning on the stunning Karakul river, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy breakfast amidst the fresh mountain air – you’ll need a good amount of sustenance today for the exciting trek that lies ahead. After breakfast and packing up, you’ll begin your trek through a forest valley, eventually tracing the Dugdone stream. The entire trek will take about four hours, before you reach your camping spot for the evening at 9,500 feet above sea level.

Day 5 Sarikhodang
Wake up to another al fresco breakfast, savoring your food as you enjoy the exquisite natural views that Tajikistan’s countryside has to offer. You’ll hike over a mountain pass to the foot of Dugdone glacier, 17,000 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll descend into the beautiful Sarikhodang gorge. Here, the views of the glaciers are jaw-dropping, flocks of sheep scattered across the mountainsides. Set up camp once again and enjoy a restful sleep in the great outdoors.

Day 6 Lake Ptchikoul – Archa Maidan Valley
After breakfast this morning, you’ll begin your four-hour trek to lake Ptchikoul, located 8,000 feet above sea level. Sit down to a picnic and rest your legs before you continue down to the Archa Maidan Valley, 7,200 feet above sea level. Here, you’ll set up camp and enjoy a peaceful sleep.

Day 7 Gointan Village
A long hike today will take you from the Archa Maidan valley to the town of Gaza Gointan, passing some of the best Tajik nature has to offer along the way. Seven hours in total, the trek will also take you through small villages dotted along the way, where you can meet and greet locals and learn about their ways of life. Tonight, you’ll trade in your tent for a proper bed at a local homestay.

Day 8 Lake Tchoukourak – Artoutch Base Camp
The eighth day of your thrilling Tajikistan adventure begins with breakfast, followed by a climb to the Gointan pass, over 8,500 feet above sea level. Next, you’ll descend to the mountain-framed Tchoukourak lake, where you’ll enjoy a picturesque picnic. The final leg of your five- to six-hour trek today will take you down to the base of Artoutch mountain, where you’ll stay in a comfortable bungalow for the night.

Day 9 Lake Koulikalon
This morning your trek continues – but begin first with a hardy breakfast to prepare you for the five to six hours of hiking ahead. You’ll head back to Tchoukourak Lake, and continue on to a village of shepherds. Your trek will next take you to a beautiful view of the Chimtarga mountains, before descending to Koulikalon lake, on the final leg of your five- to six-hour trek, where you’ll enjoy another picnic lunch while admiring the exquisite mountain scenery. If you feel like it, now is a great time to a swim – the water here is warmer than other lakes. You’ll set up camp here and enjoy an overnight stay under the stars.

Day 10 Lake Douchokha
Breakfast today is followed by a trek along the stunning lake Koulikalon, with its sparkling turquoise-hued waters. The final destination today, after three to four hours of hiking, will be Douchokha Lake, 9,500 feet above sea level. Set up camp once again and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.

Day 11 Lake Alaoutdine
After breakfast this morning, you’ll climb to Alaoutdine pass, 12,500 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll be at the perfect vantage point to capture both Zamok and Chapdara peaks, soaring high in the sky. Once you catch your breath, pause and enjoy the incredible scenery, it’s time to descend to Lake Alaoutdine, where you’ll dine and set up camp in the great outdoors. After five to six hours of trekking today, you’re sure to enjoy a restful sleep tonight.

Day 12 Lake Moutnoye
Get ready for another five to six hours of trekking today, taking you past breathtaking views of Zamok, Paygamber, and Energiya peaks, as well as the Kaznok pass. You’ll eventually come to a small lake named Piala, before climbing up to the stunning glacial lake Moutnoye, at the foot of Mount Chimtarga – the highest peak to the Fanskiye Mountains. Here, at the base alone, you’ll be nearly 11,500 feet above sea level. Relax here for the rest of the day, enjoying a picnic lunch and al fresco dinner, alongside the epic views.

Day 13 Lake Aladoutdin
This morning you’ll climb to Kaznok, over 13,000 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll take in unforgettable panoramas of the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst these beautiful views, before descending to Lake Alaoutdin, and setting up camp for the night. Your total hiking time today will be five to six hours once again.

Day 14 Tchapdara Pass – Bodkhona Gorge – Pasruddaria Valley
After breakfast this morning, you’ll prepare for another five- to six-hour hike that will take you across Tchapdara pass, descending into Bodkhona Gorge, to the Pasruddaria river, 7,500 feet above sea level. Once in the Pasruddaria valley, you’ll be dazzled by its sparkling streams, verdant pastures, and flocks of sheep. Camp here this evening, resting up for your final full day in Tajikistan.

Day 15 Dushanbe
It’s back to Dushanbe today, starting with breakfast, followed by a one-hour trek down to the motorway (it is also possible to be transported by vehicle). From here, you’ll depart for Dushanbe, where you’ll sit down to a traditional Tajik lunch in town. In the afternoon, visit famous Dushanbe sites, including the Tajikistan History Museum – complete with 40-foot-tall Buddha statue, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and a local bazaar. You’ll dine at a restaurant in town, before bedding down in a private local home.

Day 16 Departure
Say goodbye to Dushanbe and beautiful, exotic Tajikistan today, as you’re transferred to the airport for your onwards journey. Reflect back on your wonderful time in Tajikistan on the plane ride to your next exciting destination.