Along the Pamir & Karakoram Highways

Along the Pamir & Karakoram Highways

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Along the Pamir & Karakoram Highways

21 Days

Visiting: China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

MCA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Few places on earth can match the grandeur of the epic scenery encountered on this unique itinerary. Travelling along sections of two of the world’s most scenic drives – the Pamir and Karakoram Highways - we’ll not only meet the varied ethnic groups who call this lofty world home, but we’ll also witness the incredible diversity of some of the planet’s most famous ranges including the Pamirs, the Karakoram’s and the Hindu Kush.

Crossing remote borders between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Western China, and Pakistan, we’ll reach passes of 4800m and find ourselves in the stunning Hunza Valley (often referred to as Shangri La) with views of 7000m peaks all around. Following in the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders we’ll experience the bustling Sunday market in Kashgar and be amongst the few visitors these days to experience northern Pakistan’s timeless beauty.

This is very much a trip of a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Journey through some of the world’s most epic landscapes as you drive along the Pamir and Karakoram Highways

  • Enjoy homestays and local hospitality as you immerse yourself in the pastoral culture and communities of the High Pamirs

  • Take a walk through Pakistan’s stunning Hunza Valley or simply relax and marvel at its beauty

  • Be ready for an exhilarating mix of sights, sounds and smells at Kashgar’s famed Sunday Market

  • Learn about the fascinating geology of the ancient Karakul Lake, thought to have been created millions of years ago by a meteorite

  • Discover the great Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, as well as Asia’s largest sleeping Buddha in Dushanbe

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Tour Starts In Dushanbe
Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar

The tour begins in Dushanbe where accommodation for this night is included in the tour due to the arrival times of our suggested flights. Those on the group flights will arrive in the early hours of Day 2.

Day 2: In Dushanbe
Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed start we have the rest of the day to explore the city and see the sights. Depending on opening hours (which are subject to frequent change), we plan to visit the impressive Museum of National Antiquities, which houses Asia’s largest statue of the sleeping Buddha (a mighty 13 metres), ancient weapons and a carving of Alexander the Great, or the impressive new National Museum located next to the world’s tallest flagpole!

Day 3: Dushanbe - Kalai - Khumb
Accommodation: Karon Palace Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we start our epic journey taking the Pamir ‘highway’, a road built by the Red Army in the 1930s in order to link the isolated communities to the rest of the Soviet Union. Today is a full day’s drive through the changing landscape of canyons and farmland to Kalai-Khumb, situated so close to the Afghani villages just across the river that you’ll be able to wave to each other.

Day 4: Kalai-Khumb - Khorog
Accommodation: LAL Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head south towards Khorog, the administrative centre of the Pamir region, dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghund rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks. We can enjoy wonderful views towards Afghanistan. If time permits, we may have chance to enjoy the views from the Botanical Gardens (one of the highest in the world), and the town is the site of one of Central Asia’s few university campuses.

Day 5: Khorog - Yashil Kul Lake (3734M Approx)
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we continue along the Pamir Highway and make a stop en route at Jelondy hot springs. Here we have the opportunity of taking in the curative waters at this local style spa. We then continue on to our overnight stop at Yashil Kul Lake, where we will stay in the small hamlet of Bulunkul. The people living locally are Kyrgyz pastoralists living in a harsh but hospitable environment. Our stay here will deepen our understanding of how people have adapted to live in such remote mountainous areas, in fact the coldest place in Tajikistan.

Day 6: Yashil Kul - Murgab (3600M Approx)
Accommodation: Pamir Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After following the Alichur Plateau, we plan to stop for lunch at a yurt camp and meet the local nomads. If the weather is clear enough we’ll head up to Shorbulak Observatory, from where you can see the Muztag Ata (7550m) and Kongur (7719m) peaks, which are part of the Kunlun Shan Range. We then continue on to Murgab. This quiet town (with the only bazaar of the High Pamir region) is still struggling with its development due to the nearby Russian border guards’ base being closed down – the last remaining Soviet influence in this region. The recent opening of the Chinese Qolma Pass, however, has slowly aided the town in its progression.

Day 7: Murgab- Madian Valley - Murgab (3600M Approx)
Accommodation: Pamir Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will explore the stunning Madian Valley, one of the main grazing areas near Murgab, as well as the Eli Su hot springs. Driving out of town, we will then head off on foot towards Eli Su. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and spend time relaxing, before returning to Murgab for the night.

Day 8: Murgab - Karakul (3960M Approx)
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey today takes us to Karakul. The road climbs up to the Ak Baital Pass (The White Mare Pass), which at 4655m stands as the highest pass in the former USSR, and on to the Muzkol Valley. We will take a short detour to the Shor and Rankul Lakes, where we will stop for a picnic lunch. Views of mountains and glaciers along the way are simply breath-taking. The stunning Karakul Lake is hidden deep in this expanse of arid landscape. It is a body of water thought to have been created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. We’ll have the opportunity for a short walk along the lake to our homestay in Karakul village. The surrounding area offers some spectacular views, which are especially dramatic with the sun setting over the nearby snow-capped mountains.

Day 9: Karakul - Sary Tash (Kyrgyzstan) (3150M Approx)
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travelling up to the Kizil Art Pass (4280m) today, we will then cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and pass through the gateway to the Pamir Plateau, or as Marco Polo called it – ‘The Roof of the World’. We’ll drive north to Sary Tash and weather permitting we will be able to see stunning views of snowy Lenin Peak, which at 7134m is the second highest mountain in the Pamirs. Here we stay the night with a local family in their cosy house.

Day 10: Sary Tash - Kashgar (China) (3150M Approx)
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a full day travelling which will include the border crossing into China’s western-most province – the autonomous Xinjiang region. Starting with what is likely to be an early start, we will drive east along the main artery of the Old Silk Road to the Irkishtam Pass. The first 30kms is a rather rough road but this improves and we continue through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with multi-coloured sedimentary sandstone flanking our route. Finally we’ll arrive in the important trading hub that was once the prize of Great Game explorers.

Day 11: Kashgar
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There will be ample time for personal exploration in this Silk Road city which sits today, as it has done for centuries, at a major crossroads of trade routes. We will of course see the (controversial) statue of Chairman Mao in the city centre as well as visiting the green-tiled Abu Khoja tomb in the quiet suburbs. After a traditional Uighur lunch we will have a break before heading into the old town. We will end the day by having tea on the second floor balcony of one of the old chaikhanas, watching the street market below us.

Day 12: In Kashgar
Accommodation: Qinibagh Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will have the chance to experience the famous Yakshambe Bazaar - the Sunday Market. In the morning we will first visit the famous animal market. Here we will spend time watching the locals trade everything from woodwork and ironware to sheep, donkeys, cattle, horses and camels before progressing onto the covered bazaar, believed to be the biggest in Central Asia. The afternoon will be free for you to spend at your leisure and you may want to hire bicycles and head off into the nearby fields to explore.

Day 13: Kashgar - Tashkurgan (3090M Approx)
Accommodation: Crown Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Like countless traders before us, today we will commence our journey on the southern branch of the Old Silk Road, passing Karakul Lake and the formidable 7000m-high peak Muztagh Ata – the Ice Father - en route to Tashkurgan. This interesting frontier town is famed for its old fortress which, if time permits, we will take time to look around.

Day 14: Tashkurgan - Gulmit (Pakistan) 4693M Approx
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Crossing the land border calls for an early morning departure, first checking through passport control before driving over the spectacular Khunjerab Pass and on to Sust in Pakistan. After clearing immigration, we head for Gulmit. En route we’ll stop to take photos at the Batura Glacier to view the Shisper Peak standing at 7600m.

Day 15: Gulmit - Hunza
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take some time to explore the town of Gulmit, the old summer capital of Hunza situated at approx. 2500m.The fertile plateau here boasts an abundance of crops such as maize, wheat and potatoes, along with apricots, peaches, apples and walnuts. We will take a wander around and visit some of the local houses before continuing our journey down the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Hunza. At the northern end of Lake Attabad we take a short boat ride on the lake before heading through the newly built tunnel and then continuing to Hunza and the principal town of Karimabad. In the late afternoon we will drive up to our amazing hotel for our first night in Hunza. Our hotel is situated 2,850m above sea level, 800m above the valley floor with panoramic views of seven 7,000m peaks!

Day 16: Hunza
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will be able to take a spectacular walk down into town – or go by bus – where we will be able to visit Altit Fort and go for a water channel walk. Alternatively we can just chill-out in this fabulous location. It really is one of the most amazing places on earth and there are plenty of things to do.

Day 17: Hunza
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Realising the last few days have been quite full-on, we have decided to indulge you, and give one more full day at this heavenly spot. Besides relaxing, there are numerous local walks to enjoy.

Day 18: Hunza - Gilgit
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we will continue south down the Hunza Valley to Gilgit. Here we will have the chance to visit the famous Gandharan Buddha and the Christian cemetery before having a look around the bazaar. If a game of Polo is on, this is a great place to watch. From here we will transfer to our wonderful hotel, situated a little way out of town.

Day 19:  Gilgit - Naran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a spectacular drive back towards Islamabad as we drive along the Karakoram Highway enjoying the mountain scenery and stunning countryside. Flights at this time of year are unreliable and can be cancelled on a regular basis due to adverse weather conditions so we plan to drive this very memorable route, and break our journey in Naran. The majority of the people here are Pashtun and we may have the opportunity to have a stroll around the bazaar in the early evening or sit and watch the world go by in one of the rooftop cafes.

Day 20: Naran - Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we will continue our journey to the capital city of Islamabad, and if time allows visit the Faisal Mosque. This is the largest mosque in Pakistan and can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers. This evening we have our farewell group dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day 21: Tour Ends Islamabad
Meals Included: Breakfast

The group flight departs early this morning so tour will end after breakfast in Islamabad.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    20 x Breakfasts19 x Lunches19 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    4WDs and minibuses

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Moderate

What's Not Included

  • We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

  • We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa

For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Tajikistan, China & Pakistan.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Responsible Travel

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.

When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats. 

Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Travelling Solo and single supplements

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!

Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except the homestays in Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan.

Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
 

Insurance

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Driving days can be long and tiring and it should be noted that this trip is in essence a big road trip. However please note that in certain places you will be staying in homestays so you should be prepared for basic facilities and no showers for part of the trip. We think that what you will be witnessing will easily make up for any discomfort!

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Driving days can be long and tiring and it should be noted that this trip is in essence a big road trip. However please note that in certain places you will be staying in homestays so you should be prepared for basic facilities and no showers for part of the trip. We think that what you will be witnessing will easily make up for any discomfort!

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Flora Hunt  

Flora Hunt

Majestic Mountains of Central Asia was a wonderfully varied trip. The contrast between the countries visited much greater than I'd imagined.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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