Dushanbe to Darvaz

Qalaikhumb - Begin the journey at your hotel and embark on the tour to Pamir. Travel eastward towards the Pamirs and Kalaikhumb, passing through stunning landscapes and intriguing villages along the way. After Kulob, enter a more remote section of the Pamir highway. Cross the first mountain pass at 2200 meters, where the first view into Afghanistan can be seen. Below, the Panj River flows, marking the border with Afghanistan, which will be followed for the remainder of the day. It is a unique experience to be in such proximity to Afghanistan. On the opposite side of the river, observe the Afghan road with villagers traveling by motorbikes or walking with their donkeys.

Qalaikhumb to Dushanbe

Hulbuk Museum - In the early morning, retrace the route back to Dushanbe. Visit the Hulbuk Fortress along the way. Khulbuk was part of the ancient city of Hishtep and served as the center of the Huttal region during the 9th-12th centuries under the Gaznevid state. The settlement spans approximately 70 hectares, though much is now covered by modern structures. The citadel, palace, and remnants of ancient buildings have been preserved. Presently, the ancient complex functions as the “Halbuk” historical museum-reserve, covering 16 hectares. In 2006, Halbuk was reopened to visitors following extensive reconstruction. The citadel is rectangular, measuring 50 × 150 meters, and consists of two sections. The southern section (50x50 meters) is encircled by 15-meter walls, while the northern section is larger but has lower walls at 10 meters.

Nurek Dam - The next stop is the Nurek reservoir, pausing near Small Bazar with a viewpoint of the reservoir before reaching Dushanbe. The Nurek Dam and hydroelectric station is a massive earth-fill dam situated in a deep gorge at 38.3715 N, 69.3492 E, on the Vakhsh River in Tajikistan. It is located about 75 km east of Dushanbe. Standing at 300 meters (984 feet), it was the tallest dam in the world as of 2008. (The Rogun Dam, currently under construction upstream, is anticipated to surpass it at 335 meters (1,099 feet) upon completion.) The dam accounts for 75% of the country’s total electricity production (3.0 of 4.0 Gigawatts) and supplies over 90% of its power needs. Construction began in 1961 and concluded in 1980.

• Private transportation
• Accommodation in Kalai-Khumb (Guesthouse)

• Food (lunch & Dinner)

Embark on a two-day picturesque journey along the Pamir Highway, nestled close to the Afghanistan border. Revel in the stunning vistas of the awe-inspiring mountains that define this breathtaking landscape. The Pamir Highway is a famous high mountain road running along the border with Afghanistan. The road runs through deep gorges, high passes, huge glaciers, and deserts, among small villages in which Pamir peoples live. National Geographic included the Pamir Highway in the top five places that must be visited in Central Asia.

Our journey begins in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, from where we head east to Kalai-Khumb to meet the Panj River - the ancient Oxus. You can visit the villages in Tajikistan and wave to villagers in Afghanistan. This journey is about following in the tracks of ancient traders and explorers rather than those of modern-day tourists, with isolated communities that still see very few foreign visitors, and traditions that haven’t changed.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.