TAJIKISTAN…PAMIR HIGHWAY
May 16 - May 30, 2023
Led by Tour Manager Nancy Weber

This journey will take you to explore exotic landscapes of snow-covered peaks, high-mountain lakes and rivers, inhabited by mountain communities living in settlements preserving century-old traditions and customs. History of Pamir Highway is over one hundred years, but the history of Pamir itself is over millennia. It was left largely untouched by the ravages of the Soviet occupation and the Taliban’s invasion. Archaeological findings testify presence of Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Muslims in Pamir. The birth date of Pamir Highway can be considered the 14th of March 1981 when lieutenant colonel Bronislav Grombchevskiy read a lecture on “Our interests in Pamir. Military-political outline” at the secret meeting of the General headquarter of the Russian army in Saint Petersburg. The aim of this secret bridgehead was to prepare for any possible invasion of the British Empire to Central Asia. Our adventure will continue to Termez which is one of the ancient cities of Central Asia. It evolved throughout the history on different places around the modern city, reflecting multiple cultural layers depicted in remains of historical sites. For several centuries it served as the main center of Buddhism in Central Asia. Missionaries travelled from Termez through the iron gates to Sogdiana on the northwest along the valley of Oxus to Margiana and to the northeast through the Pamir and Alay mountains.

Trip Grade:
III Challenging: – Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat or humidity. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern cities.

LODGING Level:
** Delightful: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but usually with private facilities. Some stays in private homes or small inns that may lack western style amenities. (2 or 3 stars).

*** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)

Trip remarks:
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan portion of the trip will involve hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides. Tajikistan portion of the trip is rated as challenging touring due to the daily walking involved (at least two miles a day), some hiking, travel at high altitudes, several very long driving days. A part of the trip is at a high elevation, ranging from 7,000 to over 14,000 feet (the highest points on the itinerary are Kyzyl-Art Pass, Khargush Pass, and Ak-Baital Pass). Those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory conditions, must consult a doctor before considering this trip. This program makes use of guesthouses and rustic hotels, especially in the scenic and charming Pamir Mountains. Guesthouse accommodations are extremely basic – toilets are often shared among all group members as are showers, and guesthouses may not have electricity. The group may be in multiple separate guesthouses. If you rely on electricity for CPAP, or for any other reason, you must have your own battery or other back-up