Bishkek To Dushanbe (14 Days) Pamir Explorer (Cabd18)
Bishkek To Dushanbe (14 Days) Pamir Explorer (Cabd18)
$1637
Bishkek To Dushanbe (14 Days) Pamir Explorer (Cabd18)
14 Days Starting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ending in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Visiting: Lake Issyk-Kul, Lake Song Kol, Tash Rabat, Osh, Pamirsky National Park, Khorog, Dushanbe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
478
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an 18-day adventure from Bishkek to Dushanbe with the Pamir Explorer tour, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Experience the stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes, visit the historic bazaar in Osh, and journey through the Fergana Valley, renowned for its silk production. Travel along the Pamir Highway, the second highest in the world, and marvel at the scenic Fann Mountains. Stay in a mix of simple hotels, hostels, and unique accommodations like yurts and bush camps. With the Oasis expedition truck as your base, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Central Asia's rugged beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bishkek To Tash Rabat
Location: Lake Issyk-Kul
We head East to explore the edge of Lake Issyk-Kul, a mountain lake in the northern Tien Shan Mountains, once used by the Soviets to test their submarine torpedoes! Famous for its magnificent scenery and with a surface area of 6,300 sq km, this is considered to be one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. The surrounding countryside is full of fruit trees and the local people transport their wares by traditional donkey and cart. We will find a place to camp under the stars tonight.
Day 2 : Bishkek To Tash Rabat
Location: Lake Song Kol
Travelling south and leaving behind Lake Issyk-Kul, we make our way to the isolated and breathtaking Lake Song Kol, where we stay in traditional felt Yurts. There will be opportunity to either hike or horse back ride and explore the surrounding area. If we are lucky we may even see a game of Ulak Tartysh - a Kyrgyz version of polo.
Day 3 : Bishkek To Tash Rabat
Location: Tash Rabat
We spend a couple of days driving south through the mountains towards the border with China. On the way we cross vast high plains where Kyrgyz nomads, living in their traditional yurts, practice a lifestyle which has changed little over the centuries. We will stop off at Tash Rabat, an ancient Caravanserai on the old Silk Route, before turning inland and crossing the back of the country. Here we will be out in the wilds, camping in the countryside and enjoying the great outdoors.
Day 6 : Tash Rabat To Osh
Location: Osh
Today we arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second biggest and oldest city. Osh is your opportunity to stock up on provisions before our stretch of camping along the Pamir Highway. Make sure you visit the bazaar, which has occupied the same spot for over 2000 years and was historically a major stopping point along the ancient Silk Road.
Day 7 : Tash Rabat To Osh
Location: Osh
Today we arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second biggest and oldest city. Osh is your opportunity to stock up on provisions before our stretch of camping along the Pamir Highway. Make sure you visit the bazaar, which has occupied the same spot for over 2000 years and was historically a major stopping point along the ancient Silk Road.
Day 8 : Osh To Tajikistan
Location: Osh
We leave Osh and begin our epic journey on the Pamir Highway. We travel South towards the Tajikistan border, and as we approach, you will start to see the snow capped peaks of the mountains in Pamirsky National Park – it’s a breathtaking scene and an impressive first glimpse of our next country. After a final night under the stars in Kyrgyzstan, we cross the pass to enter the multi-coloured mountains of Tajikistan. We follow the highway through incredible landscapes with colours changing as the sun moves, camping in remote spots and soaking in the vistas – keep those cameras ready!
Day 9 :
Location: Pamirsky National Park
We leave Osh and begin our epic journey on the Pamir Highway. We travel South towards the Tajikistan border, and as we approach, you will start to see the snow capped peaks of the mountains in Pamirsky National Park – it’s a breathtaking scene and an impressive first glimpse of our next country. After a final night under the stars in Kyrgyzstan, we cross the pass to enter the multi-coloured mountains of Tajikistan. We follow the highway through incredible landscapes with colours changing as the sun moves, camping in remote spots and soaking in the vistas – keep those cameras ready!
Day 10 :
Location: Pamirsky National Park
We leave Osh and begin our epic journey on the Pamir Highway. We travel South towards the Tajikistan border, and as we approach, you will start to see the snow capped peaks of the mountains in Pamirsky National Park – it’s a breathtaking scene and an impressive first glimpse of our next country. After a final night under the stars in Kyrgyzstan, we cross the pass to enter the multi-coloured mountains of Tajikistan. We follow the highway through incredible landscapes with colours changing as the sun moves, camping in remote spots and soaking in the vistas – keep those cameras ready!
Day 11 :
Location: Pamirsky National Park
We leave Osh and begin our epic journey on the Pamir Highway. We travel South towards the Tajikistan border, and as we approach, you will start to see the snow capped peaks of the mountains in Pamirsky National Park – it’s a breathtaking scene and an impressive first glimpse of our next country. After a final night under the stars in Kyrgyzstan, we cross the pass to enter the multi-coloured mountains of Tajikistan. We follow the highway through incredible landscapes with colours changing as the sun moves, camping in remote spots and soaking in the vistas – keep those cameras ready!
Day 12 :
Location: Khorog
Khorog feels like a breath of fresh air after our long dusty drive. As the first major town you enter in Tajikistan, it’s a fantastic place to people watch and experience. Make time to sample the local coffee or sit and relax in the beautiful park, and you might also want to day trip to Kuh-i-Lal Mine, or sample the hot springs. If the timing’s right, take a trip to the Afghan Cross Border market in Ishkashim!
Day 13 :
Location: Khorog
Khorog feels like a breath of fresh air after our long dusty drive. As the first major town you enter in Tajikistan, it’s a fantastic place to people watch and experience. Make time to sample the local coffee or sit and relax in the beautiful park, and you might also want to day trip to Kuh-i-Lal Mine, or sample the hot springs. If the timing’s right, take a trip to the Afghan Cross Border market in Ishkashim!
Day 16 : Khorog To Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
The road from Khorog to Dushanbe is windy, narrow, spectacular and surreal; for the first day you will be so close to Afghanistan that you can actually see the villagers going about their daily lives! You will drive alongside the river, winding up and down with it, viewing rural life in both countries as it’s been for hundreds of years. Entering Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, comes with a culture shock: paved wide roads, gleaming statues and flag poles – a far cry from the East of the country.
Day 17 : Khorog To Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
The road from Khorog to Dushanbe is windy, narrow, spectacular and surreal; for the first day you will be so close to Afghanistan that you can actually see the villagers going about their daily lives! You will drive alongside the river, winding up and down with it, viewing rural life in both countries as it’s been for hundreds of years. Entering Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, comes with a culture shock: paved wide roads, gleaming statues and flag poles – a far cry from the East of the country.
Day 18 : Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Your trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is approximately 90% camping and 10% simple hostel/homestay.
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Yurt Stay
Yurt stay at Lake Song Kol.
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Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Visit to Tash Rabat Caravanserai.
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Pamir Highway
Travel along the Pamir Highway.
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Meals
Meals are provided for approximately 80% of the trip.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
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Oasis Crew Services
Services of the Oasis Crew.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment is required (see tour notes and options).
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Meals are not provided for approximately 20% of the trip.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Take on the great outdoors in this epic journey across the expanse of Kyrgyzstan and up into the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. Stay in yurts on beautiful Lake Song Kul and visit one of the oldest Bazaar's on the Silk Road in Osh. Venture on the Pamir Highway and follow the border of Afghanistan, before arriving in Dushanbe.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear! Seatbelts All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle will we be traveling in during the tour?
You will be traveling in an Oasis expedition truck, which is a purpose-built vehicle designed to handle various terrains such as soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads. The truck is equipped with essential equipment, including a professionally compiled expedition medical kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts, and even a kitchen sink.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is split between simple hotels and hostels and camping. You will experience a variety of accommodations, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents for two people, which are specially made to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip.
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Will there be any unique accommodation experiences during the tour?
Yes, you will have unique accommodation experiences such as staying in traditional felt yurts at Lake Song Kol and camping in bush camps with no facilities.
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What should I bring for camping?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and personal gear. It is also recommended to bring a freestanding mosquito net for the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night.
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Are there any special safety features in the expedition truck?
Yes, all Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts, and it is recommended that travelers wear them at all times while the vehicle is moving. Most of the trucks also have a 'beach area,' which is a chill-out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
Approximately 80% of the meals are included in the tour. The remaining 20% of meals are not included and will need to be covered by the travelers.
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What kind of activities can I expect during the stay at Lake Song Kol?
During your stay at Lake Song Kol, you will have the opportunity to either hike or horseback ride and explore the surrounding area. If you are lucky, you may even see a game of Ulak Tartysh, a Kyrgyz version of polo.
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What is the significance of the bazaar in Osh?
The bazaar in Osh is the oldest bazaar in Central Asia and has occupied the same spot for over 2000 years. It was historically a major stopping point along the ancient Silk Road.
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What can I expect when traveling on the Pamir Highway?
Traveling on the Pamir Highway, you will experience incredible landscapes with changing colors as the sun moves. You will camp in remote spots and soak in the breathtaking vistas. The highway is the 2nd highest in the world and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and multi-colored mountains.
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What are some highlights of the journey from Khorog to Dushanbe?
The road from Khorog to Dushanbe is windy, narrow, and spectacular. For the first day, you will be so close to Afghanistan that you can see villagers going about their daily lives. You will drive alongside the river, viewing rural life in both countries as it has been for hundreds of years. Entering Dushanbe, you will experience a culture shock with paved wide roads, gleaming statues, and flag poles.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.