2 Stans Tour Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

BISHKEK TO ISSYK-KOL LAKE 

Driving time/distance: 4 hours, 180 km

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Bishkek to the enchanting Issyk-Kol Lake. En route, visit the historic Burana Tower, a 9th-century Silk Road monument, and learn about its fascinating history. Continue your journey to the southern shore of the lake, stopping at the breathtaking Fairy Tale Canyon, where vibrant rock formations ignite the imagination. Arrive at Bel Tam Yurt Camp and enjoy a traditional lunch in a cozy yurt. Spend your afternoon immersed in unique Kyrgyz culture—watch an eagle hunting demonstration (optional), enjoy a relaxing horseback ride along the lake (optional), or take a refreshing dip in the clear waters. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the yurt camp, under a canopy of stars.

Accommodation: Guesthouses / Homestays

• Driving distance/hour: 180km / 112 mi – 5 hours
• Altitude: 1800 m / 5905 ft
• Internet: O (4G), Megacom (4G), Wi-Fi
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

JETI-OGUZ VALLEY & OGUZ BASHY PEAK HIKE 

Travel to the stunning Jeti-Oguz Valley, famous for its red sandstone cliffs like the “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls.” On the way, stop at the picturesque Barskon Waterfalls, an idyllic spot for photos. Arrive at the yurt camp in Kok Jaiyk Valley and enjoy a hearty lunch. Afterward, set out on a hike through alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers and herds of grazing livestock. Reach the viewpoint for the majestic, glaciated Oguz Bashy Peak. Return to the yurt camp for dinner and a restful evening surrounded by natural beauty.

Accommodation: Yurt stay / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 140km / 86 mi – 4 hours
• Hiking distance/time: 6 km / 4 hours
• Altitude: 2000 m / 6562 ft
• Internet: O (3G), Megacom (3G).
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

JOURNEY TO KOCHKOR TOWN 

Start the day with a gentle morning hike to a hidden mountain waterfall near Jeti-Oguz. Continue your drive to Kochkor Town, stopping along the way to savor the scenic landscapes of rolling hills and rural villages. Arrive at a family-run homestay, where you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality. Spend the afternoon exploring the village and participating in a shyrdak (felt carpet) workshop (optional), led by skilled artisans, offering a glimpse into Kyrgyz traditions.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 260km / 162 mi – 7 hours
• Hiking distance/time:
• Altitude: 1800 m / 5905 ft
• Internet: O (4G), Megacom (4G), Beeline (4G), Wi-Fi.
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

KOCHKOR TO SONG-KOL LAKE

Depart for Song-Kol Lake, a serene alpine haven cherished by Kyrgyz nomads for its untouched beauty and vast summer pastures. Upon arrival, settle into a cozy yurt for lunch, savoring freshly prepared traditional dishes. Spend the afternoon riding horses (optional), along the lake’s shimmering shores or enjoying a peaceful walk amidst the idyllic scenery. As night falls, experience the warmth of Kyrgyz hospitality.

Accommodation: Yurtstays. 

• Driving distance/hour: 90km / 56 mi – 4 hours
• Hiking distance/time:
• Horseback Riding:/hour: (Optional; per hour up to $15).
• Altitude: 3500 m / 11483 ft
• Internet: Limited coverage (Beeline).
• Electricity: Not available (Generator from 8 pm to 12 pm) (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities:  Shared outdoor squat toilets at the Yurt. Shared room for up to 4 people.

SONG-KOL LAKE TO KAZARMAN 

Embark on an unforgettable drive through the rugged Moldo Ashuu Pass, marveling at its dramatic switchbacks and colorful mountain vistas. The route offers spectacular views of traditional yurts scattered across rolling hills. Descend into the peaceful Kazarman Village, where you’ll unwind in a friendly local homestay. Relax with a home-cooked dinner and experience the simplicity of village life.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 210km / 131 mi – 7 hours
• Hiking distance/time:
• Altitude: 1300 m / 4300 ft
• Internet: O (4G), Megacom (4G), Beeline (4G), Wi-Fi.
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

KAZARMAN TO ARSLANBOB

Driving distance/time: 240 km, 6 hours

Leave Kazarman behind and journey across the stunning Kaldama Pass to reach Arslanbob Village, home to the world’s largest walnut forest. On arrival, explore the village’s picturesque trails and waterfalls, immersing yourself in its tranquil atmosphere. Hike to the Panorama Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a traditional dinner at the guesthouse, where you’ll also spend the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 240km / 150 mi – 7 hours
• Hiking distance/time: 2km / 2 hours
• Altitude: 1500 m / 4900 ft
• Internet: O (3G), Megacom (3G), Beeline (3G), Wi-Fi.
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

ARSLANBOB TO OSH CITY 

Driving distance/time: 200 km, 5 hours

Start your day with a hike to the 80-meter Arslanbob Waterfall and soak in the bird’s-eye view of the village from the top. Afterward, return to the guesthouse for lunch before driving to Osh City. Along the way, visit the Uzgen Minaret and Mausoleum, an architectural gem from the Karakhanid era. Arrive in Osh in the evening, where your journey concludes with a comfortable hotel stay.

This trip offers an ideal blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures, making it the ultimate journey through Kyrgyzstan.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay/Hotel.

• Driving distance/hour: 200km / 125 mi – 7 hours
• Hiking distance/time: 2km / 2 hours
• Altitude: 700 m / 2297 ft
• Internet: O (4G), Megacom (4G), Beeline (4G), Wi-Fi.
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

OSH – SARYMOGOL VILLAGE – TULPARKOL LAKE AT LENIN PEAK BASE CAMP 

Welcome to the Pamir Highway!
Today we start our drive towards Sarymogol village, 4hr. A nice valley opens when you reach Taldyk Pass (3600 meters) with green pastures and yaks grazing around. Arrive in Sarymogol village and cross the bridge to the yurt camp at Tulparkol Lake (3500 m) next to Lenin Peak Base Camp, 1hr. After settling in, enjoy a hike to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 m). The 3-hour ascent offers breathtaking views of glaciers tumbling down from Lenin Peak. After resting at the pass, return to the yurt camp (2 hrs) for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

• Driving distance/hour: 250 km/ 155mi / 5 hours
• Hike: 4-5 hours, reaching 4,130m / 13,550 ft
• Internet: MegaCom
• Electricity: Available only after dinner (bring a power bank just in case)
• Facilities: Traditional yurts with outside shared showers and toilets

TULPARKOL LAKE – BORDER CROSSINGS – KARAKUL LAKE  

Today we will cross the border via the second-highest Pass of the Pamir Highway, Kyzylart Pass, standing at 4300m.  From Tulparkol Lake drive to Bordobo checkpoint,  and cross the border to Karakul Lake in Tajikistan. The Tajik border requires a GBAO permit. The different landscape opens up, confirming that this is Tajikistan. Karakul Lake is the largest lake in Pamirs, formed by glaciers, and has no outflow.
After lunch, take a walk around the lake. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 150 km / 94mi – 4 hours
• Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft (Karakul Lake)
• Internet: No internet coverage until Murgab. Megafon 2G in Karakul.
• Electricity: Available only after dinner (bring a power bank just in case)
• Facilities: Traditional yurts with outside shared showers and toilets

KARAKUL LAKE – MURGHAB TOWN – ALICHUR VILLAGE  

Travel goes on to Murgab via the highest pass Akbaital (4655 m) you will ever do in Tajikistan, 3hr. Take photos of glaciers on the pass. Lunch in Murgab village. Walk around the village and explore the town. Head on to Alichur village, 2 hrs. On the way stop in ​Bash Gumboz pasture. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a yak ride through the scenic pastures. Capture some incredible photos as you explore the landscape on yak-back—an optional experience that adds a unique memory to your journey. Please note that the yak ride is not included in the tour price. Overnight and dinner in a guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 352 km / 219 mi – 6 hours
• Yak Riding: up to 1 hour
• Altitude: Alichur village -3,850 m / 12,631 ft
• Internet: No internet coverage after Murgab. Megafon 2G in Karakul.
• Electricity:  Solar Panels 12V, only for charging phones
• Facilities: Shared outdoor shower, outdoor western, and squat toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

ALICHUR – BULUNKUL LAKE – WAKHAN VALLEY – LANGAR VILLAGE 

Breakfast. Take a side trip to visit the Alpine Bulunkul and Yashylkul lakes. Drive back to the main road and head up to the Kargush pass (4 344m). Arrive at the Kargush pass and start the 3-4 hrs trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. While walking up, two small lakes behind you at the roadside open up to cheer you. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of Great Pamir on the Afghan border on top of the pass. Walk back to your car. After the pass, drive down to the Afghanistan border for another checkpoint to check your GBAO permit. The road follows the river Pamir to Wakhan valley with the chance to admire the Big Pamir of Afghanistan with nomadic Afghan Kyrgyz caravans. Great rugged Hindu Kush mountain ranges welcome you right before entering Wakhan Valley. Overnight and dinner in a friendly homestay in Langar village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 145 km/ 90 mi/ 5-6 hours
• Hike: 3–4 hours, reaching 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
• Internet: Limited coverage (Tcell and Megafon)
• Electricity: Available, but power outages are possible (carry a power bank)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower, outdoor western, and squat toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

LANGAR VILLAGE – YAMCHUN FORTRESS – ISHKASHIM VILLAGE – KHOROG  

Breakfast. Right after you leave your guesthouse, we do a side trip to admire the 12th-century Yamchun Fortress rising from a platform of natural rock. Walk up to the edge of the fort and you will have an amazing view of the Wakhan Valley. Further up the hillside are located the hot springs of Bibi Fatima, with its crystal waters rich in minerals. Back to the main road. Another fortress Khaaka comes up along the way at Namadgut village when you get closer to Ishkashim village. It is worth a 10-minute stop. Continue to drive to Khorog City. Afternoon, visit the interesting Regional Museum and Central Park of Khorog City. Evening hike in a Botanical Garden that has various plants and trees to explore. Dinner at a cafe. Night in a hotel.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 225 km / 139 mi, 5-6 hours
• Altitude: 2,200 m / 7,218 ft
• Internet: Tcell (4G), Megafon (4G), Wi-Fi
• Electricity: Available
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

KHOROG TO JIZEV  

Breakfast. Driving to Bartang Valley. We will stop after the village of Bagu, next to the bridge, and hike 7km up to the village. Jizev Valley is a hidden gem tucked away in the majestic Pamir Mountains of eastern Tajikistan. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and remote serenity.

Accommodation: Homestay GULSHA 

• Driving distance/hour: 90 km/ 56 mi/ 3-4 hours
• Hike: 2–3 hours, reaching 2,500 m / 8,202 ft
• Internet: Limited coverage (Tcell and Megafon)
• Electricity: Available, but power outages are possible (carry a power bank)
• Facilities: Shared outdoor squat toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people.

JIZEV TO KALAIKHUM

Travel to Darvoz district. A gorgeous road goes along the river up to the Vanj valley where the road widens up.The road from Kalaikhum to Khorog is known for its rugged terrain, winding through narrow passes and offering panoramic views of towering mountains. Ongoing road construction as of 2024 may cause delays, so be prepared for occasional stops and slower sections. Arrive in Kalaikhum village and be accommodated in a guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay

• Driving distance/hour: 240 km / 149 mi – 7 hours
• Altitude: 1200 m / 3,937 ft
• Internet: Tcell (3G), Megafon (3G), Wi-Fi
• Electricity: Available (bring a power bank just in case of outages)
• Facilities: Shared indoor shower and western toilets at the homestays. Shared rooms for up to 4 people

KALAIKHUM TO DUSHANBE 

Today is the last day of the Pamir Highway trip.
Travel to Dushanbe along the Panj River through numerous local villages along the way. The road has been reconstructed recently, and it will be a comfortable drive. Deep rocky valleys and gorgeous mountains accompany you up to the Shurobod pass before Kulab village. Lunch in a Chaikana (local cafe). Visit the 11th-century Hulbuk Palace on the way and enjoy the views of the world’s second-highest hydropower station Nurek, in the distance. Arrival in Dushanbe.

Accommodation: Your hotel

• Driving distance/hour: 372km / 225 mi – 7 hours 
• Altitude: 700 m / 2,297 ft
• Internet: Tcell (4G), Megafon (4G), Wi-Fi
• Electricity: Available