Roof of the World Odyssey: From Pamir to Tian Shan

Welcome by our local team at the airport from where we leave, after having loaded our luggage and taken
place in the vehicles. We stop for a coffee and refuel before hitting the road with the sunrise and make stops
to take pictures at the most beautiful viewpoints. We have a hearty lunch in a traditional local restaurant in
Kulob. En route, we visit the Mazar of Mir Said Ali Hamadani – the revered historical and religious site located
in Kulob. Mir Said Ali Hamadani was a prominent 14th-century Persian Sufi scholar, poet, and traveler who
played a significant role in the spread of Islam and Sufism in the region, particularly in Kashmir and Central
Asia. The complex showcases traditional Islamic and Persian architectural influences, with intricate wood
carvings, vibrant tilework, and calligraphy. We pass over Shurabad pass 2267 m and enter the High Pamirs,
travelling among the cliffs. Closer to the evening, we reach a charming guesthouse in Kalaikhumb, where we
have dinner and stay for overnight.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 1,200 m
Meals: lunch at the cafeteria – dinner at the inn
Accommodation: night in a guesthouse

Today we start earlier to cross the blocked sections of the road due to road repairing process by Chinese
companies. We travel the shaky road along the Panj River, a tributary of the mighty Amu Darya River. You
can observe the lifestyle in Afghanistan from the right side across the river. We drive deep among Pamir
Mountains. To stay closer to the start, point of the next day hiking, we turn left from Pamir Highway and
follow upstream of mighty Bartang River to our homestay in very green village Khijez. Overnight at the
homestay.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 7 hours
Meals: breakfast in hotel – lunch in cafeteria – dinner in restaurant
Final altitude: approximately 2,200 m
Accommodation: night in homestay

After breakfast, we drive around 4 km further in dramatic Bartang Valley to the hanging bridge over Bartang
River, which will be our starting point for the short hike to Jeyzev. The gentle hike takes around 1,5 hours
and take us to one of the remotest, but beautiful villages of Pamirs – Jeyzev. Jeyzev is connected to the
outside world only by thin path; there is no even a car road. The locals live in absolutely isolation during the
winter; however, this isolation and remoteness keep safe the unique flora and fauna of Jeyzev. The group
will spend in a small homestay with family trying the local food and enjoy the hospitality of locals.

Transfer/transport time: approx. 20 minutes.
Number of hours of walking: about 2-3 hours
Elevation: + 300m,
Final altitude: about 2,500 m
Meals: breakfast homestay – lunch homestay – dinner homestay
Accommodation: overnight homestay

In the morning trek back to the bridge and continue the trip to Khorog – the small city considered to be the
administrative center of High Pamir’s. The city lies 2000 m above sea level, strung out irregularly along the
slopes of the dashing Gunt River. After lunch, visit of Botanical Garden – the second highest in the world,
Ismailia Center, and souvenir shops. Overnight in hotel.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 2 hours
Final altitude: approximately 2,200 m
Meals: breakfast at the guesthouse – lunch at the restaurant – dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in hotel

After breakfast, we load the luggage and start the exploration of the mysterious Wakhan. Once serving as an important branch of Silk Road, Wakhan become again famous after the Great Game in XIX century, which divided this valley between Russian and British Empires, using the Panj River as a border. We make a short
stop to observe the canyon and ancient shrine in Darshay, then drive uphill to visit the impressive ruins of most beautiful fortification of Wakhan – Yamchun Fort dated back to III-I B. C. Yamchun was built by Siapushi – the order of fire worshipers of Zoroastrian religion. You will have a scenic view to all Wakhan valley and Hindu Kush range of Afghanistan. In 500 meters from the fort, we can visit the natural thermal springs called BiBi Fatima Hot springs. Futher we will visit the House Museum and solar calendar of Sufi Muborak – an Ismaili philosopher, poet, theologian and astronomer, then In Vrang we make an optional 20-minute hike to explore the hill with topped ziggurat of Buddhist Stupa IV A.D. one of reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans passed through this region following the Silk Road. Tonight, we stay in local homestay and enjoy the traditional meals and hospitality of locals in Langar.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6-hours
Final altitude: approximately 3,000 m
Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch in cafe – dinner at the homestay
Accommodation: overnight at the homestay

Today, our journey takes us over Kargush pass 4344m to Bulunkul, one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Eastern Pamirs, famous as a coldest place of Tajikistan. In winter, the temperature drops here to minus 60 by Celsius! We make a short stop in viewpoint on the top of Langar serpentines, in order to
observe the Wakhan valley from birds fly altitude. En route, we pass two beautiful alpine lakes and summer camps of the shepherds. Lunch we have with local family in Bulunkul hamlet located in 3740m. After, we drive down to visit the most beautiful alpine lake of Pamirs – Yashilkul Lake (3719m). The guests can do
fishing and observe the lifestyle of nomad Kyrgyz living around. Good chance of trying the delicious fish of the lakes. Overnight in homestay in Bulunkul.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 7-hours
Final altitude: approximately 3,740 m
Meals: breakfast at the homestay – picnic lunch – dinner at the homestay
Accommodation: overnight at the homestay

We continue our journey along Pamir Highway through the picturesque Alichur valley to Murgab. Today, we have plenty of time for observing the nomad Kyrgyz tribes with their yaks. We visit the sacred lake Aq Baliq (white fish) than we drive to have lunch in Murghab. After lunch, start of journey to Karakul – a small hamlet
habited by Kyrgyz people. The views of mountains and glaciers along the way are simply breath taking. The road takes us to the highest pass of ex USSR – the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m). This is indeed, the real “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape is the stunning
Karakul Lake, created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. The lake is too high to support aquatic life. After lunch in local guesthouse, the group is free to walk along the lake and explore the area. The surrounding area offers some spectacular
views, which are especially dramatic with the sun setting over the nearby snow-capped mountains. Overnight in guesthouse. At night, the clear view of the Milky Way is unparalleled.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 6 hours
Final altitude: approximately 3,915 m
Meals: breakfast at the homestay – lunch in cafe – dinner at the homestay
Accommodation: overnight at the homestay

Passing by the stunning Karakul Lake, we drive over Kizil Art pass 4336m, at the top of which we pass the Tajik cross border point. End of Tajik section at Kyzyl Art pass 4336, which forms the border with Tajikistan and after driving the 25km neutral zone pass the Kyrgyz border cross point. After completing border formalities, we cross into Kyrgyzstan and stop for lunch in Sari Tash. After, we drive down to Sari Mogul, from here we drive up to the lake. The Tulparkul Lake is at 3500m near the base camp in foot of Lenin Peak 7134m. Overnight in Yurts.

Transfer/transport time: approx. 4 hours
Number of hours of walking: about 3 hours
Elevation: + 300m
Final altitude: about 3,500 m
Meals: breakfast homestay – lunch cafe – dinner yurt
Accommodation: overnight yurts

After breakfast, we can have the optional hike towards the Lenin glacier with stunning view to the peaks. Those, who will not go hiking can walk around the lake or have rest in yurts. After we will travel among wide Alay valley with herds of horses to typical Kyrgyz villages and pass over Chiyirchik pass 2402m and Taldik
pass 3589m with stunning view on the top. Arrive in Osh – the second capital of Kyrgyzstan. Overnight Eco House Hotel or similar. End of the tour.

Transfer/transportation time: approximately 5 hours.
Number of hours of walking: about 2 hours

Final altitude: approximately 600 m
Meals: breakfast at the yurt – lunch in cafeteria – dinner self-catering
Accommodation: night in a hotel

Meeting with driver and guide in the lobby of the hotel at 8:00am. After, we begin our journey northwest toward the legendary walnut forests of Arslanbob. En route, we make our first cultural stop at the Uzgen Architectural Complex. This remarkable 11th-century ensemble includes a towering minaret and three mausoleums from the Karakhanid dynasty, standing as silent witnesses to the region’s rich Silk Road history. Continuing our drive through the fertile Fergana Valley and into the Chatkal mountain range, we arrive in Arslanbob. This mountain village sits at 1,600 meters above sea level, surrounded by the world’s largest natural walnut forest spanning over 600,000 hectares.

Lunch will be served at a local family guesthouse in Arslanbob, where you can taste traditional dishes with the view to walnut forest. After lunch, we transfer to the panoramic viewpoint plateau (reaching altitude of 2,100-2,200m). From this spectacular vantage point, the entire Arslanbob valley unfolds before you – a sea of walnut and fruit trees nestled among mountains, with distant peaks of the Babash-Ata range visible on clear days. The plateau offers stunning 360-degree views and photo opportunities.

Descending back to Arslanbob, we continue our journey to Jalal-Abad (approximately 80 km, 1.5-2 hours), Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening at leisure to explore the local area or rest after the day’s journey. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Jalal-Abad.

(Meal – / L / D)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 900m in Osh, Uzgen – 1,010m, Arslanbob – 1,600m, viewpoint plateau – 2,100-2,200m, end – 763m in Jalal-Abad)

After early breakfast, we depart Jalal-Abad and head northeast through dramatic changing landscapes.

Our route takes us through several mountain passes, gradually climbing from 763 meters to over 3,000 meters. The road winds through the Fergana Range, offering breathtaking vistas of rugged peaks, deep gorges, and occasionally, nomadic herders with their flocks. This is true off-road territory – remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful.

Around midday, we stop for a picnic lunch in nature at a scenic spot along the route (altitude approximately 2,400-2,600m). Surrounded by pristine mountain landscapes, you’ll enjoy a meal with panoramic views – a perfect opportunity to breathe the crisp alpine air and appreciate the solitude of these remote regions.

Continuing through the passes, we cross the watershed between the Fergana Valley and the central Naryn basin. The landscape transforms from green valleys to more arid, dramatic mountain terrain characteristic of inner Tian Shan.

We arrive in Kazarman by evening. Here, we experience genuine Kyrgyz hospitality. Dinner is served with the family, providing an intimate opportunity to learn about daily life in rural Kyrgyzstan, share stories, and perhaps hear traditional songs or tales. Overnight in Kazarman.

(Meal: B / L / D)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 763m in Jalal-Abad, highest pass – 3,000-3,100m, end – 1,300m in Kazarman)

After breakfast with the host family, we bid farewell to Kazarman and begin our ascent toward one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic destinations – Son-Kul Lake. Today’s journey takes us through spectacular high-altitude terrain, crossing mountain passes that offer some of the most dramatic scenery in Central Asia.

The road climbs steadily from Kazarman through the Moldo-Ashu Pass (3,346m), one of the highest drivable passes in the region. As we ascend, the landscape transforms into alpine tundra, with vast expanses of grassland, wildflowers in summer, and distant snow-capped peaks. This is the realm of nomadic herders, and you may see traditional yurts dotting the summer pastures.

Crossing the pass, we descend briefly before climbing again toward Son-Kul. We arrive at Yurt Camp on the southern shore by early afternoon. The late afternoon is free to explore this magical landscape. Visit with nomadic families who bring their herds here for summer grazing, observing their daily routines of milking, making dairy products, and tending livestock. Optionally experience horseback riding along vast meadows.

As evening approaches, witness a spectacular sunset over the lake, with the surrounding mountains reflected in the still waters. The night sky at this altitude, far from any light pollution, offers extraordinary stargazing opportunities.

Dinner and overnight in traditional yurts.

(Meal: B / L / D)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 1,300m in Kazarman, Moldo-Ashu Pass – approximately 3,346m, end – 3,016m at Son-Kul Lake. Total altitude gain approximately +2,046m, descent approximately -330m)

After breakfast depart east toward Naryn. Our route descends gradually from the high plateau, following the Kichi-Naryn River valley. We stop for photos and to appreciate the raw power of nature in this remote region.

Continuing east, we will see Salkyn Tor Gorge. Animals, birds, insects and animals that are listed in Red Book of Kyrgyzstan inhabit the territory of national park. Light hike on spot.

Lunch will be served as a picnic en route. We arrive in Naryn by late afternoon. Naryn is the administrative center of Naryn province, situated in a wide valley along the Naryn River. Despite being the regional capital, it retains a frontier town atmosphere, surrounded by dramatic mountains.

Check-in at the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste regional specialties. Overnight in Naryn.

(Meal: B / L / D)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 3,016m at Son-Kul, Salkyn-Tor Gorge – 2,500m, end – 2,040m in Naryn)

After breakfast, we embark on one of the most scenic drives of our journey crossing the mighty Tosor Pass (3,895m) to reach the legendary Issyk-Kul Lake. The road winds upward through increasingly barren, high-altitude terrain.

At the summit of Tosor Pass (3,895m), we stop for photos and to catch our breath in the thin air. The descent from Tosor is dramatic, a winding road dropping rapidly through over 2,000 vertical meters. The vegetation changes from alpine tundra to forests and eventually to the lush shores of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake and never freezes despite its high altitude. Stretching 182 kilometers long and up to 60 kilometers wide, it is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan.

In the late afternoon, settle into our traditional yurt accommodation on the southern shore.  The evening is free to relax by the lake, perhaps taking a swim in Issyk-Kul’s slightly saline waters, or simply absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. As the sun sets over the lake and the mountains glow pink and gold, we gather for a special experience – readings from the works of Chingiz Aitmatov, Kyrgyzstan’s most celebrated author. His novels, including “Jamila” and “The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years”, are deeply rooted in these landscapes and nomadic traditions. Hearing these words while sitting on the shores of Issyk-Kul, in the very setting that inspired them, creates a profound connection to Kyrgyz culture and identity. Dinner in the yurt camp, followed by traditional Kyrgyz folklore performance – songs, music on the komuz (three-stringed lute), and perhaps epic storytelling by a local bard. These oral traditions have been passed down through generations of nomads. Overnight in yurts by Issyk-Kul Lake.

(Meal: B / L / D)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 2,040m in Naryn, Tosor Pass summit – 3,895m, end – 1,608m at Issyk-Kul)

After early breakfast, we depart along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore, heading east. Our first stop is Skazka Canyon features surreal rock formations sculpted by wind and water over millennia. The red, orange, and yellow clay and sandstone formations resemble castles, animals, and fantastic creatures. A short walk (30-40 minutes) through the canyon allows you to explore these otherworldly shapes up close and take striking photographs.

Optionally, eagle hunting demonstration. You’ll learn about training methods, witness the eagle’s hunting skills, and have the opportunity to hold this powerful bird. After this cultural experience, we turn inland, driving south from the lake into the mountains toward the Arabell Plateau, we find ourselves in an alpine wonderland. Vast grasslands stretch beneath towering peaks, and glaciers cascade down mountainsides.

Descending from Arabell, we continue to Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its dramatic red sandstone rock formations.

For lunch, we continue to Irdyk village, where we’re welcomed by a Dungan family for a traditional meal. The Dungans are Chinese Muslims who migrated to Central Asia in the 19th century, bringing unique cultural and culinary traditions.

After lunch, we drive to Karakol, city tour includes: Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, One Village One product project visit to learn about local woman community in the region who produce eco goods.

Dinner in the restaurant on your own leisure. Overnight in Karakol.

(Meal: B / L / -)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 1,608m at Issyk-Kul, Arabell Plateau – 3,800m, end – Karakol – 1,750m)

Breakfast. Driving west along the lakeshore, we turn inland to Semyonov Gorge. This pristine valley cuts into the Kungey Alatau range, offering spectacular alpine scenery. A crystal-clear mountain river flows through forests of Tian Shan spruce, while meadows burst with wildflowers in summer. We continue drive via small pass to nearby Grigoriev Gorge. This gorge is slightly wider, with expansive meadows perfect for short hikes or horseback exploration. Many consider Grigoriev even more beautiful than Semyonov, with its combination of forests, grasslands, and rugged peaks.

Lunch will be served as a picnic in one of the gorges, surrounded by nature.

After exploring the gorges, we continue west along the northern shore to Cholpon-Ata, the main resort town on Issyk-Kul. Check-in.

The rest of the day is free for swimming and relaxation. Issyk-Kul’s beaches around Cholpon-Ata are sandy, and the water, while cool, is refreshing in summer. The lake’s slightly saline content makes swimming particularly buoyant. Walk along the promenade, enjoy the mountain views across the water, or simply relax at the hotel.

Optional late afternoon activity: visit the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs (open-air museum with ancient rock carvings dating back 2,000 years) or 1hour boat cruise along the lake.

Dinner at your leisure – the guide will recommend local restaurants. Cholpon-Ata offers diverse dining options.

Overnight in Cholpon-Ata.

(Meal: B / L / -)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 1,750m at Karakol, end – 1,645m at Cholpon-Ata)

After breakfast and a final morning by the lake, we depart Cholpon-Ata and drive west along Issyk-Kul’s northern shore, then northwest toward Bishkek. Our first stop is the Burana Tower complex near Tokmok. This 11th-century minaret is the sole remaining structure of Balasagun, once the capital of the powerful Karakhanid Khanate.

You can climb the narrow interior staircase (59 steps) for panoramic views across the Chuy Valley, with the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains to the south and the Kazakh steppe to the north. The site also includes an open-air museum of balbals – ancient Turkic stone grave markers carved with human faces, collected from the surrounding region. These enigmatic sculptures, dating from the 6th-10th centuries, offer a tangible connection to the area’s pre-Islamic past.

We continue to Don-Aryk village for lunch with a local family. This meal provides a final opportunity to experience Kyrgyz hospitality and home cooking, sharing a table with our hosts and hearing their stories.

After lunch, we complete the drive to Bishkek. Upon arrival, we embark on a city tour of Bishkek, including:

Ala-Too Square, government buildings, Oak Park and sculptures, Walk along Erkindik Boulevard.

As the sun sets, we gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. This final meal celebrates our journey together through Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, lakes, and villages. Share memories, exchange contact information, and toast to new friendships formed on the road. Overnight in Bishkek.

(Meal: B / L / -)

(Altitudes during the day: start – 1,645m at Cholpon-Ata, Burana area – approximately 700m, end – 800m in Bishkek)

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a final walk around Bishkek. Transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight.

Safe travels, and we hope the mountains and people of Kyrgyzstan have left an indelible mark on your heart!

(Meal: B / – / -)