Tajikistan photography trip will be a look at a very different geography! Even in cities, Tajiks still wear traditional clothes. We will photograph their lives in these special clothes in cities and villages. Afghans live in the parts of the villages close to the Afghanistan border, and we will have a chance to take pictures of Afghans by going to these villages. Uzbeks will appear in some villages. Of course, we will photograph mostly Tajiks. We write all this so that we can describe the rich variety of changing local clothes and changing images. Included in the Price: - All accommodation (2, 3, 4-star hotels and homestays) - Morning breakfasts and dinners - All city and intercity transportation by air-conditioned vehicles - English guidance service - photography consultancy - Entrance fees to the places written in the program (excluding additional payments required for cameras) - In-vehicle refreshments, 1 closed bottle of drinking water every day - Taxes Not Included in the Price: - Round-trip flight ticket from Dushanbe to your country - PCR test fee (if requested on the date we go) and Covid-19 comprehensive insurance - Foreign departure fee - Travel Insurance (free for German and Austrian residents by JoinMyTrip) - Meals other than specified and all drinks included in the price - Tips (tips are expected) - Entrance fee to the autonomous zone is 25 Euros per person - For stays of 10 days or more, registration fee to the police is 25 USD per person (this may not be requested, it will be returned on the 10th day) Who am I? My name is Zehra, and I was born in Germany, but I grew up in Turkey. I studied photography as a second university. I'm an archeologist and art historian, and also a photographer, and have done multiple photo tours already. This tour is aiming to take northern lights photos. Let me know if you have a question!
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
You can chat with Zehra once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Tajikistan
Day 1-2
We will land in Dushanbe, our first stop. We will reach our hotel and leave our belongings according to the room situation and start our tour. We will visit and photograph Hisor Castle, where we will take beautiful photos because of its architecture. Then we will return to the city and take a break. Then we will start to tour the oldest and most crowded market of the city. Since we will be a little tired today, we should have a soft day and be prepared for the days ahead. In the evening, after having our dinner together at a local restaurant, we will retreat to our hotel to rest.
2
Kalaikhum
Day 2-3
After breakfast, our adventure will begin. Starting today, we will be walking around the border of Afghanistan a little bit. We will take pictures in the villages here. The geography will suddenly change. We will see that Afghan people are conservative in their dressing style and beard. However, when it comes to hospitality, the doors will open for the photo shoot. During the day, we will stop and take pictures in the villages and beautiful landscapes. In the evening, we will eat dinner together and rest in our hotel. The total journey will take 7-8 hours.
3
Khorog
Day 3-4
Today, after our breakfast, we will enter the autonomous region of Gorno with a special permission. This is a very interesting region that has gained independence from Tajikistan. Everyone has to pay 25 Euros at the border for this entry. There is a full-mixed population in the region. It is a very colorful place where some Tajik, some Kyrgyz, Chinese and Afghan people live. Here we will take pictures all day long and have our dinner here. Our stay will be at the hotel in this region. The total journey will take 5-6 hours.
4
Chashmai Garmchashma
Day 4-5
breakfast. Drive to the famous mineral hot spring Garam Chashma, which is located 45 km far from khorog Later departure to Ishkashim, a small town at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor, where the Great Game ended in the 19th century. Continue driving up the north side of the river with amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right; a number of peaks in view are above 6,000 meters. On the way, we visit one of the old fortresses on the Silk Road Kah-Kaha fortress in Namadgut and Ostoni Shobi Mardon spring. In Yamcun village, we drive up to the sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra and ruins of Yamchun Fortress (4th-3rd centuries B.C. that guarded once Pamir branch of the Great Silk Road). Dinner and overnight in the Haydar homestay
5
Murghab
Day 5-6
Early in the morning at 7:00 visit of the museum of the local astronomer and poet Sufi Muboraki Wakhoni and his solar calendar with interesting story from his grandfather Aydar Malikmamadov, who is still living in Yamg village. After having visited that home museum, we will start a unique drive towards Murghab. The road goe still through the Wahan region. On the way, today, we will discover Gelenkul and Yashilkul Lakes. At Gelenkul village it can be organized Yaks back riding. Today we cross the high Khargush (4344m) and Nauzetash (4314m) mountain passes and Alichur village (3863m). The village's name means 'Ali's curse. On the route, you will see the holy pool with fish Ak Balik. The landscape here is mountain semi desert. Later you will cross another mountain pass Nayzatosh (3137m) before entering Murghab. On the way, we will turn to the right side from the main road in order to visit the paintings at Shakthy which is in the cave. Afterwards, drive to Murgab- is a small city in the Alichur valley. This valley is located at more than 3000 m altitude and is surrounded by high snow-covered mountains. It is inhabited by Kyrgyz and Pamir Tajik people. From here you will enjoy the view to the high summit of Muztagh Ata Peak (7546 m). Dinner and overnight in the Pamir hotel 2*
6
Karakul Lake
Day 6-7
Breakfast. Drive to Karakul village by enjoying the most beautiful views of mountains and glaciers along the way. Today, the scenery is simply breathtaking as the road takes us over the second-highest roads in the world, Ak Baital Pass at 4655m (The White Horse Pass). This is the highest pass in the former USSR, the real “Roof of the World”. The hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape is the stunning Karakul Lake, created millions of years ago. Lunch in Karakul village. After lunch, we will head back to Murgab. Dinner and overnight in the Pamir hotel 2*
7
Khorog
Day 7-8
Breakfast, after breakfast we will drive back through the Gunt Valley to Khorog – is one of the interesting parts of Pamir Highway. On the way, it is possible to discover Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes. We continue driving towards Khorog through the Kui-Tezak pass 4365m. Lunch somewhere on the way or in Bulunkul village.
8
Kalaikhum
Day 8-9
Breakfast, route to Kalai-khum – a littl town on the Pamir Highway. This day you will cross through the magnific views and across the Afghanistan from where you can have views to the Pamir Mountain range. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Karon Palace hotel 4*
9
Dushanbe
Day 9-10
Breakfast, transfer to Dushanbe - the capital of Tajikistan. On the route crossing the Shurobod Pass (2252 m). Lunch in Kulob city, after lunch continue to drive to Dushanbe. On the way in way we stop for visiting the Hulbuk fortress (9 and 11 centuries AD) Afterwards, we will drive to Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel Atlas hotel 4*. Next day early morning we will fly back to home!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel
10 days trip
Tajikistan, Kalaikhum & 7 more
Transportation
Car
Why JoinMyTrip?
Trusted platform used by 150K+ TripMates
Have A Question? Live Chat with our experts 24x7
Unique Trips hosted by Experienced Travellers
Secure Payments to ensure your money is always safe
Show All 11 Photos 
Tajikistan
Phone Verified
Identity Verified
60 Countries
10 Trips Completed
based on 2 reviews 
Trusted platform used by 150K+ TripMates 
Have A Question?
Unique Trips hosted by Experienced Travellers 
Secure Payments to ensure your money is always safe