Bishkek To Dushanbe (14 Days) Pamir Explorer (Cabd18)

Bishkek To Dushanbe (14 Days) Pamir Explorer (Cabd18)

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14 Days From

$1623

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:

Oasis Overland

Tour code:

478

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $1623

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes throughout Kyrgyzstan

  • Visit the oldest bazaar in Central Asia in the city of Osh

  • Travel through the Fergana Valley - famous for the production of silk and where the great route started

  • Traverse the Pamir Mountains on the 2nd highest highway in the world - Pamir Highway

  • Driving over the scenic Fann Mountains

  • Explore the edge of Lake Issyk-Kul, a mountain lake in the northern Tien Shan Mountains

  • Stay in traditional felt Yurts at Lake Song Kol

  • Visit Tash Rabat, an ancient Caravanserai on the old Silk Route

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is approximately 90% camping and 10% simple hostel/homestay.

  • Yurt Stay

    Yurt stay at Lake Song Kol.

  • Tash Rabat Caravanserai

    Visit to Tash Rabat Caravanserai.

  • Pamir Highway

    Travel along the Pamir Highway.

  • Meals

    Meals are provided for approximately 80% of the trip.

  • Transport

    All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck.

  • Camping and Cooking Equipment

    Camping and cooking equipment are provided.

  • Oasis Crew Services

    Services of the Oasis Crew.

What's Not Included

  • Visas

    Visas are not included.

  • Local Payment

    Local payment is required (see tour notes and options).

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included.

  • Airport Taxes and Transfers

    Airport taxes and transfers are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Meals

    Meals are not provided for approximately 20% of the trip.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Giles  

LIMA to RIO (87 days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

31-Jan-2020

Life changing, exhilarating, wonderful, at times tough and challenging.

Lucy Jenner (Google Reviewer)  

I can't recommend Oasis enough....

07-Nov-2022

I can't recommend Oasis enough. I have done two trips with them to Africa (Victoria Falls to Cape Town in 2013 and Nairobi to Vic Falls in 2017). The first trip was my first real travelling experience so I picked a shorter one but it just meant I had to go back for more a few years later because I loved it so much. The trips were well organised and went to amazing places with a good mix of structure and freedom, and it never felt like we were rushed even though a lot was packed into the time. The tour leader and driver looked after us well. I was lucky that the groups I was with were great too, because that can have such an impact.

Ivano Forte (Google Reviewer)  

We have been on 2...

31-Oct-2022

We have been on 2 trips with Oasis through Africa. Both trips were fantastic!! The whole experience from initial booking and lead up communication, to the trip itself, with the wonderfully knowledgeable, hard working, friendly and fun crew, to all the amazing places we visited, things we saw and adventures we had, it was all a truly amazing experience!! Highly recommend Oasis Overland.

Brenda  

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15-Dec-2019

At 78 years old it has been one of the highlights of my life! The crew were 1st class and the rest of the travellers really looked after me. Highlights were Bariloche and Patagonia

Keera Lambert (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Trans Africa...

28-Oct-2022

I did the Trans Africa with Oasis Overland in 2013/2014 and it was fantastic. The company dealt with issues that arose over the 10month trip quickly and competently. My best travel memories and experiences came from this trip, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Roy Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I've been on 3 trips...

28-Oct-2022

I've been on 3 trips with Oasis, the Silk Road and 2 in Africa, about 33 weeks in total, and planning on another now that covid restrictions aren't preventing it. I find the trips are organized so that you get to see the highlights along those routes, and you're travelling with people a mix of nationality and age so a solo traveler like me isn't alone. These trips are great value, would not have had such a terrific range of experiences otherwise.

Laura  

NAIROBI to HARARE (41 days) Apes & Lakes

30-Jun-2020

Really loved this trip. The pre-trip information was great and Katie really went out of her way to help me. I though that camping for so long would start to get tiring but it really didn't plus there were plenty of opportunities to upgrade and some of the time this was very cheap. So many amazing things to see and do. Seeing the Gorillas in the wild was a highlight for me! Would highly recommend and hope to do another trip in the future.

Laurence Zerafa (Google Reviewer)  

If you like adventure travel,...

31-Oct-2022

If you like adventure travel, daily camping with the odd brick and mortar accommodation, moving daily from one place to another often off the beaten track, getting as close as possible to locals, in the company of like-minded fellow travelers, and at reasonable prices, then this is the travel company for you.

Michael Miranda (Google Reviewer)  

I highly recommend traveling with...

02-Feb-2023

I highly recommend traveling with Oasis Overland. I did a 75 day trip through Africa with them in 2017 and I had an amazing time. From Victoria Falls, the Serengeti, and Great Zimbabwe, I got to see so many once-in-a-lifetime places in a much shorter time period than I would have been able to navigate on my own. The guide and driver were great and I always felt like all situations were handled well as things came up (like there was coup in Zimbabwe while we were there). The bus was comfortable enough and it was very conducive to socializing with other travelers. The group I traveled with was a good mix of nationalities and ages so everyone could find people to hang out with. I think Oasis does a good job of providing a mix of planned activities and free time and offers a good selection of excursions in the places we stopped.

Dino  

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19-Dec-2019

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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