secretive daleS AND disappearing cultureS
DAY 1 - Dushanbe to Margib
Morning meet-and-greet in the lobby of our hotel of choice in Dushanbe and transfer to the hill station of Varzob, where we will see imposing and rather kitschy brand new villas owned by the political, economical and criminal elite of the country.
We'll then pass through the notorious Anzob Tunnel of Death, a 5040 m long tunnel known for its precarious road, ventilation and lighting condition: a once-in-a-lifetime thrill!
Once out of the Inferno, we'll turn east on a narrow and winding dirt track leading to Anzob and Margib, the last Tajik villages before the entrance to the Valley of the Yaghnobis.
We'll spend the rest of the day lazily walking around the Margib, visiting traditional households, chit-chatting with local farmers and tasting their simple yet delicious recipes.
Dinner and overnight in Margib.
DAY 2 to DAY 3 - Yaghnob Valley
After an early breakfast we'll get back on the road and finally enter the homeland of the Yaghnobis, who are considered to be descendants of those Sogdians that once inhabited most of Central Asia beyond the Amu Darya.
Crossing stunning landscapes of narrow gorges, barren slopes and hanging fields, we'll travel by car up to the end of the dirt track past the mountains hamlets of Khshirtab and Farkau.
We'll then start our trekking to the more remote Yaghnobi settlements located further east along ancient mule paths.
Highlights of the trek include the otherworldly kishlaks of Bedef and Pskan as well as ancient cemeteries and breathtaking sunset and sunrise views all over the gorge.
During your time in the valley you'll have the unique chance to meet with Yaghnobi farmers and herders, who will allow us to throw a glimpse into their endangered culture.
If you feel fit enough, you can also prolong your stay in the Yaghnob Valley and undertake a challenging but extremely rewarding ten-day trek up to the furthest inhabited hamlets and onto the neighbouring Zarafshan dale; please contact us to learn more about this option.
Homestay meals and overnights.
DAY 4 - BACK TO DUSHANBE
After sharing a last Yaghnobi meal together, we'll take care of your transfer back to Dushanbe.
End of the tour.
990 €
INCLUSIONS
Double/twin hotel accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Tajikistan (4WD), all entrance fees, all meals outside Dushanbe, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.
EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, meals in Dushanbe, extra drinks, visa fees (if required), additional activities, tips, travel insurance.
