PAMIR MOUNTAIN EXPLORER - TAJIKISTAN

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A truly adventurous horseriding expedition in the extreme south of Tajikistan. This is one of the most breathtaking regions in the world, mineral peaks and snowy plateaus dominated by glaciers, and dramatic valleys that are home to shepherds and are the secret domain of the illusive snow leopard.

Ride through the Pamir Mountains, formed by the junction or knot of the Himalayas, Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kunlun, and Hindu Kush ranges. They are among the world’s highest mountains and since Victorian times they have been known as the "Roof of the World". We enjoy the hospitality of families in Kyrgyz yurts or camp en route.

Another highlight of this trip is the opportunity for riders to witness the Al Chabysh Festival in the remote town of Murghab, this is a sports and cultural event dedicated to the horse and the ancestral nomads.

The area reserved for just a handful of adventurers each year.

This vacation in Tajikistan is a very special Horse Riding Holiday from Unicorn Trails.

Trip length 20 days/ 19 nights Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £2,739/€3,245/$4,409 Departure dates 2012: 30 June; 10 July Approximate riding time per day 4 - 8 hours Riding ability required You must be riding fit and be able to mount and dismount unaided. A large part of this trip is at high altitude so general fitness is important. Group size 8. A small group supplement will apply for groups of beween 4 or 7. Please see detailed prices. Meeting point (getting there) Bishkek Airport, Kyrgyzstan (FRU) Transfer Included from meeting point. Flight guide London to Bishkek from £500 Single supplement detailed prices No single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - PAMIR MOUNTAIN EXPLORER

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is intended as a guideline only. Due to the nature of this expedition it may be necessary to change routes due to the prevailing conditions at the time.

On the 30th June departure riders will be guests at the Festival Has Chabysh; on the 10th July departure this will be the Lenin Peak festival.

Day 1 
It will be necessary to get a flight on this day in order to arrive in Bishkek in good time for the early morning flight on Day 2...

Day 2
Today you embark on an early morning flight to Osh. The internal flight usually leaves around 08.00. On arrival in Osh you have free time and overnight in a small guesthouse outside of the city.

Day 3
After breakfast we drive to Sari Tash (170 km) through the Fergana Valley. Surrounded by both the Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges this is a magnificent route. The highlight of the Pamirs, Peak Lenin (7495m) should be clearly seen. Tonight we camp in yurts.

Day 4
Once again we set off on road to the Kilzil Art Pass (4336m) which marks the border with Tajikistan. After customs formalities, the road opens onto a vast plateau between Uy Bulak Pass (4232m) and Akbaital Pass (4655m), the highest pass of the former Soviet Union. The pass runs along the scenic Lake Karakul then descends into the  Murghab valley (3630m) where we over night in local guesthouses in the town. Murghab (from the Persian word meaning "river of the birds") is the capital of Murghob District. With a population 4,000, Murghab is about the only significant town the eastern half of Gorno-Badakhshan. It is the highest town in Tajikistan at 3,650m above sea level.


Day 5
This day sees the start of the two day Festival Has Chabysh in Murghab. This is a sports and cultural event dedicated to the horse and the ancestral nomads that includes equestrian games (including the famous bouzkashi, see below), endurance races, traditional music, storytellers, poetry contests and displays of local craftmanship. The rules of Bouzkashi can be most confusing to those not in "the know"! It's a little like Polo, but without sticks, and instead of using a ball they use a goat carcass. There are no teams just a scrum of 200 horses and riders all trying to score a goal. All in all a very exciting, if baffling, spectacle.
Today you will have lunch in the "village of the yurts" and dinner and overnight will be in your guesthouse.

Overnight in Murghab.

Day 6
The Chabysh festival continues into its second day. Today is the great endurance race. In the morning all of the potential racing horses are inspected by the vet before being selected for the race, and the they're off! We await the return of the competitors, enjoying lunch in the yurts, before heading out to welcome the victors and enjoy the awards ceremony.

On returning to the guesthouse we make the final preparations for the expedition...

Joining the famous Pamir Highway, a road that traverses the Pamir Mountain range, you will make your way to Murghab. A seven hour journey both by road and track. Overnight and dinner in a Murghab guesthouse.

Day 7
By jeep you will be taken to the Green Valley (50kms) where you will meet your horses and guides who will be your companions for the next few days. The guides are local sheperds who grew up and work around these valleys, the best people for the job. After saddling up and loading your saddlebags with personal belongings you set off over the hills of the Eastern Pamir. Crossing lunar landscapes, high green pastures like small oases, hugging the valley edges with turbulent streams gushing beside you, you will cross several mountain passes at an altitude of between 3900 and 4600 metres. Incredible views of the towering peaks of the Pamir (7000m) and chance encounters with the local wildlife (mountain sheep and goats, ibex, marmots, birds of prey...). You will be warmly welcomed into the yurts of the local sheperds to glimpse their way of life, unchanged for generations.

Camping overnight. You will have three pack horses with you on this trip and a jeep to transport belongings and supplies. Please bear this in mind when packing, it is much better to have a rucksack than a hard suitcase for example!

Day 8
Today you will cross the Gumbezdu Pass. (Sometimes the neck of the pass will be blocked by snow you will take another pass, the valley of Midian, further south.) After a picnic lunch you will slowly ascend to Kara Jilg, this is a difficult climb so be prepare to help out your horse. Superb views from the summit.

Camping overnight.

Day 9
Depart on horseback along the bank of a mighty river that has carved its way through the rock to wind its way to Murghab. Descending into the inhabited valley of Madiana you will have the chance to view some ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) before heading south to reach the hot springs of Jyluu. These springs are famed for their health benefits and you will have the opportunity to bathe.

Overnight accommodation is in yurts.

Day 10
Superb variation on your ride from Jyluu to Kara Mukour today, joining the main valley pass that gradually narrows to a canyon before opening up onto a small green valley dominated by glaciers. Many families make this valley their "jailoo" or summer camp. Herds of yak graze peacefully. After lunch you will cross a large mineral plateau before coming across another jailoo, your base for the night.

Overnight in tents.

Day 11
Leaving the district of Kara Mukour you will head to Bosteri today which is in the district of Murghab Alichour. There are two options for the riding today, again it depends on the volume of snow. The end of the ride will end on a descent through a "field of stones". This will be on foot, horse in hand, and be approximately 45 minutes.

Dinner and overnight in tents in the jailoo of Bosteri.

Day 12
Head off across the windswept plateau of Alichour. From here, due east, you can see the Sarykol mountain range that marks the Chinese border and ahead of you the snow topped mountains that form the border with Afghanistan. After climbing a small hill you will be rewarded with a staggering view of the Southern Pamirs, two enourmous valleys stretch out below. You will head for the western valley where you will stay overnight in the jailoo.

Day 13
Today we leave the back up vehicles behind to climb higher in the mountains. We encounter herds of Yak and unleash the horses to enjoy some exhilarating riding before setting up camp for the night. 

Day 14
One step at a time through the thin air you will ascend to the mountain jailoo of Chamerat through the praries at an altitude of 4200m. Beautiful views to Sarykol and Wakhan, behind which sits the Hindu Kush mountain chain of Pakistan. Descending on horseback and foot you will make your way into the valley for a picnic lunch. After lunch you ascend again to 4600m, the last part of which (approximately 1 1/2 hours) will be on foot. you will see the jailoo of Chamerat below.

Overnight in tents.

Day 15
Joining the track that links Chamerat to the silver mine by Bazar Dara you ride along at an altitude of 4664m. Arriving at camp in the valley of Utchbackan as the light falls.

Overnight in tents.

Day 16
Continue along the pass from Utchbackan to the old silver mine.

Overnight in tents.

Day 17
Today you say a final farewell to the team and the horses. After breakfast, depart by vehicle to the neck of Sari Tash and the Kyrgyz border. Installation in a guesthouse in Gulcho.

Day 18
We take the road to Osh before taking a domestic flight back to Bishkek. 

Day 19
Full day in the Kyrgyz capital. Discover the city with your guide. Visit the bazaar, the large market, popular, colorful and lively, worth a look! Lunch and dinner in town, free choice and not included in the price. 

Day 20
A final farewell and we head to the airport for our international flight home.

NOTES - PAMIR MOUNTAIN EXPLORER

Excellent physical condition is imperative for this trip. The altitude ranges from 3,000m to 4,800m and the terrain can be rough and the inclines steep. The body should be able to adapt quickly to changes in temperature. Experience of hiking over several days is essential.

The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All riding, accommodation, transfers as per the itinerary, including internal flights. For a group of four or more an English speaking guide from Europe. Interpreters, expedition leader, cook, two horsemen, pack horses. All meals (excepting those below), excluding beverages, including bottled water.
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Meals on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 19 and meals on day 20. Drinks with meals, Visa costs, items of a personal nature and gratuities.

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