Day 1: Dushanbe
Arrival – meeting at the airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Lunch at a national restaurant. City tour: Dusti Square, National Museum of Tajikistan. Meeting with the support team. Motorcycle inspection. Dinner and a full rest at the hotel before starting an exciting and, at times, challenging 19-day tour.
Day 2: Dushanbe – Fann Mountains
Start. Our motorcycles are ready to begin the journey! We will take the M34 road leading from Dushanbe to Khujand, which takes us to Anzob Pass. We will ride through the 5-kilometer-long Anzob Tunnel, built in the 1980s through the Gissar Range to shorten the travel time by five hours compared to the old Anzob Pass. The tunnel allows year-round passage, but five kilometers of darkness and cold will test even the bravest riders! By noon, we will reach the Fann Mountains. A small section of the route follows mountain off-road terrain, but it is worth it to see the remote, tiny Tajik villages. Arrival at the international mountaineering camp 'Vertical - Alaudin'. Here, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, we will set up tents on a green meadow and take a short trek to Lake Alaudin, where a magnificent view of the Fann Mountains and Mount Chimtarga (5,489m) awaits us. Overnight in a tent camp.
Day 3: Fann Mountains – Dushanbe
We continue our motorcycle tour and visit another gorge where Lake Iskanderkul is located. It is named after Alexander the Great, who, according to legend, bathed there while marching towards India. By evening, we will return to Dushanbe and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4: Dushanbe – Kalaikhumb
In the morning, we continue our motorcycle adventure and head south to Tajikistan. Today, we enter the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), meaning we are approaching the Pamirs. We will ride along the Afghan border, separated only by the Panj River. Afghan villages can be seen just a few dozen meters away, where people live as they did centuries ago. Along the way, we will stop at Ali Waterfall, cascading down from a height of 40 meters. By evening, we will arrive in the village of Kalaikhumb and stay at a small guesthouse.
Day 5: Kalaikhumb – Khorog
We travel along the legendary Pamir Highway (M41), built in the 1930s during the Soviet era to develop the Pamir region. This is one of the most unique mountain roads in the world, passing through some of the most rugged and impassable areas. Along the way, we will see many Tajik villages, where locals, especially children, will joyfully greet us with laughter, offer various fruits, and seek handshakes. Accommodation in a real Pamiri guesthouse.
Day 6: Khorog
A day of rest and acclimatization. In the morning, we will visit the 'Afghan Bazaar,' which is open only on weekends when Afghans are allowed to cross into Tajikistan to trade goods, primarily clothing and souvenirs. In Khorog, we can also visit a jewelry factory to purchase items made from local gemstones or explore the Botanical Garden. In the evening, we will dine at an Indian restaurant. Overnight in a Pamiri guesthouse.
Day 7: Khorog – Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (Yamchun)
We continue along the Afghan border. The road runs along the steep banks of the Panj River, just tens of meters from Afghanistan. We will ascend to Yamchun Fortress at 3,200 meters, offering a breathtaking view of the Wakhan Valley in Afghanistan. We will soak in the sacred waters of the Bibi Fatima hot spring and spend the night in a guesthouse.
Day 8: Bibi Fatima Hot Springs – Murghab
Today, we ascend into the high-altitude Pamirs, heading toward its heart – the village of Murghab. Rarely will our road dip below 4,000 meters above sea level. Most of the route consists of off-road tracks. We will cross Khargush Pass (4,344m) and Nazayitash Pass (4,137m), traversing the endless Alichur Valley with its grazing yaks. By evening, we will reach Murghab, the highest-altitude settlement in the Pamirs.
Day 9: Murghab - Ak-Baital Pass (4,665m) - Murghab
We wake up early and set off again! Be prepared to ascend the highest pass in the former USSR and Central Asia – Ak-Baital Pass (4,665m). We will ride through the most rugged terrain of the Pamirs, taking incredible photographs to remember this adventure. This is the highest point of our route. On the way back to Murghab, we will visit Lake Rangkul, and if time permits, we will explore a meteorite crater. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 10: Murghab - Khorog
Our motorcycle tour on the Roof of the World continues. Although we are now heading back towards Dushanbe, we will take a different route. Today, we ride along another section of the Pamir Highway (M41), crossing new passes such as Naizatash Pass (4,314m), Kok-Tal Pass (4,272m), and Khargush Pass (4,344m). By evening, we will arrive in Khorog and stay in an authentic Pamiri guesthouse.
Day 11: Khorog - Kalaikhumb
Today, we once again ride along the legendary Pamir Highway (M41), built in the 1930s during the Soviet era to develop the Pamir region. This is one of the most unique mountain roads in the world, carved through extremely rugged and remote terrain. By evening, we will arrive in Kalaikhumb and stay in a guesthouse.
Day 12: Kalaikhumb - Dushanbe
Today, we ride back to Dushanbe via the famous Tavildara Road, part of the Pamir Highway. Most of today’s route consists of mountain off-road trails, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from Khabarabad Pass (3,252m). By evening, we will arrive in Dushanbe and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 13: Dushanbe – Chimtarga Valley
Now, we transition into nearly complete off-road riding. In the coming days, only remnants of asphalt will remind us of once-existing paved roads. But to witness the full beauty of Chimtarga Valley, we must overcome all off-road challenges. Chimtarga is the highest peak in the southwestern part of the Pamir-Alay mountain system, known as the Fann Mountains. It stands at 5,487m above sea level, just slightly lower than Mount Elbrus. Climbing routes to Chimtarga range from 2B to 6A difficulty. Ascents begin either from Mutnoe Lakes or the Praviy Zindon River Valley.
Day 14: Chimtarga Valley – Samarkand
On this day, we will travel to the historic city of Samarkand. But first, we must pass through the border checkpoint from Tajikistan into Uzbekistan. Welcome to history! Samarkand is the third-largest and second-most-populated city in Uzbekistan and the administrative center of the Samarkand region. The city's total area is 120 km² and is located at an altitude of about 720 meters above sea level. The historical center of the city is Registan Square and its architectural ensemble. In 2001, Samarkand and its historical architectural and archaeological monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name "Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures." One of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 8th century BC, Samarkand was a key hub on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe and one of the leading centers of science in the medieval East. In the 14th century, it became the capital of Tamerlane’s empire and the Timurid dynasty. Most of the city's architectural masterpieces were built during this period, marking its peak development. We will spend the night in a hotel in this historic city.
Day 15: Samarkand – Shakhrisabz
After a good rest, we continue our journey to the historic city of Shakhrisabz, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. According to some sources, the city was founded around the 8th century BC during the civilization and statehood of Sogdiana. In ancient times, it was called Kesh. The ancient inhabitants, the Keshites, were known for their crafts, trade, and high culture, with Sogdian being the predominant language. In 329 BC, Kesh was conquered by Alexander the Great’s forces and came under the influence of Hellenistic culture. Greek cults and beliefs spread here for a time. From the 3rd century BC to the 8th century AD, the city’s rulers issued numerous coins. It was a major ancient and early medieval urban center and for a long time served as the capital of Central Sogd. Tired but satisfied, we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 16: Shakhrisabz - Samarkand
At dawn, we will set off for Samarkand, taking a different route where we will encounter interesting historical facts shrouded in the mystery of time and nature. By evening, we will arrive in Samarkand and stay overnight.
Day 17: Samarkand - Tashkent
Back on the road! Today, our route to Tashkent will pass through another historically significant city. After a short rest and lunch, we continue on our way. We will cross the border from Uzbekistan into Kyrgyzstan. Tonight, we stay in Tashkent.
Day 18: Tashkent – Shymkent
Morning departure. The road awaits! Passing through fascinating landscapes on both sides of the asphalt and concrete will leave a lasting impression. After lunch, we will cross another border, this time entering Kazakhstan. By evening, we will arrive in beautiful Shymkent. The tour is over – time for complete relaxation.
Day 19: Shymkent
After a full night’s rest, depending on your flight departure time, you may have an opportunity to explore sunny Shymkent before being transferred to the airport. This marks the end of your journey. You will receive certificates and souvenirs. Have a safe flight and a smooth landing back home. These days spent with the Silk Off Road team will remain in your memory for decades!