Alexander the Great’s Footsteps
"There has never been another man in the all world, of Greek or any other blood, who by his own hand succeeded in so many brilliant achievements"
(Arrian)
You can't find a better tour(trek) itinerary for Tajikistan, as it is the best one which is prepared genial and perfectly by local ones. Plus in the best region that altitudes starts from 2700m and reach up to 5489m above sea level. It is all about Fann mountains that gathered around itself more than 20 azure lakes, hundreds of most ancient villages and thousands of new ones, some highest peaks of the world like Chimtarga peak (5489m), and plenty of crystal rivers. So it will not be just a hike in desert, however a discovery of the heavens. Let's watch all others from the top!
Meeting in the airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival you will have a short sightseeing 0f Dushanbe. Overnight at hotel.
2 day: Dushanbe - Artuch Dushanbe-Iskanderkul-Artuch (215 km., 7 hrs.). After breakfast departure to “Artuch” via Anzob pass (3373 m.). On the way we will visit the famous Iskanderkul lake – Lake of the Alexander the Great, which is 22 km off the main road. Short picnic on the shore of Iskanderkul lake and walking around it will be one of the highlights of the tour. Continuing our way to Artuch alpinists camp base. On arrival in Artuch your camp will be erected and you can go for a short acclimatisation walk. Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
3 day: Artuch-Kulikalon Lakes (10km, 5 hrs, +700m). This morning your trek begins. It is important to take it very slowly since the rise in altitude and the steep climb on this first day will likely affect you. Depart from Artuch base camp and ascend to the Kulikalon Plateau (2/3 hours). The plateau is dotted with 14 turquoise lakes framed by jagged ridges and summits between 4000m-5000m: Maria (4970m), Mirali (5120m), Rudaki (4900m), Adamtash (4700m) (the four peaks making so called “Kulikalon Wall”), Saryshah (4650m) and Aurondag (4573m). Overnight on shores of Dushokha Lake (2900m). Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
4 day: Kulikalon Lakes Today is a rest day. You can, if you wish, spend the day walking on the plateau visiting several of the lakes (2900m). Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
5 day: Trek over Alaudin Pass (3860m) to Alaudin Lake (6km, 6 hrs, +950m). Today ascend Alaudin pass. On the way up you will hopefully see vultures and eagles hovering in the blue sky. Enjoy a birds-eye view of Dushaha Lake and the entire Kulikalon Lake system. From the stony pass saddle impressive views eastwards to Chapdara River valley open up. Left to right, see snow and ice-clad Chapdara Peak (5,050 m), Bodhona Peak (5,138m) and Zamok Peak (5070m), a clear-cut pyramid of Kaznok Peak (4200m) and a “bowing head” of Adamtash Peak (4700m). Down in the valley bottom see a blue speck of Alauddin Lake (in fact, one of two major lakes) varying in colour from lilac to deep turquoise and providing a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the Chimtarga wall. Overnight next to a lake (approx 2900m). Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
6 day: Alauddin - Hisor fortress - Dushanbe( 180km) Breakfast and then drive towards Hisor fortress, museum and madrasah. Drive out of the city (30 km) to the remains of Hissar Fortress of 18 С. Visit two local madrasas and a mausoleum. Return to Dushanbe. Overnight at the hotel.
7 day: Dushanbe Dushanbe: a perfectly pleasant startingl city! Places to visit in Dushanbe for today: National Museum: the museum has some interesting collections you will enjoy: some of the frescoes from Old Panjakent, and an entire top floor with unique artworks from Tajik artists. Rudaki Park: Dushanbe’s prettiest park is next to the National Museum. Its tree-lined ways contain everything from Palace of Nations (where the president works) to eccentricities like the second tallest flagpole in the world. Visit after a trip to the museum, but know the park really comes alive at night. Rohat Chaikhana: Massive teahouse on Rudaki Avenue. Beautifully decorated and a pleasant place to have an affordable nice lunch outside. You can sit in a columned open hall, or an elaborate wooden interior. Museum of Antiquities: it contains the bones of the Princess of Sarazm (creepy, but cool), sleeping Buddha, plus an impressive collection of ancient artifacts. Mehrgon Bazaar: Grand bazaar in the north of the city where you can buy everything from freshly diced carrots to stuffed dried dates. Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre: Here you can see operas or ballets in a grand theater for unbeatable prices. Pop in to see if any shows are on! Sim Sim brewery: Tajikistan’s favorite beer is brewed here in Dushanbe. You can enjoy two varieties of local brew on its rooftop terrace, or in the restaurant. Food and regional bar snacks are on offer Botanical Garden: A short walk from Chatr Café, stroll in this sprawling garden where couples and families enjoy days out. Overnight in hotel.
Breakfast and checkout from the hotel. The transfer to the airport for departure. End of tour!
THE PRICE INCLUDES: -All transfers and transport; All accommodation. Hotel, Guest houses and Home stays. -All meals (B.L.D.) -All entrance and sightseeing fees; -1L bottled water per day for each -Guide service; -Interpreter service -Porters -Camping equipments: tents, mats -VAT Tax and Profit of organization; -Eco Tax;
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: -Visa, international flight; -All personal expenses (extra luggage fee, room service, medical expenses/insurance, etc.) -Tips to the guides, drivers and donkey men; single accommodation -Alcoholic beverages
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Dushanbe International Airport, Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan