2016
1-16 settembre 2016
Team:
Alan, Alfredo, Marc, Thais-Lyn, Tom
con Jan
Of all the Greater Ranges on the Asian continent, the Pamir Mountains are probably the least known and the least visited of them all. They boast the world’s largest glacier outside the Polar regions, the 77km long Fedchenko Glacier, and harbour three mountains taller than 7000m.
We will be traversing through the heart of the mountain range. Along the way, we will stay in the homes of the Pamiri natives, camp near centuries old caravanserais and explore the shores of shimmering blue Alpine lakes. To complete the traverse the team will scale a mountain pass that’s taller than Mont Blanc.
ITINERARIO
Day 1 – Dushanbe – Kalaikhum
After flying into the capital of Tajikistan Dushanbe we will be heading straight to one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world: the Pamir Highway. Our four-wheel drive vehicles will scale the first pass over 3000 metres and descend to the valley of the mighty Panj river. Driving: 9 hours, Altitude: 1600m.
Day 2 – Kalaikhum – Khorog
Today we will follow the Panj river, also known as the Oxus in ancient times. The other side of the river is Afghanistan. During the driv, you can see daily life in the mud-brick Afghan villages. At times the Pamir Highway squeezes through dazzling gorges and crosses rickety suspension bridges. We will stay in the capital of the Pamirs, Khorog. Driving: 6 hours, Altitude: 2150m.
Day 3 – Khorogh – Shakhdara Valley
Our drivers will take us up what the Pamiri people call Bam-y-Dunya, or the Roof of the World. As a part of our acclimatisation schedule for the trekking we will ascend 1300 vertical metres and stay in a Pamiri home stay at an altitude of 3470m. The skyline is filled with peaks over 6000m, of which the distinct Pik Karl Marx (6723m) is the tallest. Driving: 3 hours, Altitude: 3470m.
Day 4 – Shakhdara Valley – Bulunkul
On our way to the trailhead of the trek from Bulunkul we return to the Pamir Highway, that now crosses one of the highest sections. We will drive through an icy, high altitude landscape with jagged peaks as far as the eyes can see. The highlight of the day is the crossing of the 4271m Koitezek Pass. After a bone rattling day we will arrive in Bulunkul, officially the coldest inhabited place in Central Asia where the temperature once plummeted to a whopping -63 °C. Driving: 5 hours, Altitude 3750m.
Day 5 – Bulunkul – Sumantash
After four days on the “road” it’s time to stretch the legs and hit the trail. The first day is literally a warm up. A short 12km walk will lead us to our first camp next to the remains of an ancient caravanserai, and close to the Mahjura hot spring. The view from your tent is the beautiful mountain lake of Yashilkul. Trekking: 3-4 hours, Altitude: 3750m.
Day 6 – Sumantash – North West shore Yashilkul
Today we head in westerly direction along the north shore of Yashilkul. We will pass pre-historic stone circles near the mouth of the Marjanay river. After 18km walk we will pitch our tents at the North West end of Yashilkul. Trekking: 5-6 hours, Altitude: 3750m.
Day 7 – North West shore Yashilkul – Langar Valley
We will leave the shores of Yashilkul and enter the classic Pamir valley of Langar. A Pamir is a broad, U-shaped valley carved out by a glacier or icefield. These type of valleys are ideal grazing grounds also known as aylaqs. The shepherds go up to the aylaqs in summer time with their often massive herds of fat-tailed sheep and goats. We will set up camp halfway the valley. Trekking: 6 hours, Altitude: 3890m. ►
Day 8 – Langar Valley – Chapdarkul
The 14km climb to the shores of the dramatic lake of Chapdarkul takes us above the 4000m mark. The thin air at this altitude make even the easiest tasks an effort. Trekking: 5 hours, Altitude: 4530m.
Day 9 – Chapdarkul – Zarojkul
We will trek around Chapdarkul and make a small descent, being surrounded by tumbling glaciers. There are a number of small pools (the brave can go for a dip) and the stream leads to the Andaravj river valley. A stunning turquoise lake awaits you at the bottom of the descent. From here you will climb again to arguably the most beautiful mountain lake in the Pamirs: Zarojkul. Fringed by snow capped mountain giants, this deep blue lake will be our home for the next couple of days. Trekking: 6 hours, Altitude: 4510m.
Day 10 – Zarojkul
Today is a resting day. This gives us time to relax or to explore the area around Zarojkul. Altitude: 4510m.
Day 11 – Zarojkul – Top Bardara Valley
In this section the team will reach the highest point of the trek, the 4840m high Shtik Lazar Pass. Although it’s just over 300 vertical meters of climbing to the top of the pass, it will be a tough day. From the top you can see one of the biggest mountains in the Tajik Pamirs, Peak Revolution (6940m). The 1100m descent takes us to our camping spot at 3720m. Trekking: 8 hours, Altitude: 3720m.
Day 12 – Top Bardara Valley – Bardara Village
The final day is a long one. For 20km we will follow the crystal clear Bardara river before we arrive in one of the remotest settlements in the Pamirs, Bardara. Here we will sleep inside underneath a Pamiri roof again. Trekking: 7 hours, Altitude: 2830m.
Day 13 – Bardara Village
A rest day. This day it will be all about eating, sleeping and exploring village life in the Pamirs at a very slow pace. Altitude: 2830m
Day 14 – Bardara Village – Kalaikhum
Our drivers will pick us up and drive us through the wonderful Bartang Valley, back to the Panj river where we make a right turn towards Kalaikhum.
Day 15 – Kalaikhum – Dushanbe
This is the last full day drive back to Dushanbe. We will leave early which will enable us to explore the capital of Dushanbe a little bit.
Day 16 – Dushanbe
You will be dropped at the airport in the early hours of Sunday morning.
You will be accompanied by an international (trekking) guide from Untamed Borders for the entire length of this trip.
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