Itinerary

We will drive 120 km (3 hours) east from Khorog, the administrative centre of GBAO the Pamir Highway and start our horseback trip from Bachor village. The second day we begin our journey by the riverside enjoying the beauties of the untouched sceneries. Then we continue our travel along the Yashilkul lakeshore. When the trip finishes we can drive from Bulunkul either back to Khorog or Murghab.

Day 1. Arrival in Bachor from Khorog
Leave Khorog in the morning. Arrange horses and horse guides for the trip. Enjoy the beauties of nature and encounter the local culture. Stay in a homestay or with local hospitable families, who are also happy to receive guests. Bachor is small Pamirian village which is located next to Gund river, 20km from Pamir Highway. Villagers are mostly occupied with farming and herding animals. Overnight in a homestay. Elevation 3300m.

Day 2. Bachor – Yashilkul trip
Start your travel along the left bank of Gund river from Bachor. The trail is easy and picturesque. Getting to Langar gate, crossing the river and Ride up to Burghumal pass 4200m which offers a spectacular view of the vast Yashilkul lake. We stop at the beginning of the Lake in Zaval (dam) where we will stay for tonight. Enjoy the amazing scenery of sunset and look forward to sunrise. Overnight in a tent. Elevation 3720m.

Yashilkul lake is located in the eastern Pamir on 3719m above sea level. Yashil means green, Kul – lake in Turkic languages and the lake lives up to its name. Yashilkul was formed during the earthquake together with a natural dam called Zaval on its west end. On the north shore of Yashilkul, close to Marjanoy river, lays prehistoric stone circle and several Saka (Scythian) burial sites and traces of ancient mining settlements (probably from the 11th Century AD). At the eastern end of the lake, you can find remains of Sultantash (Chinese tombs) and the hot spring.
Two military skirmishes took place here. First in 1759 by Chinese Khoja (Muslim rulers of Kashgar who fled to Badakhshan of Afghanistan, second was between Russian and Afghan soldiers in 1892.

Day 3. Adventures around Yashilkul
Ride along the left lakeside. The trail goes mostly along the north side of Yashilkul. We ride towards Marjanoy river and cross it. Have a picnic at Sumantash stone. Overnight in tents on Sumankul, another small lake next to Yashilkul. Elevation 3700m.

Day 4. Meet your car in Bulunkul
In the morning, we continue the travel to Bulunkul where your driver is waiting for you. Bulunkul its small Pamirian settlement, located in the Eastern Pamir, 5km from Yashilkul and 16km from Pamir Highway.

Bulunkul is also known as the coldest village of Tajikistan. The settlement was founded during 60th by the Soviet Union as part of a state-funded program to introduce farming, stock raising and fishing in remote Pamir region.

By noon, we will reach Bulunkul where we will have lunch in a local homestay. Here you will decide about heading up either to Murghab or Khorog. Depending on your schedule and preference we will plan it together!