Tajikistan Wild Roots
13 Days
Min 7 max 10
€2550,-
The Trip
Few regions remain as unexplored as the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. This is certainly true of the unknown Tajikistan, the smallest of all the “stans. But this stan is clearly the region’s underdog. For with a whopping 93% mountainous land area, this is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The Pamir Mountains, for example, which stretch across several Central Asian countries, lie largely in eastern Tajikistan. The peaks of the Pamirs reach as high as 7,500 meters. Although this region had large cities during the time of the Silk Road, human habitation is scarce here today. Here flora & fauna flourish and escaping into the wilderness is easy. Discovered, pristine and uninhabited… any questions?
We set off into the westernmost part of the Pamir Mountains: the Fann Mountains. Home to a series of four- and five-thousanders. Our ten-day traverse of the Fanns crosses the wilderness and leads us from lake to lake, known for their bright turquoise color. We are introduced to rural life in Tajikistan, and together with local mountain dwellers and their animals, we trek wild-camping through the area. Off the radar, a few days’ walk from civilization, we traverse passes of nearly 5,000 meters, pass glaciers and snow-capped peaks, and make camp on the high plains of the Fanns. Along the way, we refresh ourselves in meltwater rivers and lakes. As our paths cross, fun encounters with itinerant shepherds and their flocks may occur along the way, who will gladly take time for a shared tea break. Trek along through the wild roots of Tajikistan.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
Wild Roots is the theme of this group trip: a journey to a place where nature and culture are inseparable. A good level of fitness is required for this trip and experience in mountainous terrain is desirable. The combination of the duration of the trip, the altitude we reach and other standards we face makes this a serious trip. Experience with (wild) camping or the Wild Human trip is a big plus.
Impression
Your guide on this trip
Nick Platje
Gedreven wildernisgids en Mountain Leader. Eindeloos nieuwsgierig naar andere culturen en groot liefhebber van pionieren op ongewone plekken. Wordt doorgaans waargenomen met camera. In een vorig leven was Nick marinier. Zijn mantra: als het maar wild is.
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Experiences
There are no specific reviews for this trip — read experiences from other adventurers below.
Practical
Cost
€2550
The cost includes:
- Twelve nights’ accommodation in tents, guesthouses and hotels
- breakfast, lunch and evening meals during all days
- local guides, shepherds and donkeys
- Rewild group camping equipment
- Rewild Mountain Leader / wilderness guide
- local transport
- 24/7 backup support from the Netherlands and medical support on the mountain
- preparatory meeting
Not included are personal expenses and meals, any additional snacks, your flight to Samarkand, tips for the local team, and mountaineering insurance. We recommend purchasing this through the NKBV.
Logistics
We recommend flying with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Samarkand (Uzbekistan), from where the trip continues overland into Tajikistan. Outbound flight Monday, August 9, 2027: from Schiphol on TK1952 (departure around noon) to Istanbul, followed by TK372 (Istanbul approx. 9:50 p.m. → Samarkand approx. 4:10 a.m.). Return trip on Saturday, August 21, on TK373 (Samarkand approx. 5:40 a.m. → Istanbul approx. 8:50 a.m.), followed the same day by TK1953 (departing in the afternoon) on to Amsterdam. You’ll be traveling on your own and at your own expense; flight costs are not included in the package price. We’ll coordinate flight times via a WhatsApp group. On-site logistics will be organized by Rewild and are included in the price.
Nutrition and drinking
Rewild is responsible for organizing food and drinks. Since we can load the vehicles with food and cooking supplies, we can bring more fresh and unprocessed ingredients and food. Clean drinking water is plentiful in the area.
Travel guarantee and booking
The departure of this trip is guaranteed from 7 people. A maximum of 10 people can join the trip. This trip is a package tour and to comply with the legally required guarantee on package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee of VZR Garant. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the website of VZR Garant.
Insurance
To participate in Rewild trips, you must be insured for activities in mountainous areas off the beaten track. You can inquire about this with your current insurance company or purchase travel insurance from the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Conditions of participation
By participating in a Rewild trip, you accept the general travel conditions, as found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained here.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
Travel Day
We travel to Tajikistan via Uzbekistan and arrive overnight in the Uzbek capital of Samarkand.
Day 2
On to the Fanns
After a short rest, we travel on toward the Fann Mountains where we sleep with local mountain people in a guesthouse.
Day 3 to 11
Tajikistan Wild Roots trekking
Equipped with our own tent camp and accompanied by local mountain dwellers with their animals, we trek through the wilderness for ten days and seize the adventure. We end our trek in a guesthouse in a mountain village.
Day 12
Back to civilization
With organized transportation and some nice stopovers, we return to Samarkand where we arrive in the afternoon. Before leaving for the Netherlands, we visit the bazaar and enjoy a final dinner together.
Day 13
Travel Day
This day is dedicated to the return trip to the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
What should I be aware of in terms of culture and customs?
Tajikistan is a predominantly Muslim country with a strong culture of hospitality. Along the way, you’ll encounter nomadic herders who are happy to take the time for a shared tea break; feel free to accept their invitation. In the villages, modest clothing is appreciated. Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone, and treat bread with respect—for example, don’t put it on the ground. Tipping is part of the local culture here: a tip for the local guides and the team at the end of the trip is appreciated.
Where are we staying?
After arriving in Samarkand, you’ll travel on to the Fann Mountains, where you’ll spend your first night with local mountain dwellers. During the trek, you’ll sleep in a tent camp, and the trip ends at a guesthouse in a mountain village. A total of twelve nights in tents and guesthouses are included.
What will we eat and drink, and will I be able to wash up along the way?
Rewild provides food and drinks. Since the animals carry the food and cooking gear, we can bring more fresh and unprocessed ingredients, and clean drinking water is plentiful in the area. You can wash yourself and your clothes daily in the (slightly chilly) lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
Will we also visit Samarkand?
Yes. After the trek, we’ll travel back to Samarkand via organized transportation, making a few nice stops along the way. Before leaving for the Netherlands, we’ll visit the bazaar and enjoy a final dinner together.
What should I bring myself?
The packing list on this page lists exactly what you need to bring yourself. Some of the equipment is available for rent; please indicate this when you book.
How do I travel to Tajikistan?
Under “Logistics” in the “Practical Information” section on this page, you’ll find our travel advice and information on how local transportation is arranged. We coordinate flight times among ourselves via a WhatsApp group.
