TRIP OVERVIEW
Style: Homestay-based day hike
Difficulty: Level 3
Location: Darvoz region, Tajikistan
Distance: 16km / 7.5 mi
PRICES:
$140 per person
Price includes: all meals are included from breakfast on the first day through lunch on the last day.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Wildlife watching (species of Markhor), brown bear, Ibex, a nice view into Afghanistan’s mountains
GEAR NEEDED:
Good hiking shoes, sun cream, sunglasses, walking sticks, water bottle and a hat.
DESCRIPTION:
This hiking includes walking through the valleys of Darvoz region. The hike starts out next to a riverbed at 1050m of elevation and continues along a steep trail to a well-known hunter’s viewpoint at 1900m of elevation. Due to quick elevation gains, our guides will lead the hike at a slow, comfortable pace. They will also help you with river-crossings and steep sections of the trail. From the hunter’s viewpoint, you may see species of Ibex, brown bear, and Bukharian Markhor. It is one of the most undisturbed mountain ranges in the region. If you join a hike in the late spring (April-May), you may also see unique flowers known as Amaryllis throughout the valley. You will camp overnight at the viewpoint and cook outside on the fire while enjoying the bright starry sky. The next morning you will get up early to observe the wildlife again. You will then hike to the opposite side of the valley before returning to M-Sayod camp for the evening.
Day 1
Elevation gain: 953m / 3126mi
Distance: 8km / 4.9mi
You will start from M-Sayod hunting camp and drive to the trailhead. You will hike next to the riverbed. Trail is short but steep. From the trailhead to the hunter’s viewpoint, you will gain 850masl of elevation. You may become physically exhausted, but, don’t worry, our rangers will be there to help you. In the afternoon, you can enjoy watching wildlife, walking around the mountains near the camp, and visiting a walnut forest. Towards the evening you will set up the camp and help cook a delicious dinner on the fire. You are welcome to stay up late to stargaze and enjoy the outstanding view of the Milky Way.
Day 2
Elevation gain: 953m / 3126mi
Distance: 8km / 4.9mi
You will get up early in the morning to watch the wildlife as the sunrises. Our guides will have sets of binoculars and spotting scopes for you to use. Afterwards, you may continue your hike to higher elevations and enjoy even greater view. In the afternoon, you will start hiking down the trail. Since the trails are steep, you may take your time and our guides will be there to assist you. Our drivers will meet you at the end of the hike and drive you back to the hunting camp. You will have dinner and relax for the evening at the hunting camp.
What’s Included
- All meals are included from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks are also provided.
- Professional and knowledgeable guides will lead the hikes.
- Emergency equipment including a first-aid kit and satellite phone.
Meals: What To Expect
Most of our hikes include a variety of meals to nourish our bodies with enough carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We usually have pasta, rice, sausages, cheese, oatmeal, canned lentils and beans, sugar and bread. We also carry fresh vegetables and can easily accommodate vegetarians.
Additionally, we have snacks such as dried fruits, fresh fruits, chocolate bars, and each break will include hot coffee and tea. We can accommodate people with special dietary needs.
What’s Not Included?
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
What Gear To Bring
- Water bottles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunscreen,
- Toiletries
- Warm clothing
- Hiking poles
What Clothes To Bring
We will email you what kind of gear to bring depending on the season. Summers are usually warm in central Tajikistan; however, if you are going up to higher altitudes (above 2500m/8200ft) you will need warmer clothing, including a sweater and windproof jacket.
Where to meet us?
The tours listed under conservancy tours category are designed for travelers who are arranging most of their travels by themselves throughout their journey in Tajikistan, this may be travelers who are already in Tajikistan, expats or visitors who are travelling with their own cars. You can book these conservancy tours as an additional detour while visiting Tajikistan. The meeting point of conservancy tours are the starting point of the respective tour which is usually a village. You will get to the starting point – a respective village by yourself. Let us know if you need help with the transportation.
Directions:
Please refer to a map section of the tour information for directions to the starting point of the tour. If you are travelling with your own car, we can send you a detailed guidance on how to get to the starting point of the tour. Once in the conservancy, local guides and rangers will take care of the rest.
Equipment
Most of our conservancies have camps within their territories which are used for overnight by rangers and tourists. If the trip includes camping, conservancies will provide tents only. If you don’t have sleeping bags and mattresses, you should tell us and book additionally, so we could deliver them to the conservancy before your tour starts. Other equipment, like primus for cooking, and utensils will be provided by the respective conservancy in the tour.
Safety Considerations:
Your safety is our top priority. Only trained guides and experienced rangers will accompany you during your hike. All of our rangers and guides are local from the nearby villages, of the respective conservancy. All guides are trained to offer first aid and always carry necessary first aid kit.