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The Republic of Tajikistan is located in Central Asia and it is the smallest country among other Central Asian countries. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east. Pakistan lies to the south separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor. The area is only 142,000 km2. The population of the country according to the latest estimates is 8,600,000 people. With capital city of Dushanbe, it is a home to the Persian-speaking Tajik people, once part of the Samanid Empire. Today it amuses the visitors with captivating mix of mountainous, unspoiled landscapes and a rich history that has seen it endure Soviet invasion and a devastating civil war.We have packed the most important locations of this landlocked country into the extended weekend making only 1 day - Thursday off, to avoid as much as possible the hassle to skip office hours. Here is how it looks like:
https://vimeo.com/177103972
https://vimeo.com/218785435
DAY 0 // JUNE 27 // Departure
Meeting at Dubai Airport for a direct flight to Dushanbe.
Day 1 // JUNE 28 // Shirkent Valley
Arrival in Dushanbe, immigration clearance, transfer to hotel, short rest.
Breakfast and drive towards Shirkent gorge, through Hissar region, driving 1.50 hr, starting hiking towards the footprints of dinosaurs, hiking along the channel stream, lunch at the local farm on the way to taste their home made cottage cheese, honey, fresh fruits. Maximum hiking 4-5 hours, dinner. After dinner we can check local night scene.
Shirkent Valley - Dinosaurs footprints
Shirkent Valley has been established a Nature Reserve in 1991, followed by the discovery of rare three sites of dinosaur footprints from various eras containing more than 400 trails. The first location of these giant, ancient reptiles is located in one of the right bank of the Shirkent River, slightly above a village with the same name. Two lines of pterodactyl footprints are seen here on the surface of erinaceous limestone. The length of the footprints is 0.5m on average, the width up to 30cm, and the step length about 75cm. Since there are no footprints known elsewhere like those in Shirkent, the animal that left them was placed in a new species of dinosaurs which is a suborder of Theropoda and was given the name Macropodosaurus Gravis (lit. heavy kangaroo-anteater).The second group of dinosaur footprints is approximately 5km from the mouth of the Shirkent River, near the watershed on its left side. Footprints here are from a Tridactylous, and most are about 50cm long, but there are also some about 65cm long and up to 45cm wide. The third group of footprints is near Pashmi Kuhna village and has the footprints of only one Tridactylous, but it was a real giant. The length of its feet exceeds 70cm, the width 60cm, and the depth of ground depression under its footprints is up to 10cm. Rare fossil tracks of boring-mollusks, giant signs of wave ripples, fissures of dried sea-silt and other relics from the Dinosaur Age are also here.
DAY 2 // JUNE 29 // Maghreb
Breakfast leaving Dushanbe towards Anzob pass (3372m) for some stunning views until we reach the picture-perfect village of Maghreb. Short discovery of surroundings and overnight in local guesthouse.
DAY 3 // JUNE 30 // Lake Iskandarkul
Little known and rarely visited Fann mountains form part of the Pamir Range tucked away in northwest Tajikistan. The majestic, biggest lake called Lake Alexander, Iskandarkul is located at altitude of 2200mtrs. It is a pure gem of surrounding snowy peaks reflecting in calm mirrored surface. You may have a difficulty to describe its color, from green to turquoise, blue to dark-purple it changes together with the season and time of the day.
Local lunch, hike to waterfall called by locals Niagara, further hike to snake lake. Boat trip on the lake mirror surface, to take quick look at the president’s dacha on the other side.
DAY 4 // JULY 01 // Lakes of Fann Mountains
Today we hit the trail inside Fann Mountains to discover further lakes hidden within gorgeous valleys. Overnight at Iskandarkul Lake
DAY 5 // JULY 02 // Dushanbe
Morning drive back to Dushanbe, for quick look at bustling metropolis and its history.
DAY 6 // JULY 03 // Return
Morning flight back to Dubai.
Level: Easy to moderate, available for beginners. Shirkent trail gets a little steep by the end of it.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, boating, optional swimming in glacier lakes.
Duration: weekend
Accommodation & meals: hotels double sharing. Meals included, bring your fav snacks.
Cost: 5410 AED all inclusive flights until June 22nd.
Specifically excluded:
e-visa
insurance.
Visas: 52 countries visa free regime. Other passports: evisa or consulate visa. UK passport - evisa.
Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof camera, sports electrolytes, power banks, towel, warm blouse (its chilly in the morning).
All other details available for RSVPs.
Galleries:
https://vimeo.com/177103972
https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/27149704/
See yah in Dush x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 - 4848238 / [email protected]
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Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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