TAJIKISTAN & From to the foothills of Hindukush , , Uzbekistan and Afghanistan

September 25 to October 17, 2021 Tajikistan portion Led by “Spiekermann Travel” Tour Manager Afghanistan portion Led by Professor Jennifer L. Fluri This journey will take you to explore exotic landscapes of snow-covered peaks, high-mountain lakes and rivers, inhabited by mountain commu- nities living in settlements preserving century-old traditions and customs. History of Pamir Highway is over one hundred years, but the history of Pamir itself is over millennia. It was left largely untouched by the ravages of the Soviet occupation and the Taliban’s invasion. Archaeological findings testify presence of Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Muslims in Pamir. The birth date of Pamir Highway can be consid- ered the 14th of March 1981 when lieutenant colonel Bronislav Grombchevskiy read a lecture on “Our interests in Pamir. Military-political outline” at the secret meeting of the General headquarter of the Russian army in Saint Petersburg. The aim of this secret bridgehead was to prepare for any possible invasion of the British Empire to Central Asia. We will cross to Afghanistan via Termez which is one of the ancient cities of Central Asia. It evolved throughout the history on different places around the modern city, reflecting multiple cultural layers depicted in remains of historical sites. For several centuries it served as the main center of Buddhism in Central Asia. Missionaries travelled from Termez through the iron gates to Sogdiana on the northwest along the valley of Oxus to Margiana and to the northeast through the Pamir and Alay mountains. Afghanistan is home to some incredible treasures bound to leave you in awe. This journey will take you from bustling Kabul to the foothills of the Hindu-Kush. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great as you explore the country’s safest areas in the northern regions. Visit the fabulous city of Herat, which was once a great medieval center for Islamic learning and culture. Marvel at the legendary mountain caves of Bamyan and the spectacular lakes of Band-e-Amir. Join to tour the historical town of Mazar-i-Sharif, famous for its blue-tiled mosque and Balkh, the nearby ancient caravan town.

Ihab. Zaki Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel

Sat-Mon, Sep 25-27 this part of the highway, which climbs over 14,050-foot Kyzyl-Art USA - Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) Pass into Tajikistan and then cross the Pamir Plateau. The road heads up Ak-Baital Pass at 15,270 feet, and then down to Murghab Depart JFK to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan via Istanbul. Upon arrival at at approximately 12,000 feet. The scenery here is as gorgeous as Bishkek airport and after customs and immigration procedure, it can be seen anywhere in the world. Tajikistan is one of the last meet and transfer to Jannat 5* hotel for check in, free morning undiscovered travel destinations, and driving along this dramatic at leisure and then in the afternoon, start your tour of Bishkek highway will be an amazing experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch on including a visit to Manas Republic Square and National Flag route at Karakul Lake. Created by a meteor about 10 million years Square, Museum of History, Philharmonics Square with Statue ago, Karakul Lake’s Kyrgyz name translates to “Black Lake”. It is one of of Manas, continue to University Boulevard, Victory Square and Central Asia’s highest lakes and has no drainage outlet (therefore it TSUM Mall for a visit then return to the hotel for your overnight. (D) is an endorheic lake). The lake is too high to support life, and is of- ten frozen until late May. Because of this, the area surrounding the Tuesday, Sep 28 lake has a lonely, empty feeling. It has captured the imagination of Bishkek -Sary Tash many travelers throughout history, including Marco Polo. Transfer to Pamir Hotel for check in and overnight. (B,L.D) Transfer to the airport for your flight to Osh. Upon arrival, you’ll Note: Driving time from Sary Tash to Myrgab is about 7 hours meet your local guide and start your tour of Osh, which includes and covering a distance of 155 miles. a walk through the clamor of the 2,000-year-old Jayma Bazaar, the biggest open-air market in Central Asia, and said to be the Thursday, Sep 30 best market in the west of Kashgar. The clamor of the crowds rises above the din of merchants selling colorful Kyrgyz textiles, kalpaks, Murghab - Langar fermented milk, spices, and dried fruits. You’ll Observe the process Today, we’ll drive to Langar and if the weather is clear enough, we’ll of bread baking, a process so revered that in 2016 it was added to head up to the Shorbulak Observatory, where you can see the the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. You’ll watch the Muztag Ata and Kongur Peaks, which are parts of the Khun Lun baker prepare the dough, makes the fire in the clay tandoor oven, Range. Following the Alichur Plateau we’ll pass a number of oth- and slaps the rounds onto the sides of the oven. Have lunch at a er interesting salt lakes, before crossing the Khargush Pass, which local chaikhana (tea house), then later this afternoon, you’ll drive to brings us spectacular views of Afghanistan, with the ice-capped Sary Tash along a serpentine road that passes through Taldyk Pass summit of the Range ahead of us, and the (11,680ft). Stopping for the evening in Sary Tash, situated at an ele- marking the border just a few miles away. There will be plenty of vation of around 10,000 feet, ensures that you don’t miss any of the chances to stop for some spectacular photos. Once our passports fantastic scenery between here and Murghab. Transfer to Mirbek have been checked through the Kargush army base, we’ll contin- Guesthouse or similar for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) ue along the Pamir River, hopefully spotting one of the rare herds of Bactrian camels that still exist there. With very little vegetation Note: Driving time from Osh and Sary Tash is about 3 hours and in the area, the surrounding views of the mountains are even more covering a distance of 115 miles. spectacular. Then we’ll reach Langar, the last village of the Tajik before the border of Afghanistan. Langar boasts Wednesday, Sep 29 a castle and some interesting petroglyphs, and is home to the Sary Tash - Murgab (Tajikistan) ‘Wakhi’ people, most of which are farmers or shepherds. Transfer to homestay for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) Today, we’ll drive to Kyzyl Art border, after finishing border for- Note: Driving time from Murghab to Langar is about 8-9 hours malities, you’ll meet your Tajik guide & driver and you’ll start your and covering a distance of 155 miles. Pamir Highway adventure. You’ll be riding in 4WDs to navigate Friday, Oct 01 Monday, Oct 04 Langar - Ishkashim Kalai Khumb - After Breakfast, we’ll drive along the River taking in the Today, we’ll continue on to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan with cultural change between the Kyrgyz and Pamiri people of the an elevation of approximately 2,300 feet). Named for the Persian Pamirs. We’ll have some stops along the way to look at the old word for Monday, Dushanbe was at one point a small market vil- castles that once guarded this branch of the Silk Road, including lage where traders would gather each Monday to sell their goods. Yamchun Fort. These are all built quite high up to dominate the During the Soviet era the city grew to be the most important cen- surrounding valley. This part of the Pamirs is also dotted with a va- ter of production in Tajikistan, and the Shohmansur covered mar- riety of religious sites from Sufi shrines, Buddhist stupas and Zo- ket reflects its historical ties to the local trade. As Tajikistan’s capital, roastrian fire Temples. We’ll drive to Yamg village and transfer to the city’s tree-lined streets are home to many national museums Mini hotel or Guest House for check in, free time to take a short (where we will visit a couple of them) and monuments, but watch- walk, visit the local shrine or simply relax and overnight. (B,L,D) ing the colorfully dressed locals stroll by is a highlight of the country. Note: Driving time from Langar to Ishkashim is about 2-3 hours and covers a distance of 69 miles. Transfer to Serena or Hilton Hotel for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) Note: Driving time from Kalai Khumb to Dushanbe is about Saturday, Oct 02 8-10 hours and covers a distance of 223 miles. Ishkasim - Khorog Tuesday, Oct 05 Begin your day with a morning drive to Khorog and cross the Dushanbe border to visit the Bazaar (Market) on the Afghan side. This Mar- ket is held every Saturday in the neutral territory between Tajik- Have breakfast, and then you’ll start your guided city tour with a visit to istan and Afghanistan. Then, we’ll continue our way to Khorog. the National Museum of Antiquities in Tajikistan (closed on Mondays) The town of Khorog is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Au- that includes the exhibits of history, natural history and art (Buddha in tonomous Region in Tajikistan and is an administrative center of Nirvana is one of the valuable exhibits of the museum). Continue to the Pamir region. It is set deep in the valley at the confluence of Hissar Fortress (19 miles from Dushanbe), where you’ll see Madrasah the Panji and rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks. Kukhna then return to Dushanbe and head to visit the Gurminj Musi- There are a number of places to visit, from the Central Park to the cal Instruments Museum, Statue of Ismail Somoni and Rudaki Park. surprisingly well stocked Botanical Gardens (one of the highest Return the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) in the world). The town is the site of one of Central Asia’s few university campuses. Not far from Khorog, are the Ruby Mines of Wednesday, Oct 06 Khu i Lal (where Badakhshani rubies were mined as far back as Dushanbe - Termez (Uzbekistan) the 14th century). Transfer to ”Botanical Garden” or “Pamir Palace” Hotel for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) We’ll drive to the Uzbek-Tajik border of “Sariosiyo”. (50 miles, 2-hour Note: Driving time from Ishkasim to Khorog is about 2-3 hours drive*). After finishing the border formalities on the Uzbek side, and covers a distance of 65 miles. you’ll be met by your driver and guide and head to Termez (113 miles, 3-hours’ drive). Transfer to Meridian hotel or similar for check in and Sunday, Oct 03 have lunch. In the afternoon, start the sightseeing of the ancient Bud- Khorog - Kalai Khumb dhist center of one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. You’ll visit the Archaeology Museum to explore exhibits discovered on the territory Today we’ll drive along the Afghan border to the little village of of Termez and its surroundings. Visit Kokildor-Ota Khanaka, Fortress Kalaikhumb in Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Province. Once the Kirk Kiz – a summer residence of Samani rulers, Sultan Saodat Ensem- home of a great fortress, Kalai khumb is now a small village at the join- ble, and Zurmal Tower – Buddha’s stupa. Continue to the Buddhist ing of two rivers, the Khumbob and the Panj on the Afghan border. archaeological sites of Karatepa, Fayaztepa and the Mausoleum of The sleepy village sits between Khorog and Dushanbe and is often Al-Hakim at-Termezi. Return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) used as a stopping point on the road between these two cities. During the drive, we’ll see Afghanistan from the left side across the river, where TAJIKISTAN PORTION ONLY: the considerable difference of lifestyle between Afghan and Tajik Travelers who will not continue to Afghanistan will drive from Ter- Pamirs is apparent. We’ll see the effort of the Afghanis to have their first mez to Dushanbe on October 07 for overnight and catch the morn- highway built with no machinery. The road will follow near Panj River, ing flight back home on October 08. a tributary of the mighty (the famous River Oxus). Transfer AFGHANISTAN PORTION ONLY: to Karon Hotel for check in and overnight. (B,L,D) Travelers who are doing Afghanistan portion will have to arrive to Note: Driving time from Khorog to Kalai Khumb is about 6-7 Mazar-i-Sharif on the morning of October 07 and enjoy free after- hours and covers a distance of 155 miles. noon at leisure. Other members of the group doing Pamir Highway will join for dinner at the hotel.

Thursday, Oct 07 Thursday, Oct 07 Monday, Oct 11 Termez - Mazar-i-Sharif Kabul - Herat stan) Have breakfast and then begin your guided tour in Termez. Drive Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Herat arriving at north-east to see Kampir Tepe, a Greco-Bactrian Kingdom fortress. approx. 11:00am. Upon arrival, transfer to Tejarat or Nazare Hotel Then visit Jarkurgan Minaret. Drive to the Hairatan border and after for check in and have lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll start your tour border formalities cross to Afghanistan by walking over the Friend- including the imposing and well-restored Citadel of Qala-I-Ikhti- ship Bridge, which connects Uzbekistan and Afghanistan then meet yaruddin, housing a beautiful small museum then stop at a very your local guide and driver at the Afghan side to start your way to Ma- classical traditional production of Sesame oil in a small factory. zar-i-Sharif. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and Visit the Friday Mosque (Masjid-I-Jami). This is one of the finest overnight. (B,L,D) examples of Ghorid and Timurid tiling to be found anywhere in the world. Continue to see a famous 14th Century bronze cauldron, Friday, Oct 08 alleged to be Timurlane’s sherbet bowl, in the courtyard. You will Mazar-i-Sharif - Balkh also be able to see the tile factory and purchase some unique tiles which claim to be the oldest in the world and probably date back After breakfast, there will be an introduction, review of the itinerary, to the 12th century, where tiles are still made in the traditional man- and answering any questions you may have. Head to visit the Shrine ner. Transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) of Hazrat Ali, the most revered mosque for Afghanis and the small-at- tached museum. The mosque is a masterpiece of typical central Asian Tuesday, Oct 12 architecture. After lunch, we’ll drive to the city of Balkh (Half hour Herat - Kabul drive). Balkh was called Bactria in ancient times. It was the spiritual cen- ter of and currently a delightful old walled city, which is Begin the day with a visit to Jahad Museum, which depicts the about 55 miles from Amu Darya River. Visit Khowaja Parsa, a 17th cen- times of the Russian war and the thousands of Heratis who lost tury mosque followed by the grave of Rabia Balkhe the first poetess in their lives to liberate Afghanistan. Visit the 15th century Musal- Farsi with a fabled love story. Visit the remains of Balkh city walls and an la complex that includes the Minarets of Gohar Shad and her easy walk to the top of one of the towers. Visit the Nogonbad Mosque Mausoleum. Gohar Shad was the wife of Shah Rukh, son of Timur- dating to 1350 AD before returning to the hotel in Mazar-i-Sharif for lane. Visit Amir Sher Nawaye Mausoleum; where you’ll have an dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) opportunity to purchase both new and antique carpets. In the late afternoon, head to visit the tomb of the two princes: Qasim Saturday, Oct 09 and Abdullah, before heading to the airport for your flight back Mazar-i-Sharif - Samangan - to Kabul at 6.30 PM. Transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and Tashkurgan overnight. (B,L,D) About two hours’ drive from Mazar lies one of Afghanistan’s most unex- pected and rewarding sights, the 28m high Buddhist stupa of Takht-e Wednesday, Oct 13 Rostam. Carved out of the rock, in similar fashion to the churches of Kabul - Istalif Valley- Kabul Lalibela in Ethiopia, this complex sits high above the valley and is today one of the country’s most enduring legacies from the pre-Islamic era, Start your morning with a drive for 50 minutes out of Kabul to visit about 3600 years old. Visit the Baghe Jahan Noma, a palace built by Istalif village. This village is a terrible reminder of the devastation King Abdul Rahman in about 1874, then we’ll return to the town of caused by the bitter war fought for the area by the Taliban and the Northern Alliance. It was ruins but people returned and rebuilt Tashkurgan, which lies in a key strategic location just north of a dra- their village and homes reopened their pottery businesses, after matic gorge on the northern fringes of the Hindu Kush foothills, once the Taliban had left. The small handful of craftsmen is mostly pot- a major crossroads. Return to Mazar-i-Sharif for lunch and in the after- ters and their creations have a compelling rustic beauty. The col- noon have some free time for shopping at the antiques, jewelry and ors they use are mostly royal blue and deep turquoise. The mer- carpet market. Return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D) chandise ranges from salad bowls and plates to jugs and teacups and saucers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Sunday, Oct 10 Mazar-i-Sharif - Kabul Thursday, Oct 14 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kabul. Upon Kabul - Bamyan arrival, you’ll start your exploration of the capital by visiting the Na- Transfer to the airport for your flight toBamyan . Upon arrival, tional Museum, housing the best relics and treasures of Afghani- transfer to Bamyan Royal Hotel for check in. Bamyan is undoubt- stan’s archaeological sites and many of the pieces that were saved edly one of the country’s highlights; Bamyan Valley was once on from destruction by Taliban. Afterwards, head to visit the Darul a major trading route and was an important center for Buddhism. Amann royal palace (from distance), which destroyed as a result Although the Taliban famously destroyed the giant Buddha in of the civil war but was restored to its splendid shape in 2019 and 2001 (Shamama – Salsal and Bot Bacha Buddha’s) there is still provides a fascinating glimpse into the riches and splendor that much to see in the area, not least the Buddha niches, which are Kabul once embraced. Have lunch followed by a drive to the beau- still an awesome sight to behold. We also plan to explore the sur- tiful Wazir Akbar Khan Hill where you will walk to the hill to see rounding cliffs that are riddled with caves that containcarvings and frescos - caves of and 5th century even though by the time the skyline of Kabul. Transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and many caves destroyed but still about 12,000 caves remained and overnight. (B,L,D) some of the caves have still the paints and art decoration of that “We (STS) reserve the right to change hotels, restaurants time. If you want, you can climb up around Shamama Buddha’s, or the order of activities if/as needed.” which is about 38 meters high. Then after lunch, we’ll drive the short distance to the base of Shar-e Zohak (Red City). This im- posing fortress at the eastern entrance to the Bamyan Valley has been used by various commanders over the past two millennia and although largely destroyed by Genghis Khan’s forces, it is still a great place to explore on foot. In particular, the summit gives destroyed Gholgola city (Scream town) in revenge. Today its ruins remain overlooking the central Bamyan valley and pro- vide super views over the Buddha niches and the surrounding countryside. Later we’ll head to the Shahr-e Gholgola, another fortress that saw its glory destroyed in the face of the Mongol invasion of the 13th century. History tells us that in 1221, Geng- his had destroyed Balkh and sent his grandson with an army to capture Bamiyan. The people of Bamiyan resisted and Genghis’s grandson was killed. Today its ruins remain overlooking the cen- tral valley and provide superb views of the surrounding country- side. Return to the hotel for your overnight. (B,L,D)

Friday, Oct 15 Bamyan About 50 miles west of Bamyan our journey will take us to the extraordinary chain of lakes at Band-e Amir. Set in the middle of a barren mountain landscape, the lakes are astonishingly beautiful with the water color varying from turquoise to deep blue-black from lake to lake. The lakes colors are tinted by the mineral salts in the springs that feed them. It is truly a word-class destination and a highlight of any trip to the region. We’ll return to Bamyan for lunch, then we’ll drive to visit of nearby Dare Azhdar, called Valley of the Dragon, where you’ll walk from the bottom to the top of the Dragon. Here there is a massive rock formation, which is alleged to be the remains of a dragon that persecuted the vil- lagers until Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mo- hammed, killed it. The story is reminiscent of St. George and the Dragon. Head to visit the bazaar to mingle and meet the local and bargain for their handicrafts production. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Saturday, Oct 16 Bamyan - Kabul

Transfer to the airport for your morning flight back to Kabul, and head out for a special meeting with an Afghan high level woman: Dr. Soraya Sobhran, from human rights organization. She studied law and was very active in the issues of protection of Human Rights. If she is not in the country, due to any commitment at that time, we’ll meet anoth- er person from the organization instead and where we’ll be given a unique glimpse about this society that was ravaged by wars and terror and they’ll provide general information and answer any questions we have. We’ll also head to visit the National Archive and Babur Garden. Afterwards transfer to the hotel for check in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Sunday, Oct 17 Kabul - USA

Transfer to the airport for your morning flight back to USA.(B) Tour Cost (Land only): Tajikistan portion only (Sep 25 to Oct 07, 2021): $5,750.00 per person sharing in double occupancy Single Supplement: $250.00

Afghanistan portion only (Oct 07 to 17, 2021): $6,995.00 per person sharing in double occupancy Single Supplement: $500.00 Price based on a group size of minimum 4 participants and maximum of 12 participants Trip Grade: II-III Lodging Level: ***-****

About your lecturer...Professor Jennifer L. Fluri is an Associate Professor in the Depart- ment of Geography at the University of Colorado-Boulder. She is a political geographer inter- ested in gender, geopolitics, international aid/development, conflict and peace building in Afghanistan. She has published over twenty peer reviewed journal articles and co-authored a book with Rachel Lehr entitled The Carpetbaggers of Kabul and other American-Afghan Entan- glements, published in 2017 by University of Georgia Press as part of the Geographies of Social Justice series. She is one of four co-authors of the 2017 book Feminist Spaces: Gender and Ge- ography in a Global Context published by Routledge. She is currently working on a book that explores gender and geographies of peace building and conflict mediation in Afghanistan, sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace. Her upcoming research project focuses on Afghan women’s political influence and the diverse experiences of Afghan women’s polit- ical activism, funded by the National Science Foundation. At the University of Colorado, she teaches several courses including the Geographies of South Asia; , Geopolitics and Soci- ety; Research Methods, Feminist Geography, and Geographies of International Development. She also co-directs the Boulder Affordable Housing Research Initiative, a community-based service-research project that provides information for individuals and organizations seeking, living in, or caring about affordable housing.

Tour includes: Tour does not include:

• Domestic flight: Bishkek - Osh as per the itinerary. • Round trip International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges. • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, • Consular visa fees for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and in cities as Bishkek, Khorog, Dushanbe, Termez, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul Afghanistan, airport departure fees if required. and Herat hotels are 4* or 3*. Very basic guesthouses/small private • Photography and video making fees. hotels will be used for the Pamir highway portion of the trip. • Dayrooms or extra hotel overnights if necessary. • Airport transfers and travel by modern, air-conditioned motor coach Expenses of a personal nature such as: beverages or 4x4 vehicles (size of vehicle depends on group size and terrain). • with meals, telephone, email, laundry bills, camera fees, etc. • Meals as per the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch & D: Dinner). Activities and sites not described in the itinerary. • English-speaking private guides in each country. • Travel Insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). • Tour Manager for Tajikistan and Afghanistan portion. • • All activities as described in the itinerary and entrance fees to all sites mentioned unless listed as optional. • Bottled water on the bus daily. • Gratuities to guides, drivers and porters. Trip Grade: II Active – Some hikes, slightly more de- manding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.

III Challenging - Parts of the trip are physically chal- lenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat or humidity. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern cities.

Lodging Level: *Simple: One or more properties on the trip are very basic, rustic and primitive, with shared bathroom facilities (1 or 2 stars) ** Delightful: Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but usually with private facilities. Some stays in private homes or small inns that may lack western style amenities. (2 or 3 stars) *** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western stan- dards. (3 or 4 stars)

Trip notes for Kyrgyzystan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan portion of the trip will involve some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides. Tajikistan portion of the trip is rated as challenging touring due to the daily walking involved (at least two miles a day), some hiking, travel at high altitudes, several very long driving days and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure, particularly in Tajiki- stan. A part of the trip is at a high elevation, ranging from 7,000 to over 14,000 feet (the highest points on the itinerary are Kyzyl-Art Pass, Khargush Pass, and Ak-Baital Pass). Those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory conditions, must consult a doctor before considering this trip. This program makes use of guesthouses and rustic hotels, especially in the scenic and charming Pamir Mountains. Guesthouse accommo- dations are extremely basic – toilets are often shared among all group members as are showers, and guesthouses may not have electricity. The group may be in multiple separate guesthouses. If you rely on electricity for CPAP, or for any other reason, you must have your own battery or other back-up.

Trip notes for Afghanistan: Anyone joining Afghanistan portion of this trip must understand that in many places the tourist infrastructure is very primitive. Some days are long and hard, and the level of services will not match those offered in more conventional tourist locations. The hotels are quite com- fortable but lack the luxuries of the west. Security checkpoints can be rather long on some days and we have to adhere to the instructions of our guards and escorts and have a flexible, patient attitude when delays happen. We are using the top logistics and organizing agency in the country to handle our program. They are accustomed to managing foreign groups, but participants should be aware that last minute changes and amendments to routing, modes of travel or overnight stops will happen if deemed prudent to do so. We also have the right to omit at short notice any destination due to security concerns. Food can be nondescript, and alcohol is not allowed in the country. Women and men should keep their arms and legs covered while women may sometimes have to wear a lose head scarf when entering religious towns or sites.

The Fine Print: Every effort has been made to make the in- formation in this schedule accurate. However, trip itineraries are always subject to change. We will do our best to inform you in advance of any changes, but due to the nature of travel in Tajiki- stan and Afghanistan this may not always be possible. We reserve the right to change the order of activities or places visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in order to make the itinerary run smoothly. Some of the hotels can be rather Spartan and plain especially in small towns. You must be in good health to partici- pate as there are days with long walks, some on uneven ground and high elevations. Some drive days are very long and can be exhausting in nature but we will be making some stops on the way. Bathroom facilities along the way may be rather primitive and at times that will mean “in the wilderness”. Travelers joining this tour will require a high level of flexibility and tolerance and willingness to go with the flow when things change. By signing up for this tour, participants are acknowledging their full under- standing and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are ad- mitting that they are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the tour.

Visas: One Uzbekistan, one Tajikistan and one Afghanistan visa is required for this tour for U.S. citizens. For Uzbekistan single en- try visa will be required and can be obtained online at https://e- visa.gov.uz and no visa support letter is needed. No visa will be re- quired for Kyrgyzstan. For Tajikistan: Single-entry Tajik with GBAO permit will be required. The Tajik visa is now an e-Visa, issued on- line and paid directly by your credit card. The process costs ap- proximately $52 and does not require the physical passport to be sent to an embassy or consulate. For Afghanistan: Single- entry Afghanistan visa will be required and it will be processed at Af- ghanistan mission in Washington DC. You may also need a visa for any country which you fly through in order to join the tour (such as Turkey).Spiekermann Travel will provide you with the neces- sary applications, supporting documents and instructions.

Spiekermann Travel Service, Inc. 18421 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021 Phone: 1-800-645-3233 Fax: 586-775-9556 www.mideasttrvl.com [email protected]