10 Days Unforgettable Trip Around The Pamir Region
About this tour
The high Pamir Mountains have been known as “The Roof of the World”, where one can observe the land of the breathtaking landscape and amazing diverse cultures.
The journey begins from the capital of Tajikistan – Dushanbe, therefore quickly leaving the modern world behind while entering the fabulous Pamir Highway with challenging roads and high passes in the shadow one of the highest mountain ranges of our planet.
During the journey, you will visit the abandoned fortresses of the ancient Silk Road and will pass by the mines where the precious stones and minerals are mined which was also mentioned by the famous traveler Marco Pollo. This trip takes you to remote and stunning country that has remained hidden from the rest of the globe, a country with very high peaks, tempestuous rivers, and generous and amazing indigenous people. We invite you to join us on one of the most amazing journeys you have ever made.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan
(367.2 km) Many people who have visited the Pamirs, have called this giant mountain system the ocean of blue-white mountains, and now you also can get the opportunity to visit these places. Today, we move towards the east to the Pamirs and Kalaikhumb, driving along the road with beautiful landscapes and interesting villages. We will visit the Nurek reservoir, which is called the Tajik Sea. On the way, we will pass the ancient Khulbuk fortress, which was built in the VIII century. Then we will go up to the Shurabad pass (2267 meters), where the border with Afghanistan begins along the road up to Khorog. The last point of the first day will be Kalai-Khumb.
Day 2: Kalaikhum, Tajikistan to Rŭshan, Tajikistan
(174.3 km) We will leave Kalai-Khumb in the morning and are going to head towards Vamar, the administrative center of the Rushan discrict, through the Vanj valley (district), where impressive landscapes await us. The Vanj Valley is wide and green. On the way we will meet the ancient city of Karon, which was found only a few years ago. Moreover, we will see many Afghan villages and a risky cliff path from the left bank of the Panj River. The road connects with the Panj River, which forms the border with Afghanistan. While driving through the valley, it will be obviously seen that Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country, but in general the roads are asphalted, and the buildings are connected to electricity. The situation is even more severe when we go further, and the river seems to be not just a physical barrier, but also a step back in time. Having reached Vamar, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient fortress of Vamar.
Day 3: Rŭshan, Tajikistan to Bartang, Tajikistan
(60 km) Today we will go to the Bartang Valley. The Bartang Valley is one of the wildest and most memorable valleys in the western Pamirs. We will drive to Siponj village through the Bartang Valley (about 30 km) and again you will be amazed by the impressive scenery and landscape. We will also drive through the village of Emts in the Bartang Valley. Abundant vegetation, twisted trees, lakes and an ever-changing river - sometimes churning with energy, sometimes clear and blue - create a very special peaceful atmosphere ideal for a short break. Also, at your will, you can visit the village of Jizev, which runs through lakes and rivers intersecting through some of the most magnificent landscapes in the Pamirs.
Day 4: Rŭshan, Tajikistan to Eshkashem, Tajikistan
(167.4 km) We will drive through the city of Khorog. This is perhaps one of the smallest cities on the world map. It is surrounded on all four sides by the Rocky Mountains. The city is built at the confluence of three rivers, where the Shohdara and Gund rivers flow into the Pyanj River. The Pamir Mountains are the tallest mountains in the world with inhabitants after the Himalayas in Tibet. We have a little time to explore Khorog, including the bazaar and beautiful botanical garden high above the city, offering great panoramic views. After about 50 km on the way to our next destination, Ishkashim, we will stop at the hot springs of Garmchashma and Avj (100 km) for a short swim (optional). From here we will enter the Tajik side of the Wakhan Valley (shared with Afghanistan) and drive past the gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo. The most famous mine is the Kuhi-Lal ore mine, which is visible from the road.
Day 5: Eshkashem, Tajikistan to Langar, Tajikistan
(49.8 km) On the way we will visit the famous fortresses of Kakh-Kaa and Yamchun. Further up the hillside, there is a hot spring that calls Bibi Fatima, named after the sister of the Prophet Muhammad. The water in Bibi Fatima is crystal clear. There are several places to stop on our way. Above the village of Vrang, on the slope of a cliff cut by caves, stands a Buddhist caves that were living back in 4-7 centuries. In Yamga we will visit the reconstructed home of the Sufi mystic Mubarak Kadam, who died in 1910. Next to this house is a stone pillar with a hole in it, which he used for estimating the solar calendar by the local method. In the morning, we climb to the village of Langar to see the petroglyphs.
Day 6: Langar, Tajikistan to Murghab, Tajikistan
(320 km) This is the most exciting day of the trip. We will go to Bulunkul Lake. The color of the water in Bulunkul is violet and dark blue in the sunlight, and you can see yaks, a unique species of domesticated animals with the features of cows and sheep traditionally used as beasts of burden. On the way to the lake, we will pass the Khargush pass (4 344 m). After that, we will visit Yashikul and Alichur. By the end of the day, we will reach Murghab. In the Pamirs they say: “Coming here and not visiting Murghab means that you have not visited the Pamirs”. After all, by the “Roof of the World”, we have always meant Murgab.
Day 7: Murghab, Tajikistan to Karakul, Tajikistan
On the way to Kara Kul Lake, we will observ some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the trip: lunar landscapes and bright blue lakes, where we stop, have some rest and breath the fresh and cool air. We will cross the high-altitude pass Ak-Baytal (4655 meters), which is the highest section of the road in the former Soviet Union. Afterwards, we will go down to Karakul Lake - the highest mountain lake in Central Asia, located at an altitude of 3915 meters above the sea level, the name of which can be translated as "Black Lake". By the end of the day, we will return to Murghab.
Day 8: Murghab, Tajikistan to Khorog, Tajikistan
In the way back from Murghab to Khorog, we will not go through the Wakhan corridor along which we came, but through the Gund valley. On the way back, we will pass one of the popular hot springs of Jelondi, in which you can also dive, and the village of Debasta where you can enjoy its fabulous sights.
Day 9: Khorog, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan
This is the next to last day of our trip. In the morning we will head towards the capital, leaving Khorog.
Day 10: Kalaikhum, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
In the way back to Dushanbe, we will not go through Kulob, as we passed in the beginning of our trip, but heading north-west, through the village of Sagridasht, the Khobu Rubot pass.
What's included
some sights and mines may be closed / unavailable for visits due to repairs, reconstruction, road conditions or security reasons. We do not guarantee that all mentioned places will be visited, but we will try our best to cover them.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan