7 Days Pamir Highway Tour Dushanbe - Osh
About this tour
PLANNING A PAMIR HIGHWAY TOUR:
A Pamir highway tour is for many a dream come true and a highlight of travel in Tajikistan. It is called the roof of the world and is one of the highest highways in Asia. The M41 runs through spectacular and desolate rugged mountains with deep blue glistening lakes and lunar landscapes.
Depending on one’s perspective it starts in Mazar-I-sharif in Afghanistan or in Termez, Uzbekistan. However, most people start their Pamir highway tour in Dushanbe, Tajikistan while ending in Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
So far it sounds pretty simple, but planning a Pamir highway tour can be a daunting task. Before booking a Pamir highway tour there are a lot of things you should think about.
I will tell you everything you need to know when planning your Pamir highway tour so that you come well prepared to this beautiful part of the world
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan
Dushanbe – Kalaikum – 380 km – 7/8hrs. / drive Usually at this time of the year the temperature in south west Tajikistan is hot, +25 C. As we leave the capital towards the east, we get to see hills full of wheat plantation. We will drive along the railroad up to Dangara District. Over the pass, we will arrive at Nurek water reserve. When there is open sky, this place brings spectacular landscape.After the little drive, landscapes changes. We start seeing bushes and trees. As we pass through two tunnels, we will see cultivated land, wheat plantation, and barley plantations. We will start seeing mud brick local houses, electric grids and some villages. In the Dangara, we will see cattle breeders, cows, sheep and goats. Fields becomes greener and greener. Then, we rich ancient 10- century city Hulbuk. Note that, excursion must be quicker. Otherwise, we have long driver today until the destination. Then, we drive bit further. Before entering the Kulob city, we will stop before the city and buy fruits, local bread and some snack. Just leaving the city, we will stop for lunch in ordinary teahouse. Having lunch we maintain towards Shurabad pass, which is very dry and hot and little windy. At the top, we will stop at checkpoint. As we pass, the temperature becomes cooler. Finally, we will reach the famous, Oxus River and Afgan border. As we drove down closer to river, we will be introduced to the livelihood of Afghan people on the other site of the river MSDSP Guesthouse 6 rooms. There are 2 toilet and 2 shower for shear with others. WIFI (BLD).
Day 2: Kalaikhum, Tajikistan to Khorog, Tajikistan
Kalai-Khumb - Khorog (240 km, 6 h) Our path runs along the Pyanj River, which is a tributary of the mighty Amudarya River. You will have the opportunity to see Afghanistan from the right bank of the river. We continue our journey to Khorog , a small town in a mountain valley, the capital of the autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan region. The city is located at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, along both sides of the Gant River. A few kilometers downstream, the Gant joins the Pyanj River, which marks the border with Afghanistan. In Khorog we visit the Botanical Garden and the local museum. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Khorog, Tajikistan to Langar, Tajikistan
Khorog – Langar – 244 km – 6 hrs. / drive Continue to Ishkashim, administrative center in Wakhan valley. Here we enter various settlement of Wakhi. Ethnological, historically and cultural the social landscape is unique. On the way stop for hot springs at Garm-eChasma. After that, we reach the mouth of the Wakhan River valley. This is where the 19th century Great Game ended, between the Russian and British empires. From here, the road continues up along the north side of the river. There are amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right. We will stop along the way for a scenic picnic. Further will admire the Khakha Fortress, dating from the third century BC and rising from a platform of natural rock. Just 300m further on is the interesting Ismaili mazar (tomb) of Shah-i-Mardan Hazrati Ali. After that, we move to next Zoroastrian «Fortress of Fire Worshippers». Further up the hillside, there is the hot springs at Bibi Fatima: minerals and very salty, the water at Bibi Fatima is crystal clear. At Yamg, visit the reconstructed home of Sufi mystic Muabara Kadam, who died in 1910. Near his house, there is a stone pillar with a hole, in which he used to calculate a solar calendar. After lunch we drive along the Wakhan valley from Yamg to Langar. There are places of interest to stop. Above the village of Vrang, on a cliff-side pitted with caves, stands a Buddhist complex dating from 4th-7th centuries. Overnight in home stay (BLD) 2900 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Langar, Tajikistan to Alichur, Tajikistan
Langar via Bulun Kul Lake to Alichor 250 km – 7 hrs. / drive Today, we will get up little earlier than usual due to the long drive. We heading to Eastern Pamir, leaving behind Wakhan valley. As we leave Langar village, the habitat becomes more semi-desert. We will drive along the Pamir River, which comes from Zor Kul Lake, north leaving behind Afganistan. From now on, we will be going up. The elevation becomes higher as we go. We will arrive to Khargush pass 4320m. There is a checkpoint. This pass is like going steady going through rocky desert hills. We will rich the top of the pass. Then, we pass by two small lakes before the Pamir Highway. After we will reach Alichor valley. Near the Pamir Highway, we will see Tuz Kul Lake, in fast valley of Alichor. As we reach the Pamir Highway. From Pamir Highway, we turn to Bulunkul Lake, 16 km from the main river. Once we rich the Bulun kul lake, we will have lunch or picnic. We will enjoy the time here and rest little longer. Enjoy the landscape for a while; Feel the friendship, hospitality and snoring yaks and we drive to Alichur village overnight in Nazars guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Alichur, Tajikistan to Karakul Lake, Tajikistan
In the morning afer the breakfast drive from Alichor via Murgab to karakul lake. After little while of driving we rich the Kara Kum summer pasture, The distance is not far away; we will be in Murgab by lunchtime. Being introduced to the land of nomads and the Eastern Pamir, we head on through the valley Alichor, 4100 meters high. Along the way, then driving we arrive at holly place Ak Balyk lake, crystal clear and sacred place. Quick look around and we continue to Caravan Sarai or Chine tum, which is 9 km from the main road near the Bash Gumbez village. After visit and driving from the Alichor, we arrive to Shakty cave, which is 800 000 years old drawings. It belongs to Neolithic period. This place is about 180 meters high up high on the edge of the foothill. We will arrive in Murgab. Having lunch near the Market, after lunch we leave Murgab and drive to Kara Kul Lake. We will arrive to the top of Abbatial pass. This is the highs pass in Pamir region exceeding over 4600 highs above the sea level. On the way, we have short stops and take pictures. After abbatial, the Muzkul valley begins, a dirt road. Remember that you are in highest lands of central Eurasia. We will arrive in Kara Kul, highest salt-lake in Central Asia. Having a nice panorama landscape views. Overnight in Kyrgyz yurt or in Gutst house Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karakul Lake, Tajikistan to Tulpar Kul Yurt Camp, Sary Mogul, Kyrgyzstan
After brtakfast at 9:30 we drive to Tajik- Kyrgyz border Check point to enter Kyrgyzstan than drive to Tulprkul lake lunch in Sary tash village. By evening we will reach the yurts where we’ll stay overnight, situated beside Tulpar Kol, a picturesque lake at the foot of majestic Peak Lenin (7,139 meters). Overnight in a yurt (2-4 people in one yurt, shared toilets, no shower) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Tulpar Lake, Kyrgyzstan to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning after breakfast we will have time to appreciate this beautiful area and go for a light hike, if you would like. After lunch, we will drive as far as Sary Tash, then leave the Pamir Highway and the Pamir-Alay mountain range behind us. The landscape now changes completely, and we will be surrounded by lush farmland and small villages on the way to the scenic Taldyk Pass (3500 meters). The road is for the most part in quite good condition, and we plan to arrive in 3000 year old Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city, just in time for dinner and to check-in at the comfortable hotel. Overnight at Hotel (4*) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What's included
Personal expenses
International flight tickets
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan