Pamir Highway With Silk Road Traces
About this tour
By choosing this itinerary you will explore all the major sightseeing along the Pamir Highway including some of the ancient Silk Road cultural and historical heritages. You will also experience staying in the Kyrgyz nomad yurts and also visit the beautiful Bulunkul and Yashilkul lakes. The tour also covers visiting Murghab, Alichur, Jelondi and Garmchashma Hot Spring
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan
Dushanbe-Kalai Khumb via the North Route which is more scenic than the South Route. You will also avoid the extreme hot weather driving via the South Route (via Kulob town). On the way we will do a short stop at the Blue Lake in Tawildara and drive through the Khobu Robot pass 3300m) before descending to Kalai Khumb for the 1st night stay.
Day 2: Airport Kalai Humb, Ruzvat, Tajikistan to Khorog, Tajikistan
Early morning drive to Khorog to avoid the waiting time to pass the construction site of the Pamir highway between Kalai Khumb and Vanj district. Lunch stop near Rushon including a short visit to see the Vomar Fort with a nice view of Afghanistan on the other side of the Panj River.
Day 3: Khorog, Tajikistan to Yamchun Fort, Eshkashem, Tajikistan
Drive to Ishkoshim with short stops at the Garmchashma Hot Spring. After having lunch in the centre of Iskashim drive further towards the Vakhan valley and visit the Qahqaha and Yamchun forts and a short visit to the Bibi Fatima Hot Spring. Overnight in Yamchun village.
Day 4: Yamchun Fort, Eshkashem, Tajikistan to Langar, Tajikistan
In the morning after breakfast continue exploring the Vakhan valley by visiting the Sufi Master home-museum (Muborakqadam museum). Drive to Langar with short stops to see the Buddhist stupa in Vrang village, and a short hike to see one of the Largest Petroglyphs site in the region-The Langar Petroglyphs site. Stay overnigh in the village of Zong in a very comfortable guesthouse with hot shower and internet access.
Day 5: Langar, Tajikistan to Bulunkul, Tajikistan
In the morning leave the Vakhan valley for the Eastern Pamir and after ascending the Khargushi pass 4200m visit the Bulunkul vilalge/lake and Yashilkul lake viewpoint. After lunch take rest and get ready for a short hike to the Yashilkul viewpoint. This is one of the highlights of the day to observe the sunset over the Yashilkul Lake. You will enter the Tajik National Park territory and therefore you need an entry ticket sold at the Homestays to enter the Park zone. Back to the Bulunkul village and stay overnight in a Yurt or Guesthouse.
Day 6: Bulunkul, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Drive to the Valley of Khuf with hiking the last part of the road by taking nice trail along the Khuf river to get to the Upper Khuf valley. You will do a lunch stop near the Jelondi hot spring and possibly take bath in it. Continue driving down the Ghund valley (m41) and do a short trek with the car following you from behind. Overnight in the Khuf valley in a nice Homestay.
Day 7: Khufgatewaymotel, Pastkhuf, Tajikistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
This would be a 10 hours drive to Dushanbe via the South Road (Kulow town). You will have stops for lunch and dinner on the way before arriving in Dushanbe late evening.
What's included
Only non alcohol beverage (water) is included in the cost
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Kalaikhum, Tajikistan