To drive the Pamir Highway is to complete one of the world’s greatest high altitude road trips.
Over 13-days we will traverse more than 1,200km of this famous route – linking the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, via the Pamir mountains – known as the Roof of the World.
The adventure evokes the spirit of the ancient-Silk Road, crossing Central Asia by land, through jaw-dropping scenery, stopping at historic sites along the way, and meeting the communities who live in this remote corner of the world.
The early stages of the trip see us cross a 3,000m pass and descent to the Panj River, travelling along it and skirting the border of Afghanistan, which sits just across the water.
We stop at hot springs, travel through immense gorges and pass waterfalls – with overnight stops in Kalaikhumb, Khorogh, Ishkashim and Langar – staying in a mixed of local homestays and guesthouses.
We then head north, turning away from Afghanistan, into one of the most isolated parts of Central Asia. Crossing mountain passes and into vast valleys, we stop at Bulunkul and enjoy a rest day around Yashilkul Lake.
The road trip then returns to the Pamir Highway, where we continue east, to Murghab and on through remote mountains to Kyrgyzstan – at times higher reaching altitudes higher than 4,000m. We then finish the trip in the bustling Kyrgyz city, Osh.
A tour which takes you on one of the world’s greatest road trips, through one of the most beautiful parts of Central Asia.
Arrive in Dushanbe.
Transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Dushanbe.
The trip begins early in the morning were we will be heading straight to one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world: the Pamir Highway. Our four-wheel drive vehicles will scale the first pass at more than 3000 metres and descend to the valley of the mighty Panj River.
Overnight in Kalaikhum.
Following an early start, we begin our journey along the Pamir Highway, to to the capital of the Pamirs, Khorogh. Following the route of the Panj River, also known as the Oxus in ancient times, with Afghanistan just across on the other side of the water. On the drive you will see daily life in the mud-brick Afghan villages. At times the Pamir Highway squeezes through dazzling gorges and crosses rickety suspension bridges.
Once in Khorogh there will be a little time to explore the town.
Overnight in Khorogh.
A days drive along the Panj river, with Afghanistan a constant companion on the other side.
In the morning we visit the famous Garm Chashma hot springs.
Continue to Ishkashim.
Overnight in Ishkashim.
From Ishkashim we continue towards Langar with several stops on the way. We will visit Kah’kaha Fortress, the local museum in Yamg. Later in the day we will drive up to Yamchun Qala and take the opportunity to swim in the Bibi’ Fatima hot spring and see the Buddhist Ziggurat complex.
Overnight in Langar.
Today we leave the views of Afghanistan and turn northward, crossing the 4300m high Khargush Pass (not passable in winter) and then drive to Bulunkul.
Overnight in Bulunkul.
Blunkul is famous for being the coldest inhabited place in Central Asia (reaching -63C). However, it is pleasant in summer.
We have a full day in and around Bulunkul lake to enjoy some rest, find some short local hiking routes along the lake or enjoy the warm springs at Yashilkul Lake.
Overnight in Bulunkul.
Following a rugged road through low mountains and valleys, we will reach Jarty Gumbaz.
This area is well known for its Marco-Polo sheep and Siberian Ibex. With luck you will spot both.
Overnight in Jarty’Gumbaz.
After breakfast we head down the hills off the dirt roads, and return to the Pamir Highway and drive to Murghab.
En-route we stop at the old Soviet Shor-bulak observatory, sitting at an impressing 4300 meters.
Once in Murghab, walk the streets of the town and immerse yourself with the locals.
Overnight in Murghab.
We continue our drive along the Pamir Highway via the highest point of the Pamir Highway, the Ak-Baital Pass (4656m). We then reach Karakul, the biggest lake in Tajikistan.
Spend the afternoon walking around the lake and taking in the scenery.
Overnight in Karakul.
After an early start we leave Tajikstan and enter Kyrgyzstan and drive to the small township of Sarimogol.
From here we drive and hike to the viewpoint of Lenin Peak (7134m).
Overnight in Sarimogol.
We make our final journey along the Pamir Highway to Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
In the afternoon we will visit ”Takhty Sulaiman”, a cave and museum in the Solomon’s Mountain.
Overnight in Osh.
Transfer to Osh Airport.
End of trip.
All accommodation
Breakfast
All meals along the Pamir Highway
All transport including English speaking driver-guide
Camping equipment
Driver’s fee
Entrance fees
Drinking water
Visas
Insurance
International flights
Meals in Dushanbe and Osh
Additional transport costs for any detours
Tips
