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Pamir Central Asia can provide for your tours variety of transportation services on the routes of the Tajikistan Pamirs and Kyrgyzstan, the main of which is a car rental with driver.

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Pamir Highway Tours

Explore one of the world's most epic road trips..

Explore the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s most epic road trips and high altitude adventures. Stretching for more than 1,200km through the rugged terrain connecting Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe in Tajikistan, the Pamir Highway is a world-famous road trip that offers stunning views of some of the most beautiful mountains and nature in Central Asia. A Pamir Highway tour promises to be a journey you’ll never forget.

The Pamir Highway offers adventurers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, high desert landscapes, mountain passes higher than 4,000 meters / 13,120 feet and traditional villages nestled into the rugged landscape. This remote region is likely inhabited by more snow leopards and spiral-horned Marco Polo sheep than humans. But don’t worry, the Pamir Highway offers many opportunities to meet local people and learn about their unique culture, traditions and way of life.

All of our Pamir Highway tours and itineraries below are designed with short hikes included in order to explore the most scenic mountains landscapes and panoramic views of the Pamir Mountains. Our tours also focus on engaging and staying with local people to experience Pamiri culture and cuisine, something very unique to this beautiful corner of the world.

When you book one of our Pamir Highway tours, you will have an experienced local English-speaking driver who not only provides transportation and the different experiences, but will also serve as translator if you want to ask additional questions of your local host. Our 4×4 vehicles are sturdy and strong enough to handle the difficult terrain and roads, but also comfortable. 

All of our Pamir Highway tours are available from Bishkek or Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog or Dushanbe, Tajikistan or in the opposite direction from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan. We offer different length tours from 5 to 13 days to fit your schedule. You can choose a private Pamir Highway tour with your own driver ( read a firsthand account of this experience ) or you can join a group departure.

So why not book a Pamir Highway tour today? With an expert local driver, stunning scenery, connection to local people, and endless opportunities for adventure, a Pamir Highway road trip is a bucket list experience that you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about our different Pamir Highway tours below and to arrange any of them, just get in touch with us . We’ve provided more information about the Pamir Highway and what to expect in the FAQ below. We can also help you arrange transport and transfers around both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

New Update: 

After two year’s border closure between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the border has opened in July 2023.

To cross the Kyrgyz border, you should get permition from Kyrgyz government in advance. The local travel agencies do it including us. The fee is different depending on the travel agency. 

Again, the border is still closed for the citizens of these two countries, so you will change a car at the border. You have to walk the neutral zone which is 500 meters located at Kyzyl Art Pass standing at 4180 meters above sea level. 

All these permit procedures are temporary and subject to change after the border fully opens. 

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FAQ on the Pamir Highway

The Pamir Highway is a high-altitude mountain road called M-41 that runs through the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, connecting Kyrgyzstan with Tajikistan. It runs along the border with China and Afghanistan and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, high-desert scenery, and rugged road conditions.

The Pamir Highway is considered one of the world’s most epic road trips and is a bucket list item for many travelers and adventurers.

Our Pamir Highway tours – either private or in small groups — provide travelers with a comfortable and sturdy 4×4 vehicle, experienced English-speaking driver to navigate the roads and border crossings, day hikes to explore nearby nature, and the opportunity to stay in local villages with families along the way. Our tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Pamir Mountains without the worry of challenging driving, breaking down, or wondering where to eat or sleep.

The best time to take a Pamir Highway road trip is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is the warmest and the roads are generally free of snow and ice. Our Pamir Highway Tours run from May to October which provides more flexibility, but temperatures will be colder, especially at night, in May and October. However, you will be rewarded for this with wild flowers in the springtime and colorful leaves in the autumn.

It is important to note that weather conditions in the Pamir Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so it is always a good idea to be prepared with additional layers, jackets and waterproof and/or windproof gear.

A Pamir Highway tour is a guided tour that takes travelers along the Pamir Highway, typically in a 4×4 vehicle and with an experienced driver of these rugged roads and terrain.

Our Pamir Highway tours are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Pamir Mountains, as well as the local culture of the local Pamiri and Kyrgyz communities you’ll meet along the way through home stays or village stops. Our Pamir Highway itineraries also include visits to historical sites, local markets, and traditional villages, as well as opportunities for day hikes to explore nearby alpine lakes or mountain vistas.

The price of our Pamir Highway tours includes an English-speaking driver/guide, transportation (4×4 vehicle and fuel), the driver’s accommodation and meals, and included activities (e.g., day hikes).

The cost of accommodation, meals and entry tickets for attractions is not included in the price of our Pamir Highway Tours.

You can estimate around $20-$30/person per day for a homestay with dinner and breakfast included.

Driving the Pamir Highway can take anywhere from 3-13 days, depending on the starting and ending points, the route and the pace of travel. It is important to plan for extra time in case of unexpected delays, such as road closures or bad weather.

In order to travel the Pamir Highway you must have valid visas for both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality, the length of stay, and the purpose of the visit. It is important to research visa requirements well in advance of travel and to obtain the necessary visas before departure.


For Tajikistan, many nationalities can get a Tajik e-visa here . T he advantage of an e-visa is that it comes with a GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) permit and you are not required to do OVIR registration. 

Kyrgyzstan offers visa free entry for up to 60 days for visitors from almost 60 countries. If necessary, you can apply for a Kyrgyz e-visa here .

Accommodation options along the Pamir Highway mainly include guesthouses and home stays in the small towns and villages along the way. These accommodations usually have basic services and are in a local family home, but they are clean and comfortable. They also offer a unique opportunity to experience local Pamiri and Kyrgyz culture, hospitality and traditional cuisine.

On our Pamir Highway tours the driver will book accommodation in the villages, but you have the option to book your own accommodation in the cities of Khorog or Dushanbe (e.g., on Booking.com). Accommodation in villages with dinner and breakfast usually costs around $20-$30/person per day.

The Pamir Highway is a high altitude road and reaches elevations of over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in some areas, which can cause altitude sickness in some travelers. In fact, the border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Kyzyl Art Pass is at 4,280 meters (14,000 feet). 

Therefore, it is very important for travelers to acclimatize slowly and to stay well-hydrated to minimize the effects of altitude. We recommend walking slowly at altitude and drinking lots and lots of water to try and prevent altitude sickness.

Some of the must-see attractions along the Pamir Highway include the Langar and the Wakhan Valley on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, Yamchun Fort, Bibi Fatima Springs, Karakul and Bulunkul Lakes, and the historic town of Khorog, Tajikistan. All of these sites offer the stunning scenery of the Pamir Mountains and Wakhan Valley and unique Pamiri and Kyrgyz cultural experiences, as well as opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities along the Pamir Highway.

Travelers to the Pamir Highway should pack layers for a variety of weather conditions, as temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and altitude. Packing essentials include warm clothing, wind and waterproof gear, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen as the sun is strong at altitude.

The Pamir Highway goes through a remote mountain region so it is important to bring a sufficient supply of any necessary medications, as pharmacies can be scarce.
 All of our Pamir Highway tours include a basic first aid kit in the vehicle.

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Planning a Pamir Highway Tour: the ultimate guide

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. There are a lot of tour companies out there selling Pamir highway tours that come with different price tags and a huge variety in quality. Before booking a Pamir highway tour there are a lot of things you should think about.

This guide 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.

Do I need a Pamir highway tour?

The first question you might have is whether you need a Pamir highway tour in the first place or whether it is also possible to travel the Pamirs independently.

The pro’s and cons of public transport

If you are on a budget, travelling the Pamir highway on your own is probably the cheapest way. Public transport in Tajikistan and the Pamirs is through an informal system of shared taxi’s that leave once they are full. There is no schedule and cars only operate on demand. There should be at least one car every day between Dushanbe, Khorog, Murgab and Osh. From Khorog there are also shared taxi’s into the Wakhan valley as far as Langar.

So even though it is very well possible to travel independently, traveling by public transport can be a pain in the ass. Quite literally if you end up in an old bumpy soviet car. It can take ages for cars to fill up, you won’t see much and travel times can be excruciatingly long.

You cannot stop along the way for pictures or interesting side trips, instead there will be a lot of unannounced stops. People want to pick up extra luggage, the car might break down, the driver earns some extra money by picking up and delivering parcels, family visits, lunch breaks, toilet stops etc.

In addition, your safety is not the drivers main priority. Earning money it is, so once they are finally on the road they often go as fast as they can.

Conclusion : travelling by public transport is possible, but only for those that have a lot of time on their hand and are on a tight budget.

Good to know : Sundays is the informal day off for drivers and there is much less chance of finding public transport along the Pamir highway.

The pros and cons of Pamir highway tours

Pamir highway tours don’t come cheap, but have a lot of advantages over traveling by public transport. If there is one place on earth where it is worth paying extra for a tour it is the Pamir highway.

You have group tours or tour companies that work with you to establish your Pamir highway itinerary and through which you can then rent a 4 by 4 with a driver . The latter is the best option in my opinion, because it gives you the biggest flexibility and the opportunity to see as much as possible.

My biggest reason for opting to book a Pamir highway tour was first of all safety. The profesional tour agencies have a reputation to uphold and they make sure their cars are well maintained, have spare wheels and drivers are somewhat trained in dealing with tricky situations on the road.

In my situation it paid itself off when I got severe altitude sickness at lake Karakul. Not only did my driver brought me to the local health clinic, but also followed the doctors advice to go down immediately even though it was already late in the afternoon.

The second reason is that a Pamir highway tour is a once in a lifetime trip and you actually want to see something rather than being stuck behind a dirty window. Furthermore, there are a lot of interesting sidetrips you can make to local shrines, lakes, observatories and petroglyphs that are impossible with public transport.

Conclusion : Renting a 4 by 4 with a driver through a proffesional tour agency is the best and safest way to travel the Pamir highway. This way you will get the most out of your trip and you are able to make some nice sidetrips as well.

Alternative ways to travel the Pamir highway

Cycling : Cycling the Pamir highway is quite popular and in summer you will likely meet fellow cyclists along the route. Here are 9 great tips for those considering to cycle the pamir highway .

Hitchhiking : Another option to save money is hitchhiking, but it is not one that I would recommend as you might get stuck for some time or get into awkward situations.

Hitchhiking is actually quite common in Tajikistan, but not for free and a small payment is expected. Locals know that some foreigners don’t pay, so they have become reluctant in picking up backpackers. On the other hand there are stories of locals that made use of the desperate situation hitchhikers found themselves in and asked exorbitant prices.

Considering the cost of renting a 4 by 4, other tourist jeeps and their drivers, might also not be very happy to give away rides for free, even if they have a spare seat.

Remember that Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in this region and that unemployment in the Pamirs is high. Tourism or using their car as a shared taxi are one of the few possibilities for people to earn a living.

Don’t be a begpacker and pay a fair amount for your transport. I will talk more about costs later in this post, but if you want to hitchhike, plan to pay the same amount as what a shared taxi would have costed you.

The Pamir Highway Route

When people talk about the Pamir highway they can mean different things. I already explained that people disagree where it starts and there are many detours that you can take.

The official Pamir highway refers to the M41 highway that runs from Dushanbe to Khorog to Murgab to Osh . This would be the quickest and cheapest route, but not necessarily the best as there is so much more to see and do in the Pamirs .

For a one week itinerary I can recommend my detailed post with my Pamir highway itinerary . Below I will give an overview of places to visit on your Pamir highway tour.

Bartang & Jizeu valley

Coming from Dushanbe one of the first sidetrips you can make from the town of Rushan is into the Bartang valley for the Jizeu village trek .

Rushan lies mid way between Qalai-kumb and Khorog. From Rushan rather than following the road to Khorog you take the road along the Bartang river. The Bartang highway is about 400 kilometer and eventually reconnects with the M41 near Karakul.

Highlights include the Jizeu trek and homestays in the villages along the valley. Gudara is the last village in the Bartang valley. After that the road is often closed for 4 by 4 vehicles due to landslides or snow. Most people return to Rushan to continue their journey to Khorog.

Khorog is one of the biggest towns on the Pamir highway and not a bad place to stay a couple of days. While in most towns there is nothing else than basic homestays, Khorog offers a good choice of accomodation that is relatively comfortable.

In Khorog you can even get your fast food fix at Mac Dolands (not a typing misstake) or find good Indian food at Delhi Darbar restaurant. Other highlights include a botanical garden and the new Ismaili center with its beautiful architecture. Also check if the Afghan border market is running when you are there on a Saturday.

The PECTA office aims to promote community tourism initiatives and is very helpful in giving advice about your travel ideas in the Pamirs.

Wakhan valley

One of the most popular sidetrips on a Pamir highway tour is the lush and green Wakhan valley with its hot springs and ancient fortresses along the border with Afghanistan.

The Wakhan valley is home to the Ismaili muslims. A rather liberal branch of Shia Islam that has their own unique traditions. Central in their belief is the religious leader Aga Khan whose Aga Khan Development Organization has done a lot for the development in the Pamirs.

From Khorog the route goes south to Ishkashim famous for its Afghan border market and Ismaili centre then continues to Yamchun fort and Langar . After Langar you need to cross the Kargush pass at 4344 meter to reconnect with the M41 near Alichur.

Bulunkul and Yasilkul lakes

Bulunkul is a small detour from the M41. This small village is one of the coldest places in central Asia and is also the gateway to two beautiful mountain lakes. Bulunkul famous for its fish and Yasilkul lake.

I was there in April when both lakes were still solid frozen. A wonderful sight and certainly worth the detour. Bulunkul is only 16 kilometer from the M41.

Sidetrips from Murgab

Murgab is a typical high altitude town with a large Kyrgyz community and a sea container market. The town itself is not very appealing, but the lunar landscapes surrounding it are spectacular and there are several sidetrips you can make. Therefore Murgab makes a good stop for a couple of days.

First of all there is Rangkul lake . With many tour agencies you can book a camel or yak trek. Other sidetrips include the abandoned Shorbulak Soviet observatory , the Shakty neolithic cave paintings or treks into the Pshart and Madiyan valley .

Karakul lake

At almost 4000 meters high, Karakul lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. It was formed by an impact crater millions of years ago. In summer, the lake has a deep blue colour and in winter it is solid frozen. It is a great farewell of Tajikistan before crossing the border to Kyrgyzstan.

Sary mogul and Tulpar lake

Our Pamir highway tour with visit Alay included a sidetrip to the small village of Sary Mogul from where we could visit Tulpar lake and hike to Lenin Peak base camp. Unfortunately in early May there was still too much snow so we only made it as far as Tulpar lake, but the views were spectacular.

After Karakul most people head straight to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, but a visit to the Alay valley and the village of Sary Mogol is definetly worth your time.

Pamir Highway Tour Travel Tips

Which direction.

You might ask yourself, if it is better to travel from Osh to Dushanbe or Dushanbe to Osh. Both are possible in theory and the views are equally spectacular, but altitude sickness can be a real problem. For acclimatization purposes it is much better to travel from Dushanbe to Osh to prevent the quick rise in altitude if you travel from Osh to Murgab.

Conclusion : Before booking your Pamir highway tour make sure you know what you want to see. I can definetly recommend to take the Wakhan valley route and the small detour to the Bulunkul and Yasilkul lakes. Depending on how much time you have you can add other sidetrips to your Pamir highway tour as well.

How much time?

How much time you need for your Pamir highway tour is a difficult question to answer. With so much things to see and do you could spend weeks in the Pamirs.

In theory you could finish your Pamir highway tour in 3 days traveling straight from Dushanbe to Khorog, Khorog to Murgab and Murgab to Osh. This won’t be much fun though with three long and tiresome travel days where you only get to see a tip of the iceberg.

Travel times with a 4 by 4: Dushanbe to Khorog:  14 – 16 hours Khorog to Murgab:      8 – 10 hours Murgab to Osh:            9 – 11 hours Khorog to Ishkasim:    3 – 4 hours Ishkasim to Langar:    3 – 4 hours Langar to Alichur:       7 – 8 hours

A week will make your schedule much more comfortable also allowing for the Wakhan valley route. If you are renting a 4 by 4 with driver the longer you go the more expensive it will be, so in the end you will need to make a balance of how much time you have and what your budget allows.

My budget allowed for a one week Pamir highway itinerary. It was a good compromise, but sometimes I wished I could have stayed longer to spend some more time in the places along the way.

If you want to include the Bartang valley or make day excursions from Khorog and Murgab you will definetly need more than a week.

Pamir highway tour costs

The cost of a Pamir highway tour was my biggest concern when planning my trip to Tajikistan. On the internet you sometimes see exorbitant prices.

After some research I figured out that for renting a 4 by 4 with a driver it is fair to pay 0.85 – 1.10 USD per kilometer which comes between 175 and 220 USD per day. If you can share this between 4 people it comes to 50 – 60 dollar per day per person.

It’s good to keep this as a rough guideline in mind when looking to rent a car with a driver. This is excluding costs for food and accomodation. Some companies might ask more, some slightly less. Always check what is included in the price and what not.

Food and accomodation is pretty cheap along the Pamir highway. A basic homestay costs between $10 and $15 dollar per night per person including breakfast and dinner.

Travel costs by shared taxi: Dushanbe to Khorog:  300 – 350 somoni Khorog to Murgab:      150 – 200 somoni Murgab to Osh:            150 – 200 somoni Khorog to Ishkasim:    50 somoni Ishkasim to Langar:    60 somoni

Good to know : There are no ATM’s, so bring enough cash with you in both US dollars and Tajik Somoni. Most guesthouses and restaurants accept both, although some do insist on either dollars or somoni.

Should I book my Pamir highway tour beforehand?

No, it’s not necessary to book a Pamir highway tour before you go. It’s still possible to book it when you are in Dushanbe or Osh.

That said, there are only a number of well trained english speaking drivers that are often fully booked by the renowned tour agencies in summer. Arranging your Pamir highway tour might take some time and if you book it last minute, it might be more difficult to meet other people to share the costs with.

Finding people to share a ride with on the Pamir highway is relatively easy through the Caravanistan ride sharing forum . Sometimes the tour agencies also help in pairing up travellers.

Where to book a Pamir highway tour?

There are a lot of agencies out there selling Pamir highway tours. I booked my journey through Visit Alay and I was very happy with their communication and proffesional services. I had an excellent driver and good car and they also helped me to find other travellers to share the cost with.

Based on my personal experience I can definetly recommend Visit Alay for your Pamir highway tour. Other agencies that I don’t have experience with, but have good reviews include Roof of the World travel and Pamir highway Adventure .

Visas and Permits for a Pamir highway tour

Everyone that is going on a Pamir highway tour needs a Tajik visa and a GBAO permit . Most nationalities can apply online for the Tajik e-visa . It is a quick and easy process in which you can at the same time request the GBAO permit.

The evisa is single entry and valid for 45 days. If you need a double entry (in case you like to make a sidetrip to the Afghan Wakhan valley) or need more than 45 days, you need to get a visa at a Tajik embassy.

Checkpoints on the Pamir highway

The Pamirs lie in the Gorno Badakshan Autonomous region and a part of the road also goes along the Panj river that at the same time forms the border with Afghanistan.

Once you enter the Gorno Badakhan region you will come across several checkpoints where you have to show your passport and your visa with the GBAO permit. This is nothing to worry about and the police officers were quite friendly, if not a bit flirty towards female travellers.

Money matters in the Pamir highway

With the exception of Khorog there are no ATM’s on the Pamir highway and even the one in Khorog is not very reliable. Make sure you bring enough cash in US dollars and Tajik somoni. Theft on the Pamir highway is not unheard of, so keep it safe in a money belt under your clothes.

Electricity and charging

In most homestays you can charge your batteries over night. However, some don’t have electricity and power cuts are common. Make sure you have spare batteries. A power bank or solar charger might also be useful.

Internet and communication

Outside of Khorog and Murgab, wifi is a rare thing in the Pamirs. Your best bet is to have your own local sim card with data, but as a foreigner it is not easy to obtain them. On top of that, even with a local sim card the internet can be frustratingly slow.

Hostels in Dushanbe can sometimes help out in getting your sim card. Megafon and T cell work best in the Pamirs.

Accomodation on the Pamir highway

There is no need to book your accomodation in advance. Most villages and towns have several homestays and guesthouses that cater to tourists. Homestays are the norm and are a great way to learn more about the local culture.

The prices vary between $10 to $15 dollar a night per person including dinner and breakfast. Don’t expect any luxury on your Pamir highway tour. With the exception of Khorog, things are very basic. A typical Tajik home has a room with matresses and blankets on the floor while sometimes there are actual beds.

I travelled off season and therefore it was relatively quiet. I always got a room for myself, but in high season when it gets more busy you might have to share the room with other travellers.

In almost all of the guesthouses there was some kind of bathroom with the exception of Alichur and Karakul. Toilets are of the squat variety. Often outside, so bring a torch.

Food on the Pamir highway

Before I went, I thought it might be difficult to find enough restaurants on the Pamir highway. Things weren’t that bad in the end, because our driver knew exactly where to go for lunch. The fact that our driver loved good food really came in handy. But then, nobody comes to the Pamir highway for its cuisine.

Tajik food can be a bit bland and greasy. Expect to eat a lot of plov (rice with carrots and chunks of meat), laghman (noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes meat) or dimlama (potatoe vegetable stew). Potatoes are also quite common and can be served for both breakfast (often fried) or dinner (boiled with meat).

Plov, laghman and dimlama are actually foreign foods to the Pamirs. They hold a high prestige and locals think this is what tourists prefer to eat. Nowadays traditional Pamiri food is hard to get by.

If you are really interested in Pamiri food I can recommend the book With our own hands . The authors have done an amazing job watching and documenting the culture and recipies of Pamiri cuisine. Some highlights that you might be able to find if you are lucky include osh (noodle soup), guzkharvo (walnut soup) and noshkhukpa (dried apricot soup).

Pamiri Hospitality

Part of what makes travelling in Central Asia so special are the people. Together with Iran they are among the friendliest people I have met on my travels. An invitation to someone’s home for a cup of tea is never far away, especially if you travel alone or if you are cycling the Pamir highway.

Pamirs hospitality is famous, but realize that giving you free rides or free food comes at a high cost for your host. Life is expensive in the remote Pamirs. Most items had to travel a long way to get there and food security is definetly an issue.

Don’t be a begpacker and discreetly leave some money that is equal to what you would pay in a regular homestay or restaurant, even if your hosts tell you it is free. For a meal that would be between 20 – 40 somoni per person. Either give it to the female head of the family or leave it under your plate.

Cultures and languages in the Pamirs

The Pamirs only hold 3% of Tajikistans population, but is very multicultural. The Pamiris are often described as an Iranian ethnic group speaking Pamiri languages. However, in reality there is no such thing as the Pamiri people.

In fact, there is a number of different communities each with their own culture, traditions and languages. Although Tajik is widely understood, most ethnic groups speak their own language. There is Shughni, Rushani, Wakhi, Bartangi, Yazgulyani, Khufi and Ishkashimi. In the Eastern Pamir there is also a large community of Kyrgyz people speaking Kyrgyz.

Most people practice Sunni Islam, but in the Wakhan valley you will find the Ismaili , a liberal branch of Shia islam. It’s leader is the Aga Khan whose Aga Khan Development Network has done a lot for the development in the Pamirs.

Tajik and Kyrgyz time

In the Eastern Pamirs from Alichur onwards there is a large Kyrgyz community. Therefore the Murghab district operates on Kyrgyz time, that is 1 hour ahead of Tajik time. If agreeing on a time with your driver, make sure you are both using the same time zone.

Where to stay on a Pamir highway tour

There is no need to book your accomodation in advance and few homestays have a presence online. Most of the time you are fine in just showing up. However, if you do prefer to arrange your accomodation beforehand a handful of guesthouses can now be booked online.

Dushanbe : Dushanbe has a good choice of excellent hostels like the Pamir hotel hostel , Hello Dushanbe hostel , Yellow hostel Dushanbe & City hostel Dushanbe

Khorog: In Khorog you will have a decent choice of options. The Pamir lodge is the most popular among backpackers and a great place to meet other travellers, but it is often full during high season. Other options for budget travellers is Zarya hotel .

Sary Tash : When coming from Tajikistan Sary Tash will be your first stop in Kyrgyzstan and you will receive a warm welcome at Pamir extreme

Sary Mogol : When going to Tulpar lake and Lenin peak base camp you can base yourself at Tilek guesthouse

Osh : my personal recommendation is Guesthouse VIP . Other budget options are Park hostel Osh and Hostel Inn Osh

When to go on a Pamir highway tour

Summer : The best time to visit the Pamir highway is in summer from June till September when the weather is most stable with clear blue skies and relatively warm temperatures. Do keep in mind that even in summer, temperatures can still fall below zero at night when you are at the higher altitudes.

Autumn : Autumn is when the Pamirs are at its most beautiful. The poplar trees turn yellow and in the villages people are busy with the harvest season. But Autumn is short in the Pamirs. From October onwards temperatures get more cold and the chances of snow are increasing.

Winter : In winter the Pamir highway is very cold with temperatures far below zero and there will be lots of snow. The M41 stays open all year round, but it will be though and most homestays are closed.

Spring : Things start to open up in spring when the snow melts and Nowruz is celebrated. At the one hand its beautiful with the fruit orchards in bloom, but this is also one of the wettest times of the year. April and May are transition months and high altitude treks are still out of bounds. Furthermore there is a risk of avalanches and rock falls.

Safety on the Pamir highway

Danghara attack.

When talking about safety on the Pamir highway it is difficult not to mention the Danghara attack in July 2018 when 4 cyclists were killed by armed men that pledged allegiance to IS.

So far this seems to be an isolated incident that was condemned by most people in Tajikistan as you can read in the sober memorial on the road. Wherever I met I was greeted with smiles and friendlinnes and nowhere did I feel any hostility towards foreigners.

Ironically when I was travelling in central Asia an attack happened near my hometown in Utrecht where a terrorist killed three people in a tram. It shows these kind of events can happen anywhere.

Regarding your safety on a Pamir highway tour, your chances of becoming the victim of crime or terrorism are still extremely low. It is your health, and in particular altitude sickness, that is a much bigger concern.

Sanitary conditions on the Pamir highway are very basic and hygiene standards pretty low. Furthermore, health facilities are far in between and only provide very rudimentary health care. There are small hospitals in Khorog and Murghab, but for anything serious you might need to go to Dushanbe or Osh.

Diarrhoea is probably the most common health issue among travellers on a Pamir highway tour. Many people struggle with the food that is quite heavy in fat. Bring a water filter with you and a hand sanitizer to minimize the risk of bacterial diarrhoea.

Also be aware that at higher altitudes the sun is much stronger and you can get sunburn more easily. Bring enough sunscreen with factor 30 or higher. Also bring sunglasses and a sunhat for adequate protection.

At last, if you are prone to motion sickness make sure you bring your preferred medication with you.

Altitude sickness

The biggest threat to your health on a pamir highway tour is altitude sickness . It can affect anyone no matter how fit someone is. It starts to become a concern at 2700 meters and above. The higher you go, the higher the risk,

The key is to go up slowly. The general rule of thumb is that, once you are above 2700 meters, you should not ascend more than 300 meters per day. During the day you could go a bit higher and it is even adviced to do so as long as you sleep at no more than 300 meters higher as the previous day.

Unfortunately it is almost impossible to follow this advice on a Pamir highway tour. To reach the high plateau of the Eastern Pamirs it is inevitable to go much higher than the guidelines recommend.

Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, problems sleeping, shortness of breath and simply feeling miserable. If left untreated it can progress into the life threatening conditions of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

When at higher altitudes make sure you drink enough water. At least 3 to 4 liters per day. Local remedies include dried fruits with a bit of sugar and kurut (dried yoghurt balls). You might consider taking diamox , a medicine that will help you acclimatize.

Once you have severe symptoms the only thing that helps is to go down again to a lower altitude.

Altitudes on the Pamir highway: Dushanbe :            710 meters Khorog :               2123 meters Ishkashim:          2600 meters Langar:                2909 meters Kargush pass:      4344 meters Alichur:               3991 meters Murghab:             3618 meters Ak Baital pass:    4655 meters Karakul:               3960 meters Kyzylart pass:      4280 meters Sarytash:              3170 meters Osh:                       960 meters

What to bring on a Pamir highway tour

Enough money : There are no reliable ATM’s on the Pamir highway. Bring enough US dollars and Tajik somoni with you. Most guesthouses and restaurants accept both, although some do insist on either dollars or somoni. Also bring a money belt to safely store your money. Theft along the Pamir highway is not unheard of.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses : The sun is very strong at higher altitudes. Bring enough sunscreen with you with at least factor 30.

First aid kit : It is very important to bring your own first aid kit with you including your preferred medicines against diarrhoea and motion sickness. Also consider to bring diamox (altitude sickness), ciprofloxacine (a general antibiotic), aspirin and ibuprofen.

Water filter or water purification tablets : To prevent diarrhoea and plastic waste bring your own bottle with a water filter or water purification tablets. It’s important to drink enough fluids at higher altitudes.

Power bank and or solar charger : you might not get the chance to charge your electronics every night. Not every homestay has electricity and power cuts are common. Bring enough spare batteries, an extra power bank and or a solar charger. At high altitudes batteries also drain much faster due to the colder temperatures.

Torch : very useful for when you have to go to the toilet at night. Often it is outside and at night it is pitch dark.

Toilet paper and wet wipes : There is often no toilet paper so bring some with you. Wet wipes come in handy in all kind of situations for example when the bathroom facilities are non existent.

Hand sanitizer : you can’t control the hygiene standards in your homestays, but you can control your own. There isn’t always clean water and soap available to wash your hands so bring a hand sanitizer.

Warm clothes and sturdy shoes : Even in summer it can get very cold at the Pamir highway. Bring enough warm clothes and sturdy shoes for day hikes.

Gifts : bring some small gifts from home such as postcards or keychains to give to your hosts in your homestay or if you are invited over for tea.

Sustainable Travel on the Pamir Highway

The Pamir highway is one of the most scenic routes, but it runs through a remote and fragile ecosystem. While Tourism is a welcome source of income it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably on the Pamir highway, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. It is better to stick to Central Asian cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels. Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to be mindful of water and energy conservation. Water can be scarce in some areas along the Pamir Highway so it is important to avoid wasting water.

Leave no trace principle : The Pamir highway is famous for its natural beauty and mountains. When hiking, stick to designated trails when they are there, avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants, and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture: Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are Islamic countries that are just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Tajik, Kyrgyz or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Books about the Pamir Highway

Lonely Planet Central Asia : The Lonely planet about Central Asia has lots of practical information about travelling in Tajikistan including the Pamir highway

Bradt Guide Tajikistan : The Bradt guide is superior to the Lonely planet if it comes to background information. The Bradt guide has elaborate sections on culture, languages and wildlife in the Pamirs

Trekking in Tajikistan : If you plan to do treks on your Pamir highway tour this is the best guide book available. Written by Jan Bakker and Christine Oriol.

With our own hands : With our own hands is a beautiful book to have at home with everything about Pamiri food culture. Frederik van Ouwenhoven and Jamila Haider have done a great job in documenting tradition Pamiri food recipies.

Eastern Tajikistan : This book from Matt Traver with a visual exploration of life in the Pamirs has beautiful pictures of a Kyrgyz shepherd family around Murghab.

Peoples & Landscapes Tajikistan : This book from Nicolas Pernot is one of the best photography books depicting the people and landscapes of Tajikistan including the Pamirs.

For more information about Backpacking in Tajikistan I can recommend my practical travel guide about travel in Tajikistan , my post on the best things to do in Tajikistan and my 3 week Tajikistan itinerary .

Disclaimer : This travel guide about everything you need to know when planning your pamir highway tour contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

16 thoughts on “Planning a Pamir Highway Tour: the ultimate guide”

This feels like a really different adventure to some of your others. It makes for a fascinating read. You are really teaching me about places I have never heard of. I am happy to be seeing these places through your footsteps. kx

Hi Ellis, you always make such amazing trips, you keep me impressed!

Hi Ellis Many Thanx for this article. I’m at the stage of planning my trip via the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgizstan and it’s so helpful to plan the Pamir Highway trip with all your tips and information you shared. To say thank you, we gonna make arrangements and bookings via side links you included.

Thank a million, Jola

This is such a bucket list trip! Thanks for the great guide Ellis.

This is so helpful in planning my trip.Can you pls let me know which agency you booked for one week pamir highway trip??

I used visit Alay. They were very helpful and can certainly recommend them.

Hi! I have been watching overlanders on youtube now for a year. I will be driving from Oslo, Ulaanbaatar, Pamir Highway and down to Iran and back up through Europe this coming summer, and your blogs that I found this Christmas, are the ones that are the most helpful of them all.

Thank you sharing with your experience. Last year I visited with my friend to Pamir Highway. We started from Dushanbe to Osh via Wakhan corridor. It was taken 10 days. In this destination phone connection terrible, offroad. We contacted with local companies which is called Pegas Adventure. Booked tour package includes all services, transportation 4×4, accommodation, meals, GBAO permits, tickets etc. Everything organized professionally. Highly recommend

Salut Thank you sharing with your experience. I would like to know which options better. Renting car, car with driver or book tour? Because renting car its per day about 100$ . Its out of our budget, and also asked car with driver in Pegas Adventure tour operator, company suggests us car with driver and cheap tours. We’re 2 people and It cost per day 60$ per person (This is 4×4 car with driver). How do you think, which options is better?

Personally I would recommend a car with driver because of the state of the road and safety. I have no experience with Pegasus Adventures but its best to compare the prices from several tour companies anmd make sure to know what is and what is not included in the price.

Hi Alex My opinion take car with English speaking driver, we booked it with Pegas Adventure last year, our driver was very kind and on the way he tell us about histories, culture etc. The car also was 4×4 comfortable with AC and clean inside. I recommend to start from Dushanbe to Osh via Wakhan corridor 7-8 days. Everyday about 5 hours driving. I think june-september best time to visit

Hello! I am a local guide from Bartang valley of Pamir, Tajikistan and I have been guiding tourists since 2010. Tourism helped to develop the remote areas of the region a lot and now some people have built their “mimonkhona”, i.e. guesthouse, while many others have no money to build a house and start their lodging business. So it would be nice if You visit those families that are poor, which will help them to earn some money and start their own guesthouse business, I have created my website, where I want to put the guesthouses, guides, local drivers, tours, and even news about Pamir and Pamir tourism. My intention is to help the local community get involved in tourism and benefit from it, which is the only income among the Pamir mountains.

And thank you for your visiting Pamir! Remember that by visiting Pamir you are helping them in an indirect way! Welcome to Pamir!

Hello! I am a local guide from Bartang valley of Pamir, Tajikistan and I have been guiding tourists since 2010. Tourism helped to develop the remote areas of the region a lot and now some people have built their “mimonkhona”, i.e. guesthouse, while many others have no money to build a house and start their lodging business. So it would be nice if You visit those families that are poor, which will help them to earn some money and start their own guesthouse business, I have created my website – https://discoverthepamirs.com/en/ , where I want to put the guesthouses, guides, local drivers, tours, and even news about Pamir and Pamir tourism. My intention is to help the local community get involved in tourism and benefit from it, which is the only income among the Pamir mountains. And thank you for your visiting Pamir! Remember that by visiting Pamir you are helping them in an indirect way! Welcome to Pamir!

Would mid-April be an OK time to visit the Pamir Hwy? I understand that it will be cold and some trekking not possible, but it seems the only time I could do this.

I actually went at the end of April. Weather is a bit unpredictable at that time. We only had one day of rain though and I thought it was a good time to go. It is not yet that crowded and winter is definetly behind you. Yes, it can still be cold, especially as soon as the sun is down. So make sure you bring some warm clothes and enjoy.

Hi, how to check the opening status of Pamir highway after anow is over. Does it open by the first week of May, specially the high passes like Ak baital

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• Pamir Highway Tour Package

8-day Pamir Highway Group Tour 2024 Departures 8 Days | Pamir highway, Dushanbe, Kalai-Khumb, Khorog, Ishkashim, Langar, Murgab, Ak Baytal pass, Karakul Lake, Sary-Tash

Pamir Highway Tour is a fascinating trip to Tajikistan where you will cross many high-mountain passes, winding serpentine roads, see monuments of the Islamic, Buddhist and unique Pamir cultures. Moreover, you will have around like-minded adventurers to share your impressions and experiences. The tour will start in the capital of Tajikistan where you will see the main sights of Dushanbe and its surroundings. After this informative entry, you will have a week of snow-capped mountains, as the height will be closer, you will have acclimatization to the air of the Pamir Mountains. You will see beautiful villages, wild flows of the River Panj, cross one of the highest passes – Ak-Baytal (4655 m) and learn a lot about the history of the Pamir tract once connected to the Great Silk Road and the Great Game. Pamir Highway Tour is not merely a walking trip. It is a choice of real adventurers. Check out the detailed tour program, select the appropriate date, and start preparing for a memorable expedition!

Pamir Highway Tour itinerary:

Price includes:

• All transfers as per itinerary;
• Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
• Full-board from Day 2;
• Service of an English-speaking guide;
• Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
• Visa support for Tajikistan tourist visa (if required);
• GBAO permit (Pamir permit).

Price doesn't include:

• Hotel charges for additional services;
• Hotel accommodation in Osh, Kyrgyzstan;
• Consular fees for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan tourist visas;
• Personal travel insurance;
• International flight tickets before and after the tour.

Dates & Prices, per person

100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.

Group size: 1-16 persons

Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.

Accommodation

Tour request.

Tour start date:

Number of Travelers:

Pamir Highway Tour Package Reviews

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18-day Highlights of Tajikistan ADVENTURE Tour to the Pamir Highway and Fann Mountains

Explore the best of Tajikistan with a small group during this unique 18-day Tajikistan Tour Adventure: drive over the stunning high landscapes of the Pamir Highway , stay with local people and experience the culture in the Jisue and Wakhan Valleys , hike to various alpine lakes in the scenic Pamir Mountains and join a 3-day trek in the stunning Fann Mountains !

If you’re from Belgium or the Netherlands, you can read the description in Dutch .

18-DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF TAJIKISTAN ADVENTURE TOUR DATES 2025:

July 4th – July 21st, 2025

July 27th – August 13th, 2025

August 19th – September 5th, 2025

Price : €2450   per person *

* depending on group size, see tour costs below for more info

Confirm your place before November 30th, 2024 and get a 5% early-bird discount!

What to expect on the Highlights of Tajikistan Adventure Tour

The Highlights of Tajikistan Tour is an active adventure tour and offers the ideal combination to explore the culture and nature of this – currently still untouched – Central Asian country. This tour is for you if:

• you’re an active person who  loves spending time in nature  and don’t mind  roughing it a bit (= camping, sleeping on floor mattresses in shared spaces in homestays, using outdoor toilets, not having a hot shower for a few days in a row and being disconnected from the internet for a whole week)
• you love trekking and you’re in  a very good physical shape  to go  hiking   at high altitudes
• you don’t mind  long – but very scenic! – driving days  as it’s the only way to get across the Pamir Highway
• you are  open-minded and comfortable with unexpected events  that an adventure trip might bring. Be aware that this adventure might bring you out of your comfort zone !

Together with a small group, you’ll travel to remote mountainous destinations in Tajikistan that are otherwise hard to reach without an experienced local guide. The driving days on the Pamir Highway are interspersed with day hikes to stunning mountain lakes and remote areas that barely gets visited by travelers.

The tour starts in Osh , the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan and once an important trading center along the Silk Road. The Pamir Highway begins (or ends, depending on how you travel) near Osh.

We decided to start the tour here so you can get some altitude adjustment before heading towards the highest parts of the world’s second highest paved road in the world!

We start the trip by traveling to Sary Mogul , a village located at 3000m , and a hike to Traveler’s Pass (4150m) where you get treated to scenic views of the magnificent Lenin Peak. Along the way, you pass Lenin Peak Basecamp where you’ll meet mountaineers in their attempt this second-highest mountain of Central Asia (7135m). This hike offers an ideal altitude acclimatization and introduction to the beauty of the Pamir Mountains.

After spending 4 days in the south of Kyrgyzstan, we cross the land border with Tajikistan and properly start the road trip on the Pamir Highway !

While the driving days are very scenic, I also want you to really get a feel of the daily life in the remote villages and experience the beauty of the Pamir Mountains.

T he driving days are therefore alternated by day hikes to some incredibly beautiful places that are hard (and sometimes almost impossible) to reach if you’d be traveling independently: Ortoboz Pass, Panorama Ridge, Engel’s Peak in the Whakhan Valley and the remote Jizeu villages in the Jizeu Valley .

After we finish the Pamir Highway Adventure, this tour isn’t finished as I’ve added another higlight for you: a 3-day trek in the untouched and incredibly beautiful Fann Mountains ! This mountain range with its crystal-clear alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains are truly one of the most incredible mountain ranges I’ve ever been to!

The 18-day Highlights of Tajikistan Adventure Tour is not your typical (group) tour .

I traveled for the first time to Tajikistan in 2019 and I right away fell in love with the beauty of this untouched Central Asian country and its peope. I immediately knew I wanted to explore more of this country and offer travelers with a similar mind-set like mine the same experience: to truly feel the untouched, raw and soul-filling nature and encounters.

It’s been my dream since then to organize a tour like this one but due to circumstances and safety-issues, I had to postpone it for several years and this is the first year I can open up this tour. In case you’re worried about safety, it’s now safe to travel to the areas in the itinerary (I wouldn’t otherwise offer this tour, see the FAQ’s below).

With the help of my friend and local partner Aziret from Visit Alay, a community-based travel agency in Osh that helps with the development of sustainable tourism and supports the local communities in remote areas in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, I can finally make this dream come true!

We designed this tour based on my personal highlights and preferences and we work together with experienced local drivers, guides and small family-run businesses in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to support its local economy.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

• 10-day Best of Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour
• 14-day Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour
• 14-day Highlights of Uzbekistan Adventure Tour

☛ Are you looking for a private guided tour with your partner, family and/or friends?

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Tajikistan Tour Overview

All tours will be guided by an experienced English-speaking local guide from Visit Alay.

• Start: Osh, Kyrgyzstan
• F inish: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
• Maximum group size: 11 people
• T ransport: 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers with experienced drivers
• Housing & lodging: hotel, guesthouses, homestays, tents
• Who can join : The 18-day Highlights of Tajikistan Adventure Tour is suitable for  active, adventurous and physically fit  travelers aged 18 and above. This trip is perfect for you if:
• you’re an active outdoorsy person and you don’t mind not being able to take a hot shower sometimes and being disconnected from the internet for a while
• you are physically fit and can ascend steep hills of maximum 1000m in one day, hike across rough mountainous terrain and at high altitudes from 3000 to 5000m. The maximum hiking distance in one day is 22km. We strongly recommend you do endurance training in advance!
• you enjoy traveling in a small group and don’t mind sharing a room with 3 to 4 people from the group at the homestays
• you don’t mind long – but very scenic! – driving days (it’s the only way to get from one remote place to the other)

The average age of the travelers who usually join my adventure tours is between 20 and 60 years. The participants are usually solo travelers, friends, and couples. Families are also welcome provided that the children are at least 14 years old, are physically very fit and have hiking experience.

18-Day Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Osh, Kyrgyzstan
• Day 2: Osh – Sary Mogul Village
• Day 3: Sary Mogul Village – hike to Zhnyryk Yurt Camp (10km)
• Day 4: Zhnyryk Yurt Camp – Tulpar Kol Lake; day hike to Traveler’s Pass (20km)
• Day 5: Tulpar Kol Lake – border crossing – Karakul Lake
• Day 6: Karakul Lake – hike to Ortoboz Pass (11km) – Murghab
• Day 7: Murghab – Tuzkol Lake – Maljura
• Day 8 : Maljura – hike to Panorama Ridge (5km) – Langar (Wakhan Valley)
• Day 9: Day hike to Engel’s Peak (20km) in Wakhan Valley
• Day 10: Langar – Ishkashim Village – Khorog
• Day 11: Khorog – Jizeu Valley – hike to Jizeu Village (7km)
• Day 12: Jizeu Valley – Kalaikhum

Day 13: Kalaikhum – Dushanbe

• Day 14: Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Lake – Artuch (Fann Mountains)
• Day 15: Trek Artuch – Kulikalon Lakes – Bibijannat Lake (10km)
• Day 16: Trek Bibijannat Lake – Alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lake (8km)
• Day 17 : Trek Alaudin Lake – Mutnye Lake (14km) – Dushanbe

Day 18: Departure from Dushanbe

Day 1: arrival in osh.

Welcome to Osh , Kyrgyzstan! Our driver will meet you upon your arrival at the International Airport in Osh and transfer you to the hotel (check-in available from 1pm).

The Highlights of Tajikistan Tour officially begins at 2 pm . A local guide will welcome you and the group at the hotel to take you on a guided tour around Osh during which you’ll visit the market and the Sulaiman Mountain.

After the city tour, your tour guide will meet you and the group in the early evening for a briefing and dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: none Accommodation: Shared room in hotel. Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower

Day 2: OSH – Izumrudnoe Lake (hike) – SARY Mogul Village

Driving time: 5 hours Hiking time: 4 hours

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we pack our belongings in the 4×4 jeeps and start our adventure! We leave Osh and are soon already driving on the Pamir Highway towards the village of Sary Mogul. Enjoy the ride as the drive is already very scenic!

Halfway the drive, we stop for a hike to the beautiful Izumrudnoe lake . We’ll have a picnic at the lake and hike back to the car and continue the drive to Sary Mogul.

We arrive at Sary Mogul Village ( 3000m ) in the early evening and enjoy the incredible views of the +7000-meter high snow-capped Pamir Mountains in the distance. We settle into the family-run guesthouse and enjoy a homemade dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse. Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower .

Day 3: SARY-MOGUL VILLAGE – Hike to Zhnyryk Yurt Camp

Hiking distance : 10km Hiking time: 4 hours Ascent: +300m

Today, we go on an easy 4-hour hike from Sary-Mogul Village to the Zhnyryk Valley to get acclimatized to the altitude. While we walk along the river shores, we enjoy the expansive view over the Alay Valley and the snowcapped Pamir-Alay mountain ranges in the distance.

Along the way, we see many yurt camp settlements of nomadic shepherds and their herds of cows, horses, sheep and yaks. Some might even invite us over for a chat and a cup of tea!

We arrive at Zhnyryk Yurt Camp (3300m) in the afternoon where we install ourselves in the yurts and take the time to enjoy the peace and quiet and witness (or even join) in the daily activities of the Kyrgyz semi-nomads.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared space in yurt. Facilities: No electricity, no wi-fi, no shower, outdoor toilet.

Day 4: Zhnyryk Yurt Camp – TULPAR-KUL – day Hike to PEAK LENIN BASECAMP and TRAVELLER’S PASS

Driving time: 1,5 hours Hiking distance : 20km Hiking time: 6 hours Ascent: +760m Descent: -760m

After breakfast at the yurt camp, we go on a 1,5-hour drive to Tulpar-Kul lake ( 3500m ). After our arrival at a local yurt camp, we start hiking towards Lenin Peak Basecamp ( 3600m) .

Once we pass the tents of big mountaineering companies at the base camp, we take the trail leading to Traveller’s Pass ( 4,150 meters ). The path goes slowly up except for the last 20 minutes where it becomes a steep zigzag trail that ends up on the mountain pass.

We have a picnic at Traveller’s Pass where we enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers tumbling off the massive Lenin Peak (7,134 meters), which is the highest peak of the Pamir-Alay Mountains.

After lunch, we return to Tulpar Kul by walking the same trail back. We have dinner at the yurt camp and spend our last night in the Alay Mountains there.

Day 5: TULPAR KOL LAKE – BORDER CROSSING into Tajikistan – KARAKUL LAKE

Driving time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast at the yurt camp, we get in the jeeps and say goodbye to Kyrgyzstan. We drive for about 2 hours to the land border with Tajikistan. The border control and passport-check might take some time but once we passed the checkpoint, we arrive in Tajikistan!

We drive for another hour and marvel at the phenomenal landscapes until we arrive at a small village near the shores of Karakul Lake (3960m) . Karakul has a diameter of 25 km and was formed by the impact of a large meteorite.

After checking-in at a local guesthouse, we have the rest of the afternoon free to go on a walk around the lake and visit the small town to get a feel of the living conditions in this area. We return to the guesthouse in the evening for a home-cooked meal.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse. Facilities: Electricity , no wi-fi, no hot shower

day 6: KARAKUL LAKE – Hike to ORTOBOZ PASS – MURGhAB

Driving time: 3 hours Hiking distance : 11 km   Hiking   time: 5 hours   Ascent:  +900m   Descent:  -900m

After having breakfast at the guesthouse, we pack our stuff and get in the car to make the 10-minute drive from Karakul Lake to the starting point of the hike ( 4150m ) to Ortoboz Pass , located at 5041 meters !

We walk the first half of the hike through grassy meadows and the second half on rocky ground. After about 3 hours, we reach the summit and enjoy our accomplishment of reaching the 5000-meter high pass along with the panormic view of the 7000-meter high Pamir Mountain Range.

We make the descend back to the jeep and continue our roadtrip along the Pamir Highway. We finish the day in Murghab , the highest town in Tajikistan at 3650m above sea level, where we spend the night at a homestay.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in homestay. Facilities: Electricity, wi-fi, hot shower

Day 7: Murghab – Tuzkol Lake – Yurt Camp Maljura N

Driving time: 5 hours

Today you’ll have some free time to catch up on some rest or explore Murghab village and stock up on any last-minute things you may need. 

In the 5-hour drive, you’ll see sweeping mountainous vistas of the Murghab district. Keep your eyes peeled for snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep! These rare and protected animals roam wildly in these mountains. 

As we venture into arid and rocky terrain, we’ll delve further into a really remote part of Tajikistan which has lots of geothermal activity! We’ll stop at Tuzkol Salt Lake and take in its azure-tinted waters. 

Yurt Camp Maljuran is nestled in a valley beside the Alichur River. The site rests near some beautiful hot springs. You can take a soothing bath in the camp’s home-built pool heated by the geothermal activity before dinner!

Your form of entertainment tonight is the stars – on a clear night, the sky is spectacular. It’s recommended to sleep on the yurt camp floor here because it’s so cozy and warm from the natural heat.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared space in yurt. Facilities: None, outdoor toilet.

Day 8: Yurt Camp Maljuran – PANORAMA RIDGE HIKE – LANGAR

Driving time: 6 hours Hiking distance : 5.5 km   Hiking   time: 3-4 hours   Ascent:  +450m   Descent:  -450m

After an early breakfast at the yurt camp, we drive up to the Kargush Pass ( 4344m ) where we start the hike to Panorama Ridge ( 4800m ).

It’s a steep hike up but once we’re at the top, we’ll be rewarded with the most incredible views of the Wakhan Range, Afganistan’s snow-covered Pamir Mountains. The whole valley of the Great Pamir at the foot of the Wakhan Range just looks otherworldly!

We hike back to the car, have a picnic at Kargush Pass, and descend towards the Wakhan Valley along the Pamir River.

On the drive down to Langar, you’ll see a myriad of Martian-like landscapes and striking views of Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Mountains.

We’ll next enter a green oasis, and this is where the Pamir and Wakhijil rivers come together to form the Panj River, dividing Afghanistan and Tajikistan. We spend the evening and have dinner at a homestay in Langar village (1436m) .

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in homestay. Facilities: Electricity, no wi-fi, hot shower

day 9: day hike to Engel’s Peak

Hiking distance : 22 km   Hiking   time: 9 hours   Ascent:  +750m   Descent:  -750m

We leave Langar early today to drive to the start of one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the entire Wakhan Valley: the 9-hour return hike to the 4000m-high meadows at the base of Engel’s Peak , nestled in the Pamir Mountains!

The trail goes slowly up and although it can be a challenging hike at times, the views of the Wakhan Valley, the snow-covered Hindu Kush Mountains and the villages along the Panj River are exceptional and make it all worth it!

We hike all the way to the Engels Peak basecamp (5 hours) and enjoy lunch at the edge of a lake in the meadows.

We return by the same route (4 hours). In the evening, we stay at the same homestay in Langar.

Day 10: LANGAR – YAMCHUN FORTRESS – ISHKASHIM VILLAGE – KHOROG

Driving time: 6 hours

Today is a driving day so you can relax after the long hike from yesterday. After having breakfast in our homestay, we pack up our belongings and continue our road adventure on the Pamir Highway. We make a little side trip to visit the 12th-century old Yamchun Fortress and have one last amazing view over the Wakhan Valley from the edge of the fortress.

We return by jeep to the main road and spend the rest of the driving the Pamir Highway. We stop at the Khakha Fortress near the village of Ishkashim to stretch our legs and an optional visit the ruins of this century-old fortress.

We arrive in the city of Khorog ( 2200m ) , famous for being a gateway into Afghanistan, in the afternoon. After we check into our hotel, we spend the rest of the day visiting the interesting Regional Museum and the Central Park. We go for an evening walk in the Khorog Botanical Garden and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Shared room in hotel. Facilities: Electricity, wi-fi, hot shower

Day 11: Khorog – Jizeu Valley – hike to Jizeu Village

Driving time: 3 hours Hiking distance : 7 km   Hiking   time: 2 hours 

Today we drive for about 3 hours towards the Bartang Valley. Our jeeps drop us off at the trailhead to the Jizeu Valley from where we go on a 2-hour hike to the remote Jizeu Village ( 2700m ). As there are no roads in the village, the jeeps can’t come along so we need to pack a daypack with gear for one night. The rest of our belongings stay safely in the jeeps with the drivers.

We’ll walk along the river while enjoying the views along the way. The Jizeu Valley is a very isolated area and barely gets visited by tourists. We arrive in the village where we have lunch and get accomodated in a few homestays (the group might get seperated for the evening as each homestay only has a few rooms).

After we’re settled in our homestay, we go for a walk around the lake near the village and get a feel of the local culture in this wild and remote community.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in homestay. Facilities: Limited to no electricity, no wi-fi, no hot shower.

Day 12: Jizeu Village – Kalaikhum

Driving time: 6 hours Hiking distance : 9 km   Hiking   time: 2 hours 

We start the day by going on a small hike to an azure-colored alpine lake in the Jizeu Valley, about 2.3 km beyond the last homestay in the village. We enjoy the views of the lake and the high mountain peaks at the horizon before we return on foot to the place where the jeeps dropped us off yesterday.

We get in the jeeps and drive the rest of the day on the Pamir Highway. The road follows partly the Panj River where we get gorgeous vistas of the Vanj Valley until the road widens up and continues along the Afghan border until we reach Kalaikhum ( 1268m ) where we spend the night at a hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast. Accommodation: Shared room in hotel. Facilities: Electricity, wi-fi, hot shower .

Today is the last day of our epic road trip along the Pamir Highway! We drive the last 350 km to Dushanbe, following the Panj River and passing numerous small villages along the way. We enjoy the spectacular views of deep rocky valleys while driving up the Shurobod Pass ( 2126m ).

We have a lunch break at a chaikana , local café, in the village of Kulab. We continue the drive and stretch our legs while visiting the 11th-century Hulbuk Palace before we arrive in Dushanbe ( 2530m ), the capital of Tajikistan, in the early evening. Welcome back to civilization! We check-in our hotel, enjoy a proper hot shower, connect to the Wi-Fi to let our loved ones know we’re still alive, and have dinner in the city.

Meals included: Breakfast. Accommodation: Shared room in hotel. Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower .

Day 14: Dushanbe – Iskanderkul Lake – Artuch

Driving time: 4 hours Hiking distance : 3.5 km   Hiking   time: 1-2 hours   Ascent:  +300m   Descent:  -300m

After spending the night in Dushanbe, we trade the city for the mountains again. This time we’re heading towards the stunning Fann Mountains. On the way, we take a side trip to visit Iskanderkul Lake ( 2195m ). This alpine lake is surrounded by beautifully-shaped rocky peaks and on a sunny day, the crystal-clear turquoise water contrasts with the red rocks of the mountain slopes.

We have lunch and go for a walk around the lake before continuing our drive to Artuch , a village located at 1848m at the foot of the Fann Mountains. We arrive in the afternoon at the family-run guesthouse in the village. You have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy a walk around the village to get a feel of the daily life of the local residents before we have dinner at our guesthouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner. Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse. Facilities: electricity, limited Wi-Fi, hot shower

Day 15: Trekking day 1: Artuch – KULIKALON LAKEs – BIBIJANNAT LAKE

Hiking distance : 10 km   Hiking   time: 5-6 hours   Ascent:  +855m   Descent:  -100m

After our breakfast at the guesthouse, we get ready to start the 3-day trek in the Fann Mountains. We start the trek from Artuch and follow the trail upwards along the river.

We turn right into the gorge at the junction of three valleys and follow the trail gradually to the top of the Chukurak Pass ( 3106m ). On the pass, we get treated to a magnificent view of Kulikalon Lakes at the foot of Chimtarga Peak, with its 5489 meters the highest peak in the Fann Mountains.

After our break at Chukurak Pass, we hike south-east towards the foot of the Alaudin Pass where we set up camp on the shores of Bibijannat Lake ( 3000m ). We enjoy our camp dinner while marveling at the scenic lanscapes surrounding the turquoise lake.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Tent. Facilities: None

Day 16: Trekking day 2: Bibijannat lake – alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lake

Hiking distance : 8 km   Hiking   time: 6-7 hours   Ascent:  +890m   Descent:  -980m

We pack up our camp in the morning and continue our trek through the Fann Mountains. We follow the trail climbing east between craggy mountain walls to the summit of Alaudin Pass at 3770 meters . While hiking up, we enjoy the views of stunning snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes reflecting the mountains.

We reach the summit after 4 hours of hiking and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Chapdara Peak and the surrounding mountains. After our picnic, we descend the pass on quite a steep slope towards the Alaudin Lake ( 2800m ). We set up camp on the shore of the lake where we enjoy our dinner and another night underneath the starry sky.

Day 17: Alaudin Lake – Mutniye Lake – Base Camp – Dushanbe

Driving time: 4 hours Hiking distance : 14 km   Hiking   time: 5-6 hours   Ascent:  +774m   Descent:  -774m

After an early breakfast, we get ready to make our last hike in the Fann Mountains. Today we hike to Mutnye lake ( 3500m ) at the foot of the Kaznop Pass and surrounded by the rocky Fann Mountain peaks. We reached the scenic lake after a challenging 3-hour hike.

We enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake while enjoying the scenery. Then we return via the same trail all the way to Vertical Base Camp where our drivers are waiting for us to bring us back to Dushanbe.

We arrive in the early evening in Dushanbe where we take a much-needed hot shower at the hotel. We have one last dinner in the city to say goodbye to our amazing group of friends.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch. Accommodation: Shared room in hotel. Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower .

After a final breakfast together, this adventure has finished! Our driver will transfer you to the international airport.

Depending on when you planned your flight home/ onward travels, you could also make some more time to explore Dushanbe further.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: This itinerary can be modified in case of weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

What you should know before joining the Highlights of Tajikistan Tour

Kyrgyzstan is one of the safest countries in Asia . The biggest danger in Kyrgyzstan is that you’ll fall in love with the beautiful landscapes and people and that you don’t want to leave anymore. That’s why I stayed 1 year in the country and keep returning back yearly… There was a border dispute between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan but the situation has been cleared up. It is now completely safe to travel along the Pamir Highway and in the Fann Mountains , that’s also the reason why I’m opening up this tour to tourists . We’re also going to travel near the borger with Afghanistan. This area is very isolated and far away from the troubles in the rest of the country. If any places on the route would have warnings, we will avoid them and go on an alternative route. We want you to have a safe adventure, not a dangerous one, and your well-being and safety is our priority! In all honesty, I have never felt unsafe while traveling in Central Asia (as a solo female!). It’s in my opinion and experience safer than when I traveled solo in Europe, Morocco, Australia, etc.

Kyrgyzstan has a visa-free policy for citizens of 61 countries, including citizens of most EU countries, USA, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Check here to see whether or not you need to obtain an e-visa or if you’re granted a free visa on arrival. Note: we can offer visa support in case you need a Letter of Invitation (€20). Tajikistan has a visa-free policy for citizens of 53 countries, including citizens of most EU countries, USA, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Check here to see whether or not you need to obtain an e-visa or if you’re granted a free visa on arrival. Note: we can offer visa support in case you need to apply for an e-visa (€50). If you don’t need a visa for Tajikistan, you’ll need to register at an OVIR office (€20) as you’re staying 14 days (or longer) in the country. We’ll offer assistance with this. You’ll need a GBAO permit (€30) to enter the Pamir Highway. Those who need a visa for Tajikistan can add the GBAO permit to their application. We’ll apply for those who don’t need a Tajik visa. More information will be provided in the info guide you receive upon booking.

Osh has a small international airport with international flights to and from Istanbul on certain days with Pegasus Airlines or to and from Dubai with FlyDubai. If the flight dates to Osh don’t work, then the best is first to fly to Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan – to the international airport called Manas. You can get there via Istanbul with either Pegasus or Turkish Airlines. Those flying from other continents (America, Australia, Asia,…), also have the option of flying via Dubai. There are daily several domestic flights between Bishkek and Osh (40 minutes flying time, one-way). We can book your domestic flight(s) between Bishkek and Osh at an additional price of €55 (no extra booking fees and price might change, depending on the current rates). You can also drive from Bishkek to Osh by shared taxi but know that this journey takes around 10 hours. Dushanbe has an international airport with international flights going via Istanbul, Dubai and other Central Asian countries. You receive a detailed info guide upon booking with more information about how to find the best flights for this trip.

We organize lodging in guesthouses and homestays owned by local families. The rooms in the guesthouses and homestays in the rural areas are shared between 2 to 6 people. The rooms at the hotels in Osh, Khorog, Kalaikumb and Dushanbe are shared between 2 people. A single supplement (having a private room) is only possible in the hotels in the cities (Osh, Khorog, Kalaikumb and Dushanbe) at the additional price of €300. We cannot provide single supplement in the rural guesthouses and homestays due to limited places. The sleeping arrangements in the homestays are very basic, meaning sleeping on mattresses on the floor (blankets are provided). This is how the people of the Pamir sleep and live so it’s part of the experience! You stay three nights in a yurt camp where you also have to share the sleeping place with 4 to 6 people from the group. There will be mattresses on the floor and blankets are also provided. You camp for 2 nights in tents in the Fann Mountains. Tents and sleeping pads are provided. Tents are shared between 2 people and you can request your own tent for €30. You can bring your own sleeping bag, or you can rent one for this trek at the additional price of €30.

You have to be comfortable with not being able to take a hot shower for multiple days in a row as there is not always hot water or even a proper shower at the homestays. You’ll also have to be comfortable using a squat toilet as there won’t always be western-style toilets on the road. Some homestays have a toilet outside in the form of a separate small building with a hole in the ground. There’s usually toilet paper but definitely bring a roll (or two) with you on this tour. During the treks, you have to feel comfortable doing ‘your business’ in nature.

Breakfast is usually fried eggs, bread and/or porridge. Lunch and dinner usually consist of 2 courses: a hearty soup and a local dish with mutton and beef, served with noodles, potatoes or rice and a salad on the side. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll get the same meals but without any meat. Note that fruit and veggies are very limited in some parts of Tajikistan! We can’t cater for vegans, and people with a gluten-free and/or dairy-free diet . We hope you understand.

Bottled water is provided but you also must bring your own reusable water bottle that you can refill with fresh water from springs and streams when there aren’t any shops if you want to buy extra bottled water. You must bring  a water filter   or a  steripen   as most foreigners aren’t used to the bacteria and minerals in the water which can cause stomach problems. I’m using a  Lifestraw water bottle  and that has always done the job for me!

The best time for this tour is from the beginning of June until the end of September. While the temperature in the cities will be high (between 30°C – 35ºC), we’re going to spend most of the time in the mountains at high altitudes where the temperatures will be a lot lower. The average temperature in the mountains is between 10°C and 20ºC during the day – depending on the altitude -, nights can be very cold (between 5ºC and -5ºC). The weather in the mountains is unpredictable so you might experience rain, snow, and sun in one day. Even in July and August, there is a possibility of a cold spell or even light snow. Bring warm and waterproof clothes, suitable for any weather condition. You’ll receive a detailed packing list once you’ve confirmed your booking.

Once you’ve confirmed your booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list. You can already read the Packing List for Trekking in Central Asia to get an idea of what you’ll need You should bring a backpack or duffle bag to easily carry your belongings from the jeeps to the homestays (no suitcases) and have a comfortable trekking daypack (30L-40L) to carry your rain gear, warm sweater or jacket, sunscreen, water, and camera during the day hikes and 3-day trek in the Fann Mountains. During the 3-day trek, food items and other personal belongings (up to max. 10kg) will be carried by donkeys during the trekking days. A special bag designed for donkeys to carry the luggage will be provided. You don’t need a tent or sleeping pad as those are provided but you will need a sleeping bag for the trekking days. You can always rent one during the 3-day trek at the additional price of €30. If you don’t want to share a tent, you can bring your own or rent one at the additional price of €30.

You won’t be able to charge your electronic devices on days 3, 4, 7, 11, 15 and 16. Bring enough batteries for your camera and a USB power bank to keep your electronic accessories charged. The power  plugs  and  sockets are of type C and F (same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You’ll have acces to (sometimes very slow) Wi-Fi when in Osh, Korogh, Kulaikhum and Dushanbe (on day 1, 2, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14 en 17). Getting a SIM-card won’t be of much use as you can only buy them in the cities (so for Tajikistan, the earliest you could get one is on day 8) and you won’t have any coverage while in the mountains.

You need to have a very good level of fitness and endurance to join this trek. You’ll be hiking on rough terrain and at high altitudes. While it won’t be technically difficult, some hikes are long and include steep ascends. Train beforehand and build up your endurance by doing cardio exercises before joining this tour.

On this trip, we’ll be reaching altitudes with an average between 3500 and 4500 meters above sea level. You’ll get time to acclimatize to the altitude during the first few days in Kyrgyzstan: you’ll sleep just below 3000 meters in Sary Mogul Village and at 3300 and 3600 meters in the yurt camps. By the time you cross the border with Tajikistan, you should be more acclimatized. It’s hard to predict exactly how your body will react to high altitudes because everyone is different.  The highest place you reach will be Engel’s Peak Bascecamp at 5000 meters altitude. In case you’re worried about it, please ask medical advice from your doctor before booking this trip and ask about medication such as Diamox. If you have any existing medical conditions, like heart problems, trouble breathing, or diabetes, you should talk to your doctor before traveling to high altitude.

In case you have more questions about this tour, don’t hesitate to contact me .

Price for the 18-day Highlights of Tajikistan Adventure Tour:

• from 5 to 7 people:  €2600 per person
• from 8 people on:  €2450 per person

What’s included in this price?

• Airport transfer in Osh and Dushanbe
• Transportation: 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers (4 people in 1 car) with experienced drivers
• English-speaking tour guide
• All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary (shared sleeping spaces)
• All meals mentioned in the itinerary
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees for National Parks
• Crew for the 3-day Fann Mountains trek: local mountain guide, cook, donkeys for luggage
• Cooking and camping gear (shared 2-person tent + sleeping pad)

What’s not included in this price?

• International airfares to and from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
• Domestic transport to Osh and from Dushanbe (we can arrange Bishkek – Osh airfare tickets for an additional price of €55, see FAQ’s)
• Visa application fee (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is visa-free for most EU and other countries). Check here for Kyrgyzstan  and check here for Tajikistan to see if you can visit the country without having to obtain a visa.
• Visa support (if needed – €50)
• Registration at the OVIR (€20) -> only for those who enter Tajikistan visa-free
• GBAO permits to enter the Pamir Highway (€30)
• Early check-in on day 1 in Osh (optional, €30 per room).
• Medical or travel insurance (mandatory to join our trip). I recommend  HeyMondo or IATI backpacker if you want a good insurance provider that covers outdoor activities up to 5000 meters.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (these are lunches and dinners in local restaurants on day 1, day 10, day 12, day 13, day 14 and day 17)
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee
• Entrance tickets for optional activities such as museums, hot springs, siteseeings, …
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Private room in hotels in the cities (€300) – we can’t provide single supplement in rural areas, see FAQ’s
• Sleeping bag: can be rented for an additional price of €30 for the 3-day trek in the Fann Mountains
• Single tent: if you don’t want to share a tent with another participant, you can rent your own at an additional price of €30 for the 3-day trek in the Fann Mountains

Payment & Cancellation Policy

18-day highlights of tajikistan adventure tour:.

Price (depending on group size):

• from 5 to 7 people: €2600 per person
• from 8 people on: €2450 per person

Confirm your participation with a deposit of €350 per person .

Deposits can be made via a standard bank transfer in EUR or via online transfer (Wise) in EUR or USD.

As soon as I receive your booking, I’ll send out the payment details. You have 48 hours to pay the deposit. If not, I have to cancel your participation and reserve the place for the next person who books.

The remaining tour costs can be paid either in cash on the first day of the tour, via credit card or via online payment at the latest one week before the start of the trip.

Note: there might be an additional fee on credit card and online payments .

If you have any more questions or want more info, please contact me  here !

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you can’t join this tour, we’ll refund your deposit – minus €100 administrative costs – if you cancel at the latest 3 months before the start of the tour.

In case we have to cancel this tour due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (pandemic, political reasons, natural disasters,…), you’ll receive a full refund of the tour costs (minus transaction costs). We’re not responsible for and therefore don’t refund any flight cancellations and/or flight expenses.

Don’t hesitate and join now! It will be an unforgettable and beautiful adventure!

I’m so excited to offer you this adventure!! Cynthia

Email: [email protected]

Phone & whatsapp: +992 935 382 545.

WELCOME TO PAMIR, THE LAND OF MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS 

The home of very hospitable people.

Welcome to the Pamirs, the land of majestic mountains and wild rivers The home of very welcoming and modest people.

Pamir Guides is an adventure tour operator based in the Eastern Pamir of Tajikistan . Run by local people, we have over 15 years guiding experience in the region. Pamir Guides provides for individual and group tailor-made holidays as well as package tours and treks. We offer cultural, trekking, mountaineering support and photo safari opportunities and provide visa and permit services, border access, transport services, hotel and guest house booking, and climbing permit services.

The Pamir mountain range in Central Asia forms the western arm of the Himalayas and are amongst the world's highest mountains. They are known as the "Roof of the World" and are traversed by the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the most famous road trips in the world.

Tours and Trekking

Combination trekking in Fan and Pamirs

14-day the combination trekking tour. 3 days trekking in fan mountains. 2 days trekking in gunt valley and 3 days trekking in eastern pamir. during the trekking you get to see both great massive valleys of fan & pamirs. in addition, you will see both western pamirs with narrow valleys and the lowlanders and eastern pamirs, tibetan kind of highlands with semi-arid dry environment and pastoral communities..

Pamir, the road of the clouds  Tajikistan.   

Type of tour:   this tour is designed such that it allows a deep look at the pamirs starting from dushanbe and finishing in dushanbe. having conducted jeep adventure we shall visit all historical and cultural place in the nature of beautiful pamirs major destinations:  dushnabe – all pamir arias - dushanbe​ estimate duration: 14 days in total, during the tour you may short walking each day after khorog. group size: unrestricted notice: best season to visit these areas is may to september..

Pamirhigh way trip Tajikistan ending Osh (Kyrgyzstan) per person 499U$D transport cost. 

​estimate duration: 1st group start 11 days from dushanbe on 5th of may 2024 . maximum 4 traveler sharing jeep cost.  type of tour: this tour is jeep tour with daily hiking on west pamir, east pamir and pamir alay valley. major destinations: dushanbe by pamirhighway kalihumb-rushan-khorog-ishkshim-langar-jartygumbez hotspring - murghab - osh group size: 4 people ​notice: best season to visit may - october. .

Newly updated 2024-2025 160+ page digital Catalog now available!

Tajikistan's Pamir Highway

Photo credit: Jake Smith

From the Wakhan Corridor to the Pamir Plateau

The Pamirs form one of the planet’s most remote and stunningly beautiful landscapes. Snow-capped, craggy mountains ring a high-altitude plateau that is studded with azure lakes. Narrow river valleys trace verdant paths through the peaks, linking timeless villages where obscure languages have been spoken since before Marco Polo passed through. Starting from Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, set off on a breathtaking overland journey through these jagged mountains and plunging valleys along the Pamir Highway. Experience the majesty of the Wakhan Corridor, where for centuries Silk Road merchants and Great Game players passed under the shadows of the Hindu Kush. Enjoy conversations and home-cooked meals with local Pamiris in their bucolic mountain villages and with Kyrgyz semi-nomads in their yak-centric yurt camps. This is real adventure – the best of Central Asia.

MIR’s experienced guides know the roads and know the people. They’ll take you on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Travels to: Tajikistan

Start in Dushanbe, the pleasant and leafy capital of Tajikistan. View one of world’s largest reclining Buddhas – a relic of the region’s ancient Buddhist past – and enjoy an introduction to local music before heading south to explore the plains and agricultural towns leading up to the Pamirs.

• Listen to the sounds of traditional Tajik and Pamiri music at a music museum in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe (named for the Persian word for Monday)
• Explore the natural springs that make up Chiluchor Chashma, a natural wonder and an ancient pilgrimage site
• Discover Tajikistan’s ancient Buddhist past as you view the reclining Buddha in Dushanbe and Buddhist ruins in Bokhtar
• Watch as the landscape around you transitions from the agricultural lowlands and hills of western Tajikistan to the soaring peaks and plunging valleys of the Pamirs east of Kulob

Wind along the Afghan border, in places mere feet away across the Panj River. Timeless villages line the river on both sides of the border, and the landscape becomes increasingly beautiful as the mountains rise up all around you.

• Admire the unmatched mountain scenery and plunging valleys along the Pamir Highway, one of the highest international highways in the world
• Learn about the languages and cultures that make up the patchwork of peoples in the Pamirs, including the Shughnis, the Wakhis, and the Kyrgyz
• Learn about the practice of Ismailism (a branch of Shia Islam), as you meet with practitioners at a jamaatkhana in the Pamiri capital Khorugh, set at 7,000 feet and near the Afghan border

Enter the Wakhan Valley, just across from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, a narrow spit of land separating Tajikistan from Pakistan. The valley is dotted with beautiful villages, hot springs, ancient forts, and Ismaili shrines.

• Explore Wakhi (and Silk Road) culture and history as you visit ruined forts, scenic villages, and Ismaili shrines along the Tajik side of the Wakhan Corridor
• Look for camel caravans, largely unchanged over the centuries, descending on the Afghan side from highland pastures to lowland villages
• Chat with friendly locals to learn more about their way of life in the deeply isolated region

Head up and out of the Wakhan, ascending to the high Pamir Plateau. This area was traditionally home to Kyrgyz yak herders – many still set up yurt camps in the summers. Look out for marmots, Bactrian camels, Marco Polo sheep, and other wildlife.

• Look for ibex, Marco Polo sheet, marmots, eagles, and even snow leopards as you traverse the high altitude passes and plateaus on your way to Jarty Gumbez
• Chat with the semi-nomadic Kyrgyz, a minority in Tajikistan who make their home on the high plateaus of the Pamirs, herding yaks and living for some of the year in yurts
• View a Neolithic hunting scene, painted thousands of years ago inside Shakhty Cave, not far from Murghob

Descend back down from the plateau, winding your way back to the Afghan border through Ghudara and the Bartang Valley, a deeply isolated and remote area. Stop to chat with friendly villagers and to view the stunning mountains as you go. Continue back to Dushanbe following a different route through the Rasht Valley (conditions permitting), making your path through Tajikistan an epic figure eight. Celebrate the end of the adventure back in the capital.

• Pass through the Bartang Valley, one of the most remote and spectacular parts of the Pamirs
• Conditions permitting, avoid backtracking on your return to Dushanbe, instead venturing over Saghirdasht Pass to the Rasht Valley, a stronghold of Tajik traditions and culture

Dates & Prices

Small group tour – max 12 travelers

Land tour price, per person. Based on double occupancy and minimum group size of 5 travelers.

What is a Partial Single Supplement?

This tour connects to our Outposts of the Silk Road tour through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan: July 31-August 17, 2024.

• 2024 Dates Aug 17 - 31 Tour, double occupancy $6,995 Partial single supplement $375
• 2025 Dates Aug 16 - 30 Tour, double occupancy $7,195 Partial single supplement $450

What's Included

• Accommodations as noted in itinerary. In the cities of Dushanbe, Bokhtar, Qal’ai Khumb, and Khorugh hotels are of the three to four star level (collectively 8 nights). In Murghob and Rushon (total 2 nights) the hotels are very simple and while rooms are private, restroom facilities may be shared. Very basic guesthouses are used for the other four nights (Yamg, Langar, Jarty Gumbez, and Ghudara) with shared sleeping accommodations and shared outhouse WCs. Shared accommodations may be mixed-sex.
• Most meals, as noted in the itinerary: 15 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 8 dinners.
• Restaurant tips for included meals.
• Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers and other staff, including a MIR Tour Manager.
• Arrival/departure airport transfers. MIR will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure whether we make your airfare arrangements or not, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates in the tour start/end cities.
• Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private mini-coach, jeep or van (size of vehicle depends on group size and terrain).
• Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
• Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and other service personnel.
• Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
• Customized visa application and instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in the tour price).
• Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
• International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
• Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
• Single supplement charge, if requested or required.
• Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
• Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees.
• Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
• Baggage handling.
• Gratuities to Tour Manager.
• Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Activity Level

Level 4: Rigorous

This Explorer Series program, by nature, is designed to be comfortable for western travelers, but is a very adventurous program to a rustic part of the world. Accommodations will vary widely, and will include three and four-star hotels in Dushanbe, Bokhtar, Qal’ai Khumb, and Khorugh (collectively 8 nights). In Murghob and Rushon (total 2 nights) the hotels are very simple and while rooms are private, restroom facilities may be shared. Very basic guesthouses are used for the other four nights (Yamg, Langar, Jarty Gumbez, and Ghudara) with shared sleeping accommodations and shared outhouse WCs. Shared accommodations may be mixed-sex. Running water, electricity, internet, and cell service may not be available for several stretches along this itinerary, especially in Yamg, Langar, Jarty Gumbez, and Ghudara. Even if available, the service may be frustratingly weak (this includes electricity, which can at times be weak and unreliable in some of these areas).

Some drives will be more than eight hours and have significant segments along dirt roads, unpaved roads, or poorly maintained and therefore very bumpy asphalt. Expect rough, dusty roads , for long periods of time. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least two miles a day , keeping up with fellow travelers, and must enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with overland travel over dusty, rough roads.

A large part of the trip is at a high elevation , ranging from 7,000 to over 15,000 feet (the highest points on the itinerary are en route from Langar to Jarty Gumbez and Murghab and then on to Ghudara. This stretch includes the Ak-Baital Pass at 15,270 feet above sea level, the Khargush pass at 14,252 feet above sea level, an overnight in Jarty Gumbez at over 13,000 feet above sea level, and an overnight in Murghob at 11,869 feet above sea level.

If you rely on electricity for CPAP , or for any other reason, you must have your own battery or other back-up, or please reconsider participation.

Those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, must consult a doctor before considering this trip.

Services are improving in the region; however, you may encounter problems with plumbing, bureaucratic service, road conditions, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, and availability and quality of public restrooms. In some places, established public restrooms will be Eastern-style. In other places where there are no restrooms, the group will make “bush stops.” Hot running water is not a constant in this part of the world, as municipal water systems are sometimes under repair in the warmer months and some guesthouses or yurt camps do not offer running hot water. We are traveling in some areas which, relatively speaking, have seen few travelers, and the infrastructure is not yet fully developed. Air conditioning is a luxury and often not available in facilities outside capital cities.

This program is rated as rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved (with some hiking), extended travel at high altitudes, several very long driving days and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. This itinerary features a significant amount of touring on foot, and long days of driving – required to experience some of the spectacular scenery.

Flexibility, a sense of humor and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential components to the enjoyment of this trip.

Every effort has been made to make the information 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 Central Asia, this may not always be possible. This tour maintains a focus on cultural interaction and we will be visiting private homes and sharing meals with local residents. It is therefore important that tour members have a desire to involve themselves in the local culture in order to fully enjoy this trip. If you are looking for a less adventurous experience, MIR offers other scheduled small group tour options featuring more comfortable accommodation and which do not venture into the remote and undeveloped Pamir region. Please ask for details on these tours ( Journey Through Central Asia ) as well as a custom private journey which may be a better match for your interests and physical capabilities.

• 1/18 A small Ismaili shrine on the Tajik side of the Wakhan Corridor.
• 2/18 Traditional agriculture in the Pamirs.
• 3/18 Bactrian camels in the Pamirs. Jake Smith
• 4/18 A Kyrgyz elder in Murghob.
• 5/18 Hisor Fort, not far from Dushanbe.
• 6/18 The Tajik National Museum in Dushanbe.
• 7/18 The road above Langar, looking across at Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• 8/18 Yamchun Fort, towering above the Wakhan Corridor.
• 9/18 A pretty village on the Tajik side of the Wakhan Corridor.
• 10/18 A scene from near Ishkashim, in the Pamirs.
• 11/18 The stupa (Buddhist or Zoroastrian - or both) at Vrang.
• 12/18 The gold-domed Hamadani Shrine in Kulob.
• 13/18 An Afghan Pamiri village, as seen from the Tajik side of the border.
• 14/18 High mountains in the Pamirs.

Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary below.

Stay a little longer....

MIR can arrange for an extension at the beginning or end of your trip to any of our other destinations, including the other ’Stans , the Middle East , and the countries of the South Caucasus . Contact MIR for details about extended-travel options.

Or, choose from one of these suggested itineraries:

• New Tour! Small Group 18 Days From $6,295 Outposts of the Silk Road Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (1)
• New Features Small Group 18 Days From $6,795 Silk Road Backroads & Byways Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (1)
• Private 13 Days From $4,895 Essential Central Asia Departures May Vary
• Private 10 Days From $3,695 Essential Uzbekistan Departures May Vary
• Private 8 Days From $2,995 Essential Kyrgyzstan Departures May Vary

Traveler Reviews

Ashland, OR

C. Eden Travel & Lifestyle Journalist

Stories To Inspire

Top 10 places to discover in tajikistan: undiscovered, remote, incredible, travel inspiration: what's new in tajikistan, traveler spotlight: what it’s like to travel to tajikistan right now, request a detailed itinerary.

Let the trip planning begin! Enjoy immediate access to a PDF of a detailed itinerary for this trip.

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