Langar, Pamir highway

Langar is a charming village nestled in the upper reaches of the Wakhan Corridor, located at the confluence of the Pamir and Wakhandarya rivers, where they merge to form the Panj River. This serene settlement marks the end of the Tajik section of the Wakhan Corridor, and from here, the journey into the rugged mountain plateau of the Pamirs begins. While Langar offers a relatively mild mountain climate, travelers venturing further towards Murghab will soon encounter the harsh, desolate landscapes of the high-altitude Pamir desert.

The name “Langar” is common across Central Asia, not only in Tajikistan but also in neighboring Uzbekistan. The word itself has its roots in Persian, originally borrowed from Greek, where it meant «anchor» (from the Greek «anchor» – angor – langor – langar). This evolution of the term reflects its connection to seafaring, but in Central Asia, it took on a new meaning related to land travel. «Langar» came to signify a resting place, or «harbor,» for caravans traveling along ancient trade routes. Thus, many locations where travelers frequently stopped were named «Langar,» becoming essential waypoints for merchants and traders.

Today, the village of Langar, located along the famous Pamir Highway, is a picturesque and welcoming stop for travelers. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, it offers visitors the chance to stay in several cozy guesthouses before embarking on the 230-kilometer journey to Murghab. The village’s peaceful surroundings and scenic beauty make it an ideal resting point.

However, Langar is more than just a convenient stopover. It is home to a remarkable historical treasure – a gallery of ancient petroglyphs etched into a massive granite cliff overlooking the village. To view these fascinating rock carvings, one must ascend to an altitude of 3,000 meters, where around 6,000 petroglyphs are scattered across the rocky slope. The majority of the images are found on an inclined cliff face and depict various scenes of life from ancient times. Among the carvings, you’ll find images of mountain goats, eagles, and other wildlife, as well as depictions of hunters wielding bows, horse riders, and intricate symbols and patterns.

Unfortunately, some of the petroglyphs have suffered damage over the years due to vandalism, with certain parts defaced by crude imitations or graffiti. Despite this, the scale and artistry of the ancient carvings remain impressive and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this region.