Pamir Highway in 8 days

Upon arriving in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, you will be greeted by our friendly driver and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is available from noon onwards, giving you some free time to relax and unwind after your journey. Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the surroundings or resting up for the adventure ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Dushanbe.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel to begin an exciting day of exploring the bustling capital of Tajikistan. The first stop is the National Museum of Antiquities, home to the famous statue of Buddha in Nirvana and an extensive collection of artifacts reflecting the country’s rich history. Next, visit the beautiful Botanical Garden, a peaceful retreat and popular spot for locals. Experience the vibrant local life with a visit to a bustling bazaar, where you’ll witness traditional Tajik trading and craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you’ll journey to the historical Hissar Fortress, situated 30 km from Dushanbe. Dating back to the 18th century, this fortress once guarded an important caravan route. You’ll also visit nearby sites such as the old madrassah and mausoleum before returning to Dushanbe for an overnight stay

After an early breakfast, your Pamir adventure officially begins as you depart for Kalai-Khumb, a small town nestled in the Pamir Mountains. The journey takes you along the M41 Highway, passing through the Tavildara region and the Khaburabad Pass, offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. As you travel, you’ll notice the more conservative clothing and bearded appearances of locals, a reflection of their traditions. However, the warm hospitality remains consistent throughout the region. You’ll follow the course of the Panj River, one of Central Asia’s great waterways, arriving in Kalai-Khumb for the night. Overnight at the hotel in Kalai-Khumb.

This leg of the tour follows the scenic route along the Panj River, which also serves as the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. As you drive, you’ll catch glimpses of Afghan villages across the river. The road will lead you to Khorog, a charming mountain town and the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Located at an altitude of 2000 meters, Khorog is set in a picturesque valley between the Gunt and Panj Rivers. The town boasts a renowned Botanic Garden, one of the highest in the world, which you’ll visit along with the local history museum. Overnight at a hotel in Khorog.

Start the day with a visit to Garm-Chashma, a famous natural hot spring known for its therapeutic properties. You’ll also explore the historical ruby mines at Kuhi Lal, which were once a prized source of precious rubies during the 14th century. Later, set off for Ishkashim, a small town at the start of the Wakhan Corridor, which was a key location in the 19th-century Great Game between the British and Russian Empires. As you travel, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Pamir Mountains to the north and the Hindu Kush to the south, with peaks towering over 6,000 meters. If your visit coincides with a Saturday, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the cross-border Tajik-Afghan market in Ishkashim (no Afghan visa required). Overnight at a guesthouse in Ishkashim.

Today’s journey takes you further along the Wakhan Valley to Langar. En route, you’ll visit Namadgut’s Kah-Kaha Fortress, an ancient Silk Road stronghold, as well as the Sufi Muborak-Kadami Vakhani Museum. This museum is dedicated to a renowned Sufi scholar, poet, and astronomer who lived in the early 20th century. You’ll also see his stone pillar solar calendar and unique inscriptions. Other highlights of the day include a visit to the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, the sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra, and the impressive Yamchun Fortress, dating back to the 3rd century BC. These sites offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient spiritual and cultural heritage. Overnight at a homestay in Langar.

Begin your day with a visit to the Langar petroglyphs, an astonishing collection of over 600 prehistoric rock carvings. Afterward, continue your drive through the Pamirs, passing the Khargush Pass (4344 m) and the source of the mighty Amu Darya River. The route takes you over the spectacular Nayza-Tash Pass (4137 m) before reaching Murgab, the highest town in Tajikistan. Here, you’ll experience the raw beauty of the Pamirs’ vast and rugged landscapes, along with the hospitality of the local Kyrgyz community. Overnight at a homestay in Murgab.

Your final day on the Pamir Highway is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll drive to the stunning Karakul Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Pamir region, located at 3914 meters above sea level. The landscape here is otherworldly, with snow-capped peaks and grazing yaks lining the shores. From here, you’ll ascend to the highest point of your journey, the Ak-Baital Pass (4655 m), known as the “Roof of the World.” After soaking in the views, you’ll continue to the Kyrgyz border via the Kyzylart Pass. A 9-kilometer neutral zone separates the two countries. Upon crossing into Kyrgyzstan, you’ll enjoy a local lunch in Sary-Tash before being transferred to Osh, where the tour concludes. Overnight in Osh or transfer to the airport for your departure.

This 8-day Pamir Highway tour promises an extraordinary adventure through some of Central Asia’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes. Experience the rich cultural heritage, history, and hospitality of Tajikistan while witnessing the grandeur of the Pamir Mountains on this unforgettable journey.