Immerse in Local Culture: Enjoy traditional hospitality and local cuisine and stay in Kyrgyz yurts at Lenin Peak base and Pamiri homestays. Explore historical landmarks like Yamchun Fortress and Hulbuk Palace, and relax in the healing waters of Bibi Fatima Hot Springs.
Epic High-Altitude Hikes: Trek to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 m) at Lenin Peak and Panorama Ridge (4,800 m) for panoramic views of Lenin Peak and glaciers cascading from the Great Pamir mountains.
Explore Stunning Lakes: Discover the beauty of Tulparkol, Karakul, Bulunkul, and Yashylkul, pristine alpine lakes that reflect the surrounding peaks.
Wakhan Valley Adventures: Drive along the legendary Panj River, tracing the Afghan border with views of remote villages, nomadic caravans, and the Hindu Kush mountains.
Conquer the Highest Passes: Cross the Kyzylart Pass (4,300 m) into Tajikistan and the Akbaital Pass (4,655 m), the highest point on the Pamir Highway.
4x4 Toyota
Conversational-English speaking driver
Side trips mentioned in the itinerary
Driver’s meals and accommodation, fuel, border fees for transport
The GBAO permit for Pamir region costs additional $35
Your meals and accommodation
Entrance fees to the museums, attractions (yak riding) and etc.
Welcome to the Pamir Highway!
Today we start our drive towards Sarymogol village, 4hr. A nice valley opens when you reach Taldyk Pass (3600 meters) with green pastures and yaks grazing around. Arrive in Sarymogol village and cross the bridge to the yurt camp at Tulparkol Lake (3500 m) next to Lenin Peak Base Camp, 1hr. After settling in, enjoy a hike to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 m). The 3-hour ascent offers breathtaking views of glaciers tumbling down from Lenin Peak. After resting at the pass, return to the yurt camp (2 hrs) for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Today, we will cross the border via the second-highest Pass of the Pamir Highway, Kyzylart Pass, standing at 4300m. From Tulparkol Lake, drive to the Bordobo checkpoint and cross the border to Karakul Lake in Tajikistan. The different landscape opens up, confirming that this is Tajikistan. Karakul Lake is the largest lake in the Pamirs, formed by glaciers and with no outflow.
After lunch take a walk around the lake. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.
Travel goes on to Murgab via the highest pass Akbaital (4655 m) you will ever do in Tajikistan, 3hr. Take photos of glaciers on the pass. Lunch in Murgab village. Walk around the village and explore the town. Head on to Alichur village, 2 hrs. On the way stop in Bash Gumboz pasture. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a yak ride through the scenic pastures. Capture some incredible photos as you explore the landscape on yak-back—an optional experience that adds a unique memory to your journey. Please note that the yak ride is not included in the tour price. Overnight and dinner in a guesthouse.
Breakfast. Take a side trip to visit the Alpine Bulunkul and Yashylkul lakes. Drive back to the main road and head up to the Kargush pass (4 344m). Arrive at the Kargush pass and start the 3-4 hrs trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. While walking up, two small lakes behind you at the roadside open up to cheer you. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of Great Pamir on the Afghan border on top of the pass. Walk back to your car. After the pass, drive down to the Afghanistan border for another checkpoint to check your GBAO permit. The road follows the river Pamir to Wakhan valley with the chance to admire the Big Pamir of Afghanistan with nomadic Afghan Kyrgyz caravans. Great rugged Hindu Kush mountain ranges welcome you right before entering Wakhan Valley. Overnight and dinner in a friendly homestay in Langar village.
5-6 hours of drive
Breakfast. Right after you leave your guesthouse, we do a side trip to admire the 12th-century Yamchun Fortress rising from a platform of natural rock. Walk up to the edge of the fort and you will have an amazing view of the Wakhan Valley. Further up the hillside are located the hot springs of Bibi Fatima, with its crystal waters rich in minerals. Back to the main road. Another fortress Khaaka comes up along the way at Namadgut village when you get closer to Ishkashim village. It is worth a 10-minute stop. Continue to drive to Khorog City. Afternoon, visit the interesting Regional Museum and Central Park of Khorog City. Evening hike in a Botanical Garden that has various plants and trees to explore. Dinner at a cafe. Night in a hotel.
Travel to Darvoz district. A gorgeous road goes along the river up to the Vanj valley where the road widens up. The road from Kalaikhum to Khorog is known for its rugged terrain, winding through narrow passes and offering panoramic views of towering mountains. Ongoing road construction as of 2024 may cause delays, so be prepared for occasional stops and slower sections. Arrive in Kalaikhum village and be accommodated in a guesthouse.
Today is the last day of the Pamir Highway trip.
Travel to Dushanbe along the Panj River through numerous local villages along the way. The road has been reconstructed recently and it will be a comfortable drive. Deep rocky valleys and gorgeous mountains accompany you up to the Shurobod pass before Kulab village. Lunch in a Chaikana (local cafe). Visit 11th-century Hulbuk Palace on the way and enjoy the views of the world’s second-highest hydropower station Nurek in the distance. Arrival in Dushanbe. Accommodation in your hotel.
