How It Works – Pamir Highway Tours with Discover The Pamirs
Planning to explore the legendary Pamir Highway with us? Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, we make it easy to join a shared tour or organize a private trip that fits your schedule. Here’s how it all works with Discover The Pamirs.
While most travelers join our group departures to share costs, we also organize private tours on request.
If you prefer to travel privately, simply send us an enquiry with your preferred dates and requirements. We will organize a departure specifically for you and tailor the tour to your schedule.
Below is the standard process for joining a group departure, which most travelers choose:
1. Choose Your Tour
We offer three main types of Pamir Highway tours, based on the route:
1) Circle Trips (Dushanbe → Dushanbe)
- JT003 - Pamir Highway Tour – Join a Group or Go Private (10 days)
- JT002 - Circle Trip: Pamir Highway, Bartang and Wakhan (11 days)
- CyT001 - Cycling the Pamir Highway, Wakhan Valley, and Bartang Valley Loop (20 days)
2) Dushanbe → Osh (Most Popular)
A 7-day tour including the Wakhan Valley and a hike to Jizeu in the Bartang Valley.
The same route as above, but in reverse.
All tours can be customized—for example, by adding extra hiking days or shortening the duration.
2. Browse Upcoming Departures
Visit the Find & Join a Group section to explore available departures. Each departure includes:
- Unique departure code
- Start and end dates
- Number of available spots
- Participant names and countries
- Status (Guaranteed, Pending, Open, or Full)
You can use filters to view departures by specific tours or access departures directly on each tour’s detail page.
If none of the options match your plans:
- Click “Book Now” on a tour page to send a request
- Or use the “Enquire” button (top right) to request a custom itinerary
3. Send a Booking Request
- Click “Book”
- Fill out the booking form
- Submit your request
No upfront payment is required at this stage.
We review your request, reply to your questions, and add your name to the departure list. Once confirmed, your name will appear on the selected departure.
All requests are processed manually within 24 hours.
Note: Please double-check your email address so we can contact you.
4. Wait for the Group to Fill (If Needed)
We organize tours with up to 4 travelers per car.
Some departures may include multiple cars (e.g., 8, 12, or 16 travelers), grouped under one departure instead of creating separate listings. However, this does not mean the tour will only run when all spots are filled—the departure depends on participants’ commitment, not total group size.
- If the status is Pending, we wait until enough travelers join
- If the status is Guaranteed, the tour is expected to run based on confirmed commitment
A departure may become guaranteed even before it is full, depending on the participants. Please read more about departure statuses here.
You’ll receive updates by email and can always check the live status on our website.
5. Prepare for the Tour
a) Send a Copy of Your Passport (GBAO Permit)
Once we receive a copy of your passport, we will arrange the GBAO permit for you before departure.
If your tour starts from Osh:
- We will send you a photo of your GBAO permit via WhatsApp
- Please place your passport copy and permit on one page and make 12 printed copies for checkpoints
Note 1:
If you are unable to make copies in advance (for example, due to last-minute booking), no problem. You can show the permit on your phone at the border. We recommend making printed copies later in Murghab.
Note 2:
If you join the tour last minute and do not yet have the GBAO permit, please check with us whether it can be processed within a few hours. If possible, you may still depart from Osh, and we will send your permit to the border.
If your tour starts from Dushanbe:
We will provide you with the original permit before departure.
b) Exchange Money (Tajik Somoni)
You will need approximately $40 USD per day for excluded services such as meals, accommodation, and entrance fees.
- If you start from Osh, we recommend exchanging money there in advance
- You can also exchange USD to TJS in Murghab, but exchanging Euros may be difficult
6. Meet in Dushanbe or Osh
Our tours start in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) or Osh (Kyrgyzstan).
One day before departure:
- You’ll share your pick-up location
- Our driver will collect you from your accommodation
7. Enjoy the Ride – We Take Care of the Rest
Accommodation and meals are paid directly during the trip, keeping things flexible and affordable. We arrange transportation and logistics so you can focus on the stunning landscapes and new friendships.
Although accommodation is not included, we reserve guesthouses in advance. If you prefer hotels, please let us know in advance so we can adjust the arrangements.
Any Questions?
If you’re unsure about anything or need help choosing the right tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!