Cycling the Pamir Highway, Wakhan Valley, and Bartang Valley Loop

Today will be your first day of your cycling! You should start 30 minutes earlier - at 7:30 am, and after 150 km of driving, have lunch in open air with the nice view to Afghanistan. The food is prepared by your cook and lunch will be served at the Panj river with a nice view to Afghanistan. After entering the Rushan border, the driver will unload your bicycles and you start cycling to Rushon district (69 km). Cycling will be on Pamir Highway, along the Panj river. Dinner and overnight in a homestay in Rushan.  

After breakfast, continue cycling the Khargush pass: the first part will be still hard till the Pamir Highway road. Turn left and cycle till Bulunkul village. Lunch in Nisso homestay. After lunch cycle towards the Yashilkul lake. On the way, from the right side of the road there might be National Park people, from which you have to get the permission. It costs around 2 USD per person. After that continue cycling till a hotspring at the lake. You can swim in it. Enjoy cycling along the road and can reach the dam. Back to the homestay in the evening and enjoy having fishes from the Bulunkul lake for the dinner  

Cycling distance: 69 km     

After breaakfast at the homestay or camp, today you will cycle back to the Pamir Highway road (14 km) and then enjoy cycling the Pamir Highway. Lunch in Alichur. Overnight in Bashgumbez -  a small village with Kyrgyz inhabitants. 

Cyclling distance: 78 km

Back to the main road, continue cycling the Pamir Highway till Murghab. Lunch is on the way to Murghab as picnic. Visit Murghab Bazar, Yak house, Lenin statue. Overnight in yurt.

Cycling distance: 81 km

Today will be the hardest day of your cycling tour, because you will be cycling the highest point of the Pamir Highway road - the Akbaital pass (4655 m). Picnic on the way. Based on your preference and time, you can put a tent before the pass or after the pass. Overnight in tents.

 Cycling distance: 74 km

After Akbaital pass, continue cycling today till the Karakul lake (means "black lake" in Kyrgyz ) - a 25 km in length with 230 m depth. Put your tents and enjoy having dinner at the lake, which will be cooked by your cook. Overnight in tents.   

Cycling distance: 59 km

Today the cycling distance be longer, but it will be decending. Lunch on the way. Dinner in Kudara village of Bartang valley in a homestay. Shower is available. Overnight at the homestay.  

Cycling distance: 137 km

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure tracing the enchanting contours of the Tanimas River. As we pedal forward, be prepared to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring landscapes that unfold before us. The rugged beauty of the Pamir Mountains and the untouched charm of the remote villages along the Bartang Valley will captivate your senses.

Immersing ourselves in the warmth of Bartangi hospitality, we pause for a delightful tea break, exchanging stories and laughter with the locals. Their genuine kindness and openness add a unique flavor to our journey, making every interaction a cherished memory. Our lunch awaits us in one of these welcoming villages, where we refuel amidst the tranquil surroundings.

With renewed energy, we continue our cycling odyssey, descending towards the picturesque Basid village nestled in the heart of the Bartang Valley. Along the way, the ever-changing panoramas and the rhythmic hum of our wheels against the terrain create a symphony of adventure and discovery.

Cycling Distance: 80 km

Our journey resumes with the promise of new discoveries as we delve deeper into the heart of the Bartang Valley. Today, we embark on a 69-kilometer adventure that unveils the raw beauty and rugged terrain of this remote region.

Traversing the Bartang River, we navigate our way across rustic bridges that connect the scattered villages along the valley. With each crossing, we witness the timeless harmony between nature and human habitation. The narrowing contours of the valley add an element of mystery and allure to our path, beckoning us to explore further.

Pushing onward, our wheels spin tirelessly as we pedal towards the quaint village of Yemts, a hidden gem nestled amidst the rugged grandeur of the Bartang Valley. As we approach the end of our trail, the serenity and isolation of Yemts offer a glimpse into a world untouched by time.

Cycling Distance: 69 km

After a satisfying breakfast at the guesthouse, we set out for our final day of cycling adventure. Today marks the culmination of our journey through the rugged beauty of the Bartang Valley. With spirits high and hearts full of memories, we pedal alongside the gentle flow of the Bartang River, soaking in the last moments of this breathtaking landscape.

As we follow the course of the Bartang River, our path eventually merges with the mighty Panj River, signaling our return to the Pamir Highway. Here, amidst the convergence of these majestic waterways, we bid farewell to the Bartang Valley and embrace the familiar route of the Pamir Highway.

As we continue cycling along the Pamir Highway towards Qalai Khumb, we recognize the distance is too far to cover in one day. Therefore, after enjoying a satisfying lunch, we load our bicycles onto our support vehicle and embark on the remainder of the journey by car. Our destination is Qalai Khumb, where we'll find comfort and rest in a cozy guesthouse for the night.

Cycling Distance: 90 km

After a satisfying breakfast, we bid farewell to our cycling adventure and load our bicycles onto our support vehicle. Our journey back to Dushanbe begins, offering us a chance to reflect on the memories and experiences gathered along the Pamir Highway.

En route to Dushanbe, we make a pit stop at a charming café for a leisurely lunch, where we can savor local delicacies and reminisce about the highlights of our tour.

As we approach Dushanbe, our journey comes to a close. The support team drops us off at our respective guesthouses, marking the end of our unforgettable cycling expedition through the rugged beauty of Tajikistan's landscapes.

After unloading our bicycles and settling into our accommodations, we come together one last time for a heartfelt farewell dinner. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, we express our gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible. Though our tour concludes, the memories we've created and the bonds we've formed will remain cherished. As we bid goodbye, we pledge to stay in touch, keeping the spirit of adventure alive in our hearts.

Today marks the end of our incredible journey together. For those departing Tajikistan today, we organize transportation to the airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free departure.

As we bid farewell to each other, we reflect on the memories shared, the challenges overcome, and the friendships forged along the way. Though our adventure may be ending, the spirit of camaraderie and exploration will continue to inspire us in the days to come.

Safe travels, and until we meet again!