Pamir Highway Tour 2024

Depart Dushanbe early in the morning for Kalai Khumb, a pivotal stop on your Pamir Highway adventure and the entry point to the Darvaz region, which marks the beginning of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). As we traverse approximately 350 kilometers, our route traces the picturesque Panj River, serving as a natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

En route, we pause to admire the monumental Nurek Dam and the historic Hulbuk Fortress, offering glimpses into Tajikistan's engineering prowess and rich cultural heritage.

After a delightful lunch break in Kulob, we ascend the Shurobod pass (2267 m) to catch our first panoramic views of Afghanistan across the river. The stark contrast of Afghan villages, characterized by clay structures, provides poignant insights into the region's cultural diversity.

Our journey continues alongside the meandering Panj River, where glimpses of Afghan life unfold before our eyes, offering a unique perspective on borderland communities.

As evening descends, we arrive at Kalai Khumb, where Tajik hospitality awaits at a cozy guesthouse, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the majestic Pamir Mountains.

Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Qalai Khumb.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 350 km
• Altitude: 1900 m
• Internet Availability: Tcell (3G), Megafon (3G), Babilon (3G)
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: inside and shared outside
• Amenities: hot water, shower. 

Today, we embark on a captivating journey departing early from Qalai Khumb towards the enchanting Bartang Valley. As we traverse the rugged terrain, our route follows the meandering path of the Panj River, offering glimpses of Afghan villages and the towering peaks of the Pamir Mountains.

After passing a construction area, we pause to enjoy breakfast, invigorating ourselves for the adventures that lie ahead. Our path leads us to the junction to Bartang Valley, where we leave the Pamir Highway behind and venture into the heart of this remote region.

Navigating winding roads, we arrive at Baghu village, where we partake in a delightful lunch before continuing towards the Jizeu bridge, the starting point of our trekking expedition.

The trek into Bartang Valley takes approximately 2.5 hours, leading us to the remote and untouched Jizeu village. Surrounded by pristine landscapes and nestled among the Pamir Mountains, Jizeu offers a glimpse into traditional life away from modern conveniences.

Exploring the village and engaging with the locals, we gain insights into their way of life amidst the idyllic surroundings. As the day draws to a close, we find solace in a homestay, immersed in the warmth of Tajik hospitality amidst the tranquility of Bartang Valley.
 

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 200 km
• Altitude: 2700 m
• Internet Availability: Not available
• Electricity Availability: Limited (some houses have solar panels)
• Toilet Facilities: Outdoor toilets. Prepare for rustic conditions.
• Amenities: No shower facilities
   

We bid farewell to the idyllic charm of Jizeu and journey to Khorog, the vibrant administrative center of GBAO. The scenic drive offers glimpses of life along the Panj River and the majestic Pamir Mountains.

Arriving in Khorog, nestled amidst towering peaks and the Ghund River, we indulge in a delicious lunch at a local eatery, where the flavors of Tajik cuisine mingle with the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, creating a memorable dining experience.

Our afternoon in Khorog begins with visits to key attractions embodying the town's rich cultural heritage. The Khorog Botanical Garden showcases the diverse plant life of the Pamir region within a lush oasis of flora.

In Khorog Central Park, surrounded by locals enjoying leisurely moments amidst nature, we immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere. The vibrant bazaar offers a tapestry of handicrafts, textiles, and local produce, each a testament to Tajik craftsmanship and tradition.

As evening falls, we find comfort in a welcoming guesthouse, where gracious hosts offer a taste of Tajik hospitality with a home-cooked dinner.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 80 km
• Altitude: 2300 m
• Internet Availability: Available (Tcell, Megafon, Zet-Mobile, Babilon)
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: Inside building, shared
• Amenities: Shared shower facilities
   

After a hearty breakfast, our journey through the enchanting Wakhan Valley begins with a visit to the renowned Garm-Chashma hot spring, where healing waters bubble up from the earth, offering rejuvenation amidst stunning landscapes.

We then venture to Ishkashim, a historic town where the Great Game once concluded. Along the way, feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of the Pamir Mountains and the Hindu Kush.

Road conditions vary, with a mix of dirt and paved roads. A short ascent to Garm-Chashma presents a rewarding experience, with healing waters renowned for their curative properties.

After a brief dip in the hot spring, we enjoy lunch at a local café in Ishkashim before continuing our exploration. Highlights include visits to Qahqaha and Yamchun fortresses, remnants of ancient civilizations dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC.

Our day concludes with a visit to Bibi Fatima hot spring, revered for its healing properties and believed to enhance fertility and treat various ailments.

Retreat to a cozy guesthouse at the hot spring, where you can unwind amidst the tranquility of the Wakhan Valley.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 210 km
• Altitude: 3000 m
• Internet Availability: Tcell, Megafon
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: Inside building, shared
• Amenities: Shared shower
   

Embark on another day of discovery in the Wakhan Valley after a fulfilling breakfast. Our first stop is Yamg village, where we delve into the life and legacy of Sufi Muborak-Kadami Vakhani at the Museum dedicated to this esteemed scholar, theologian, poet, and traveler. Nearby, we marvel at a stone pillar used by Vakhani to calculate a solar calendar and explore the intricately decorated building adorned with inscriptions.

Continuing our exploration, we visit the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang and marvel at its ancient allure. Our journey then leads us to Langar village, home to petroglyphs dating back over 5000 years.

After a satisfying lunch in Langar, we bid farewell to the Wakhan Valley and ascend in altitude towards Bulunkul village. Perched at an elevation of 3740 meters, Bulunkul holds the title of the coldest village in the Pamir, where winter temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling minus 63 degrees Celsius.

Upon arrival, a leisurely walk to Bulunkul Lake allows us to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery and engage with the local community. Keep an eye out for yaks grazing peacefully by the lakeshore, a testament to the resilience of Bulunkul's inhabitants.

As night falls, we settle into a cozy guesthouse in Bulunkul village, where warm hospitality and the comforts of a Russian banya await.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 170 km
• Altitude: 3740 m
• Internet Availability: Not available
• Electricity Availability: Not available
• Toilet Facilities: Outside building
• Amenities: Russian banya
   

As the sun rises over Bulunkul, we kick off our day with a brief stop at Yashilkul Lake, aptly named for its enchanting emerald hues. Situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,700 meters, Yashilkul stretches 19 kilometers in length and 1-4 kilometers in width, with depths plunging to 50 meters—a photographer's paradise.

Our journey continues along the rugged terrain of the Pamir Highway, the second-highest road in the world, leading us to Murghab, a quaint mountain town inhabited primarily by the Kyrgyz people. Here, amidst the stark beauty of the Pamirs, we pause for lunch and explore the vibrant container bazaar, a bustling hub of trade and culture.

Venturing further, we ascend to the Pamir Highway's zenith—the formidable Ak-Baital Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 4655 meters. As we traverse this dizzying altitude, a sense of awe and wonder envelops us, amidst breathtaking panoramas and a thinning atmosphere.

Our path leads us to Karakul village, nestled in the shadow of the eponymous Karakul Lake. At an altitude of 3914 meters and spanning a diameter of 25 kilometers, Karakul Lake exudes an ethereal beauty, mirroring the vast expanse of the Pamir Mountains.

As night falls, we find solace in a cozy guesthouse in Karakul village, where the stillness of the Pamirs envelops us, offering a respite from the world below.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 280 km
• Altitude: 3960 m
• Internet Availability: Megafon (2G)
• Electricity Availability: Not available
• Toilet Facilities: Outside building
• Amenities: Not available
   

As our journey takes us back along the Pamir Highway, the allure of the rugged landscape beckons us to explore further. Our first destination is the stunning Rangkul Lake, a hidden gem nestled amidst the Pamir Mountains. With its tranquil waters shimmering at an altitude of 3784 meters, Rangkul Lake spans an area of 7.8 square kilometers and boasts a maximum depth of 2.5 meters. As we immerse ourselves in the serene surroundings, we're greeted by a rich diversity of bird species, making Rangkul Lake a haven for both resident and migratory populations.

Continuing our journey, we make our way to Murghab town, a vibrant hub of culture and commerce in the heart of the Pamirs. Our exploration leads us to the iconic Yak House, a renowned souvenir shop where we discover the vibrant culture and heritage of the Pamiri people. Here, amidst an array of traditional crafts and artifacts, we gain insight into the rich tapestry of Pamiri life and craftsmanship. We wander through the bustling bazaar, where vibrant colors and lively exchanges characterize daily life.

A visit to the Lenin Monument offers a glimpse into the region's Soviet past, while providing a stunning backdrop for memorable photos capturing the essence of Murghab. As night descends, we retire to the comfort of Pamir Hotel, where warm hospitality and shared amenities await.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 180 km
• Altitude: 3600 m
• Internet Availability: Megafon (3G), Tcell (3G)
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: Inside the hotel, shared
• Amenities: Shared shower
   

Embark on a picturesque journey back to Khorog along the famed Pamir Highway, where every turn unveils a new facet of the mesmerizing lunar landscape. As the rugged terrain unfolds outside our windows, we're treated to a spectacle of raw beauty unlike any other.

Our midday stop brings us to the charming village of Jelondeh, where we indulge in a rejuvenating experience at the Jelondeh Hot Spring. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters, letting the warmth melt away the remnants of our journey thus far.

Refreshed and revitalized, we resume our drive along the tranquil banks of the Ghund River, where the vibrant hues of Ghund Valley's villages paint a vivid tapestry against the backdrop of towering peaks.

As night falls, we find ourselves in the heart of Khorog, where a sumptuous dinner awaits us. Our accommodations for the night offer not only a comfortable reprieve but also the warm hospitality of our gracious hosts.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 300 km
• Altitude: 2300 m
• Internet Availability: Available (Tcell, Megafon, Zet-Mobile, Babilon)
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: Inside building, shared
• Amenities: Shared shower facilities
   

As the sun graces the horizon, we bid farewell to Khorog and embark on the next leg of our adventure. Our journey along the enchanting Panj River promises breathtaking views of villages nestled along the borders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, each offering glimpses into local life and culture.

Midday finds us pausing for a delightful lunch in Qalot, where we savor regional flavors amidst the tranquil beauty of our surroundings. Energized and refreshed, we resume our drive, tracing the meandering path of the Panj River as it winds its way through the rugged landscape.

As evening descends, we find solace in the warmth of a guesthouse perched over the tranquil waters of Qalai Khumb. Here, amidst the gentle rhythm of the river, we unwind and rejuvenate, ready to embrace the adventures that lie ahead.

Practical Information:

• Driving distance: 240 km
• Altitude: 1900 m 
• Internet Availability: Available (Tcell, Megafon, Zet-Mobile, Babilon)
• Electricity Availability: Available
• Toilet Facilities: Inside building, shared
• Amenities: Shared shower facilities
   

As we bid adieu to the majestic landscapes of the Pamir Highway, we embark on the final leg of our unforgettable journey. After a hearty breakfast, our route takes us via the Khaburabot Pass, a high mountain crossing nestled at an elevation of 3225 meters above sea level. Though the road's use has diminished since the construction of an alternative route via Kulob, its rugged beauty and panoramic vistas still captivate the adventurous spirit.

Amidst the breathtaking scenery, we pause for a leisurely lunch, savoring the flavors of the region one last time. With each passing mile, memories of our Pamir adventure linger, etched forever in our hearts.

As we arrive in Dushanbe, we bid farewell, each of us enriched by the bonds forged and the experiences shared along the winding roads of the Pamir Highway. Though our journey together may end here, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie will forever endure.