Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan - Along the Pamir Highway Tour
Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan - Along the Pamir Highway Tour
Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan - Along the Pamir Highway Tour
16 Days Starting in Dushanbe and ending in Bishkek
Visiting: Dushanbe, Kalaikhumb, Rŭshan, Khorog, Ishkashim, Murghab, Sary Tash, Osh, Suusamyr Valley, Song Kol Lake, Cholpon Ata, Bishkek
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
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Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Pamir Highway with our "Along the Pamir Highway Tour," a unique adventure that takes you through the heart of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This tour is designed for those who seek to explore the unspoiled beauty of Central Asia's rugged landscapes and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Pamiri people. Experience the warmth of local hospitality by staying in traditional Pamiri houses, marvel at the lush valleys of the Wakhan corridor bordering Afghanistan, and visit the breathtaking Karakul Lake, the highest lake in Central Asia. With highlights including historical ruins and archaeological sites, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and sightseeing. Enjoy the convenience of included arrival and departure transfers, overland transport with a professional driver, all accommodation, the services of an English-speaking guide, meals as listed, and entrance fees for sites as part of the itinerary. This small group tour promises an intimate and enriching experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Atlas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrival in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Atlas or similar. (B)
Day 2 : Dushanbe – Excursion To Hissar Fort
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Atlas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to the nearby town of Hissar to visit the remains of the 18th century fort as well as two nearby madrassahs. Return to Dushanbe in the afternoon and visit the bazaar and the excellent Museum of National Antiquities. Overnight Hotel Atlas or similar. (BL)
Day 3 : Dushanbe – Kalaikhumb
Location: Kalaikhumb
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Karon Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will cross the Shurabad Pass (2,200m) and visit Hulbuk ancient fortress 8th Century which has been recently restored. We continue towards the Pamirs and Kalaikhumb, driving through beautiful scenery and interesting villages en route. This area is a little more conservative, and we see many men with beards, and women wearing traditional dress. Arriving in Kalaikhumb in the early evening. Overnight Hotel Karon Palace or similar - Single room is available and the accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 4 : Kalaikhumb – Rushan (Bartang Valley) - Hike In The Geisev Valley
Location: Rŭshan
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Local homestay Rushan, Lal Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, travel to Rushan, the administrative centre of the Bartang district. We may have some time to explore upon arrival but we will explore in more depth tomorrow. On Day 5 we drive to the Bartang valley and cross the river to embark on a trek that begins on the river Bartang, just beyond Bhagoo village and is mostly gentle uphill for about 14km to the upper of the three lakes. The first houses in Geisev are reached after about 7km. We stop in the Geisev village for lunch and then continue to explore the Geisev valley. The abundant vegetation, the gnarled trees, the lakes and the ever-changing river - sometimes frothing with energy, sometimes limpid and blue - create a very special peaceful atmosphere. Later we continue to Khorog alongside the River Panj which forms the border with Afghanistan. Day 4 overnight will be at a local homestay Rushan with shared facilities. Day 5 overnight at Lal Inn or similar where single rooms are available and the accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 5 : Khorog
Location: Khorog
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lal Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a full day to explore Khorog, the capital of the GBAO region, including the bazaar and the lovely Botanical Gardens which are perched high above the town, affording some great panoramic views. Overnight Lal Inn or similar - Single rooms are available and the accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 6 : Khorog – Garm Chashma – Ishkashim
Location: Ishkashim
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Hanis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
About 50kms along the road to our next stop, Ishkashim, we will stop at Garm Chasma hot springs for an (optional) dip in the waters. From here, we enter the Tajik half of the Wakhan Valley (shared with Afghanistan) and pass regional gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo, the most famous being the Koh-i-Lal ruby mine. Ishkashim itself may be the regional centre, but it is essentially still a large village and we stay in a traditional style guesthouse here which has a handful of rooms but single rooms are available this evening. Overnight guesthouse Hanis - Shared basic bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 7 : Ishkashim – Khahkha Fortress – Yamchun – Langar
Location: Ishkashim
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay Davlat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit to the nearby village of Namadguti to visit the Khahkha Fortress. This impressive structure rises from a naturally formed platform of rock and dates back to the Kushan era of the 3rd Century. There are a number of these ancient fortresses in the area, and we also visit Yamchun fort, perhaps the most impressive of them. We take a break at the Bibi Fatima hot springs, named for the Prophet Mohammed’s sister and where local women believe they can increase their fertility. Continuing on we then stop at the 4th Century Buddhist stupas at Vrang, reminders of the ancient pilgrim caravans that passed through the region. Overnight in the lovely homestay Davlat where a few rooms are available and single accommodation can be possible depending on how busy is the place - Shared basic bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 8 : Langar - Murghab
Location: Murghab
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pamir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave behind the lush valleys of the Wakhan Valley and enter a landscape that is rocky, mostly barren but nevertheless dramatic. This is the Pamir Highway we have anticipated, with the route between Khorog and Osh completed in 1931 across a Tibetan-plateau style high altitude terrain. Today we can also see some Neolithic rock art dating back some 8000 years in Shakhty cave. It is anticipated to arrive in Murghab in the early evening. Overnight Hotel Pamir or similar - Single room is available but bathroom facilities may be shared. (BLD)
Day 9 : Murghab – Kara Kul – Sary Tash
Location: Sary Tash
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Ethnic Kyrgyz House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head for Karakul (135km), one of our highlights on the way. We cross several high altitude passes, including Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 metres) which is the highest section of road in the former Soviet Union. We descend to Karakul Lake and then cross our final Pamir Highway high pass, the Kyzyl Art (4,282 metres), which essentially forms the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Karakul Lake is the highest lake in Central Asia, and at 3,915 metres, too high to support any aquatic life. Karakul means “black lake” but in spring, summer and autumn the water is almost always turquoise blue. At the northern end of the lake a track turns off west to geoglyphs and Saka graves (5000– 3000 BC), located about 500m from the turnoff. Continue to the following village of Sary Tash for the night. Overnight guesthouse Ethnic Kyrgyz House. Tonight, you will sleep on Asian style bedding on the mattresses and blankets on the floor in a few rooms of a Kyrgyz House with shared basic bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 10 : Murghab – Kara Kul – Sary Tash
Location: Sary Tash
Accommodation Name: Ethnic Kyrgyz House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head for Karakul (135km), one of our highlights on the way. We cross several high altitude passes, including Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 metres) which is the highest section of road in the former Soviet Union. We descend to Karakul Lake and then cross our final Pamir Highway high pass, the Kyzyl Art (4,282 metres), which essentially forms the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Karakul Lake is the highest lake in Central Asia, and at 3,915 metres, too high to support any aquatic life. Karakul means “black lake” but in spring, summer and autumn the water is almost always turquoise blue. At the northern end of the lake a track turns off west to geoglyphs and Saka graves (5000– 3000 BC), located about 500m from the turnoff. Continue to the following village of Sary Tash for the night. Overnight guesthouse Ethnic Kyrgyz House. Tonight, you will sleep on Asian style bedding on the mattresses and blankets on the floor in a few rooms of a Kyrgyz House with shared basic bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 11 : Sary Tash – Osh
Location: Osh
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sunrise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We depart the high mountains of the Pamir Alay range, leaving behind us the crossroads of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. The drive offers a contrast as we encounter lush farmlands and small villages on this side of the mountains, instead of the stark high-altitude plateau of Tajikistan. En route we cross the Taldyk Pass (3554m) and enjoy some beautiful views - if we're lucky we may even catch a glimpse of Peak Lenin, at 7134m the second highest mountain in Central Asia. We expect to arrive in Osh, Kyrgyzstan's oldest city in the afternoon, with time to explore. Overnight Hotel Sunrise or similar - Single rooms are available and the accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BL)
Day 12 : Osh – Chichkan
Location: Suusamyr Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Osmon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive to the Suusamyr Valley along the picturesque mountain Osh highway to the Chichkan gorge. Time permitting, we take a walk in the area and meet the local shepherds who still adhere to age old traditions. Overnight Hotel Osmon or similar - Single rooms are not available (there are only twin rooms) and the accommodation have shared bathrooms. (BLD)
Day 13 : Chichkan - Song Kol Lake
Location: Song Kol Lake
Accommodation Name: Yurt stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today takes us to stunning Song Kol Lake. The lake itself is 3,016m above sea level and is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Overnight yurt stay with 4 – 5 beds in one yurt and shared basic bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 14 : Song Kol – Cholpon Ata - Lake Issyk Kul
Location: Cholpon Ata
Accommodation Name: Hotel Altyn Bulak
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Cholpon Ata on the north side of Issyk-Kul Lake to the largest and most beautiful lake in Central Asia. There is an optional opportunity to visit the open-air museum of Stone Inscriptions in Cholpon Ata. Most of the drawings date from several thousand years B.C. up until the 12th Century A.D. Overnight at the Hotel Altyn Bulak or similar - Single rooms are available this evening and the accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BLD)
Day 15 : Cholpon Ata – Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Silk Road Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Bishkek, stopping en-route at the Burana Tower for a short and interesting visit. Upon arrival in the capital, Bishkek, we take a tour, visiting the enchanting Ala-Too Square and the History Museum among other sites. In the afternoon, time is at leisure for you to relax, visit further the city and do some shopping in the local workshops. Overnight Silk Road Lodge or similar - Single rooms are available tonight and accommodation has private bathroom facilities. (BL)
Day 16 : Departure From Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends today after breakfast with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's Included
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers from and to the airport are included.
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Overland transport
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver.
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Accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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Guide
Services of an English-speaking guide / tour leader.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included
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Airport taxes
Any airport taxes
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
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Visa
Visa - when required
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Drinks
Drinks
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Personal items
Items of personal nature
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Tips
Tips (Discretionary)
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with overland transport throughout your journey, accompanied by a professional driver, ensuring a smooth and scenic ride across diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of traditional and modern stays, from cozy homestays in rural settings to comfortable hotels in cities, ensuring a restful night's sleep throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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Are there any inclusions?
Inclusions are arrival and departure transfers, overland transport with a professional driver, accommodation, services of an English-speaking guide/tour leader, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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What does the accommodation include?
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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What are the exclusions?
Exclusions include international flights, any airport taxes, travel insurance, visa when required, drinks, items of personal nature, and tips (discretionary).
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include discovering phenomenal mountain scenery along the Pamir Highway, staying with locals in their Pamiri houses, traveling through the lush valleys of the Wakhan valley bordering Afghanistan, and visiting Karakul Lake, the highest lake in Central Asia.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Dushanbe and ends in Bishkek.
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Is there a guide included in the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide / tour leader are included.
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What kind of transport is provided?
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver is provided.
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What countries does the Along the Pamir Highway Tour visit?
The Along the Pamir Highway Tour visits Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
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Saturday - Sunday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.