Tajikistan: The Pamir Highway
16 Days Starting and ending in DUSHANBE
Visiting: Dushanbe, Kalaikhum, Khorog, Eshkashem, Yamg primary school, Langar, Яшик, Murghab, Karakul, Bartang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TAJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
The Pamir Highway is undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning roads and yet few Westerners have ever travelled its length, lying as it does in a rarely visited and remote part of Central Asia.
Our journey begins in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, from where we head east to Kalai-Khumb to meet the Amu Darya River - the ancient Oxus - and follow it upstream alongside the Afghan border into the Wakhan Corridor. This narrow valley, which lies between the mighty Pamirs and the Hindu Kush, once formed a highly strategic buffer zone between the British and Russian empires during the era of ‘The Great Game’ in the 19th century and is today being eyed by China as a possible new trading route as part of their plans to regenerate the Silk Road. Continuing up to Murgab and Lake Karakul, we’ll take an adventurous route through the central Pamirs and the Bartang Valley, eventually finishing back in Dushanbe. In true [exclude_white_label] Wild Frontiers [/exclude_white_label]style there will be ample time to explore on foot and meet with local Tajiks, who uniquely amongst the Central Asians share more of a linguistic and cultural link with Persia than with Turkey.
Combining some of the world’s most striking mountain scenery, homestays with the most hospitable locals and an ancient culture that hasn’t changed for thousands of years, this is very much a trip for the exploratory traveller.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avesto Hotel or similar
The tour begins in Dushanbe. Accommodation for tonight is included in the tour due to the arrival time of our suggested group flights in the early hours of Day 2.
Day 2: In Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avesto Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed breakfast we have the rest of the day to explore Tajikistan’s capital city and see the sights. Depending on opening hours, we will visit the impressive Museum of National Antiquities, which houses Asia’s largest statue of a sleeping Buddha (a mighty 13 metres), ancient weapons and a carving of Alexander the Great. Alternatively, we’ll visit the impressive new National Museum located next to the world’s third-tallest flagpole.
Day 3: Dushanbe - Kalai-Khumb
Location: Kalaikhum, Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Karon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we start our epic journey taking the Pamir Highway, a road built by the Red Army in the 1930s in order to link the isolated communities to the rest of the Soviet Union. We make a full day’s drive through the changing landscape of canyons and farmland to Kalai-Khumb, situated so close to the Afghani villages just across the river that you’ll be able to wave to each other. Total driving distance: 285km.
Day 4: Kalai-Khumb - Khorog
Location: Airport Kalai Humb, Khorog
Accommodation: Lal Inn Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Lal Inn Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive south towards Khorog and spend the day exploring in 4WDs and on foot. Khorog is the administrative centre of the Pamir region, dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghund rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks. Total driving distance: 250km.
Day 5: In Khorog
Location: Khorog
Accommodation: Lal Inn Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Lal Inn Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will visit a number of places of interest, including the Ethnographical Museum and beautifully-designed Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation, it provides a space for congregation, contemplation and contribution to civil society. We’ll stroll in the shady, well-maintained gardens and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of Khorog. The town is also the site of one of Central Asia’s few university campuses.
Day 6: Khorog - Ishkashim - Yamg
Location: Eshkashem, Khorog, Yamg primary school
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The road from Khorog is partially tarmacked, so the journey today should be relatively smooth. We’ll make a stop for lunch in Ishkashim and see the bridge which is the border with Afghanistan. If time permits, we will be able to stop off along the way and have a look at the old castles that once guarded this branch of the Silk Road, including Yamchun Fort. These castles are all built quite high up so as to dominate the surrounding valley. This part of the Pamirs is also dotted with a variety of religious sites from Sufi shrines to Buddhist stupas. We’ll stay overnight in Yamg village, where we can take a short walk, visit the local shrine or simply relax.
Day 7: Yamg - Langar
Location: Langar
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take a short drive along the Panj River today, taking in the cultural change between the nomadic and settled people of the Wakhan. Our destination for today is Langar, the last village of the Tajik Wakhan Corridor before the border with Afghanistan. Langar boasts a castle and some interesting petroglyphs, and is home to the Wakhi Tajiks, most of whom are farmers or shepherds.
Day 8: Langar - Yashik Kul Lake (3,737M Approx.)
Location: Langar, Яшик
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our day with an uphill hike to view the impressive collection of over 6000 petroglyphs and visit the Jamoat Khana, adorned with colourful murals. We then continue our journey along the Pamir River, hopefully spotting one of the rare herds of Bactrian camels that still exist here. The vista before us brings spectacular views of Afghanistan, with the ice-capped summit of the Wakhan Range. Once our passports have been checked at Kargush army base, we continue north and cross the Khargush Pass. We will pass by a number of interesting salt lakes before reaching our overnight stop at Yashil Kul Lake, where we will stay in the small hamlet of Bulunkul. The people living locally are Kyrgyz pastoralists living in a harsh but hospitable environment. Our stay here will deepen our understanding of how people have adapted to live in such remote mountainous areas, in fact the coldest place in Tajikistan.
Day 9: Yashik Kul Lake - Murgab (3,600M)
Location: Яшик, Murghab
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pamir Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend some time this morning exploring Lake Yashil Kul before continuing on our way, following the Alichur Plateau. Weather permitting we’ll head up to Shorbulak Observatory, from where you can see the Muztag Ata and Kongur peaks, at 7550m and 7719m respectively, which are part of the Khun Lun Range. We then continue on to Murgab. This quiet town, which is home to the only bazaar of the High Pamir region, is still struggling with its development due to the nearby Russian border guards’ base being closed down – the last remaining Soviet influence in this region. The recent opening of the Chinese Qolma Pass, however, has slowly aided the town in its progression.
Day 10: In & Around Murgab
Location: Murghab
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pamir Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning there will be time visit the local market before we depart to explore the stunning Madian Valley, one of the main grazing areas near Murgab. Driving out of town, we will then head off on foot towards Eli Su hot springs. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and spend time relaxing, before returning to Murgab for the night.
Day 11: Murgab - Karakul (3,900M)
Location: Murghab, Karakul
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey today takes us to Karakul. The road climbs up to the Ak Baital Pass - the White Mare Pass. At 4655m, it is the highest pass in the former USSR. Views of mountains and glaciers along the way are simply breath-taking. The stunning Karakul Lake is hidden deep in this expanse of arid landscape. It is a body of water thought to have been created millions of years ago by a meteorite and noted as one of the most geologically fascinating places on earth. We’ll have the opportunity for a short walk along the lake to our homestay in Karakul village. The surrounding area offers some spectacular views, which are especially dramatic with the sun setting over the nearby snow-capped mountains.
Day 12: Karakul - Bartang Valley
Location: Karakul, Bartang
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head west towards the Bartang Valley. Very different from both the High Pamir and the Wakhan Valley, Bartang is dotted with small villages and plots of land are carved out of the mountainsides to provide for the local farmers. Considered to be one of the most impressive spots in the western Pamirs, the valley is famous for its superb climbing, hospitable villages and local musicians. We will spend our first night in the valley in Koudara, with time to explore the local village on arrival.
Day 13: In Bartang Valley
Location: Bartang
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Koudara this morning, we continue our journey through the Bartang Valley today by driving on to Siponji village, historically used as a shelter from neighbouring Afghan slave traders. On arrival we’ll be able to take a short walk to explore this friendly village and maybe witness something of their pastoral life, such as milking time.
Day 14: Bartang Valley - Kalai-Khumb
Location: Kalaikhum, Bartang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Karon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll set out on foot, crossing the river and walking to the next village, where our drivers will meet us. Leaving the Bartang Valley behind us, we retrace our steps today and drive on to Kalai Khumb to spend the night.
Day 15: Kalai-Khumb - Dushanbe
Location: Kalaikhum, Dushanbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avesto Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final drive today sees us bid farewell to the mountains and return to Dushanbe. This evening we’ll head out for our final dinner together and a chance to reminisce over our adventures of the last two weeks.
Day 16: Tour Ends In Dushanbe
Location: Dushanbe
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour finishes today after breakfast at the hotel. However, those on the suggested group flights will depart for the airport early this morning, before breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
15 x Breakfasts14 x Lunches14 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Outside of Dushanbe, where we use a minibus, we will use 4WD land cruisers for the whole trip.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Tajikistan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that this trip spends considerable time at altitude in the mountains. There will be a chance to undertake some short walks to help acclimatise during the trip.
Please note though that this is not designed as a walking tour, but rather is predominantly a road trip - involving considerable driving on uneven terrain. Whilst you should be prepared for this, try not to panic too much – we’re sure that what you will be witnessing will easily make up for any discomfort.
Similarly, as you will be staying in homestays for much of the time, you should be prepared for communal sleeping and long-drop toilet facilities. An ability to squat is essential, this is adventure travel at its best!
Please also be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety will be extremely limited.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour spent in hotels and guesthouses, but not in the homestays. You will need to be prepared to share a room with others at the homestays.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Tajikistan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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