Pamir highway tour
9 days Pamir Highway tour
Tour Details
-
Period
July-August -
Total distance
2426km -
Tour length and Participants
9 days, 2 - 4 participants -
Price per person from 683 $ (for 4 pax group)
Tour Highlights
What you will see: Panj River and its gorges, along the Afghan border / The famous Wakhan valley and Hindu Kush mountain range/Khorog small cite the capital of Pamir/Ancient fortresses Kah-Kaa (III-II century BC) and Yamchun (III-I century BC) /Langar Petroglyphs / Yashilkul, Bulunkul and Karakul’s fantastic sceneries / the Pamir plateau/ Bartang valley.
What you will enjoy: historical places/bathing in hot springs / amazing scenery of the Afghan Hindu-Kush / Pamiri hospitality / Boating in Murghab River/possibility of seeing Indian goose (Anser Indicus)
Tour Itinerary
After breakfast and full relax meeting with a driver/guide at a hotel/guest-house in Dushanbe and heading to the Pamirs via Kulyab. On the way enjoy the views of Nurek Water Reservoir and discover Hulbuk fortress in Vose with guide Abdullo and the mausoleum of a poet and scholar of the 14th century, Khoja Mir Sayid Hamadani in Kulyab. Overnight in a home-stay in Kalai-Khumb town.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 780 in Dushanbe, highest point – 2126 m on Shurobod pass, end of day – 1295m in Kalai-khumb
Departing Kalai-Khumb (Darvaz) and heading to Khorog. Enjoy the daily life of Afghan people across Panj (Oxsus) River. Take pictures of Afghan villages, in some parts of the road they are so close. Short stop in Porshinev at the monument of Nosiri Khusraw, one of the great poets of Persian language and an important Muslim philosopher of 10th century.
After lunch and rest in hotel, Khorog City Tour: State Historical Museum, Khorog Ismaili Center, City Park and Visit Tourism Information Center. Overnight in a hotel in Khorog.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 1295m in Kalaikhumb, end of day – 2100m in Khorog
Heading to Ishkashim. On the way short stop to soak in Garm-Chashma hot spring and watch from distance famous Kuhi La’l, Badakhshan ruby mines. Driving to Wakhan Corridor. Visiting the ruins of Kah-Kaha and Yamchun fortresses, Bibi Fotima hot-spring, pre-Islamic shrines, private Museum of Sufi Muboraki Wakhoni/solar calendar, astronomer and scholar of the 19th century and if time allows trekking to Langar petro glyphs. Overnight in a homestay in Hisor village.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 2100m in Khorog, highest point – Yamchun Fort 3200m, end of day – Langar 2800m
Driving to Khargush pass 4344m and then to Burunkul and Yashikul Lakes. Burunkul settlement, which is close to the lakes is the coldest point in all Central Asia Region. In winter temperature falls down up to minus 60.
Lunch on open air, or in restaurant in Alichur settlement. In Alichur usually tourists go for two hours Yak ride, which should be arrange in advance. Drive to Bashgumbez and then to Murgab. On the way stop in Ak Baliq and see from distance Chinese cemetery. Overnight in a homestay/guesthouse in Murgab.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – Langar 2800m, highest point – 4344 m on Khargush pass, end of day – 3630m in Murgab.
Departing Murghab and driving to Rangkul and Shorkul lakes. In the afternoon heading towards the biggest lake in Tajikistan – Karakul (‘Black lake’).
Continue driving to Karakul village via the highest point of the Pamir Highway, Ak-Baital pass (4656 m). Take some pictures and take precautions as you are at an altitude of 4656 meters from sea level. Short de tour to see the Karaart geoglyphs (8th-3rd century BC). In the evening hiking along the Karakul lake. Overnight in a homestay or yurt in Karakul village.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 3630m in Murgab highest point – 4656m on Ak-Baital pass, end of day – 3930m in Karakul.
Drive back to Murgab and then to Alichur via Pamir Highway. Stop in Chater tash and Bashgumbez to take pictures. Then drive to Khorog via Ghunt valley. If time allows, talk to the guide/driver and take a bath in Jelondi hot spring. Night in Khorog.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 3930m in Karakul highest point – 4656m on Ak Baital pass, end of day – 2100m in Khorog.
Departing Khorog and heading to Bartang valley. Stop on Bartang river, on the bridge. Leave the car with the driver there and go for 2-3 hours trekking to Jizev village, 7 km.
In the afternoon discovering the village and hiking along the small lakes. The people are very kind and have desire to talk to guests. Overnight in a homestay in Jizev village. 132km.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day – 2100m in Khorog, at the end of day – 2500m in Jizev.
Hiking down to the main road and take your car. Continue driving to Kalai-Khumb town. On the way enjoying the view of the Afghan villages along the Panj River. Also visit Womar Fortress in Rushan and Karon fort site in Darvaz. Overnight in guesthouse in Kalai-Khumb. 225km.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day – 2500m in Jizev, at the end of day –Darvoz 1250m.
Heading to Dushanbe via north route, via Sagirdasht pass 3252 m and Tavildara district. In Darvaz the driver should check the road is open or not, sometimes it might be closed.
Short stop to stretch the legs at Goluboye Ozero (‘Blue Lake’). From distance see the construction of the biggest Hydro Power station in Central Asia-Roghun with the highest dam in the world – 335meter.
Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of the day – Darvoz 1250m, at the end of day –. Dushanbe 780m/. The highest point – Sagirdasht pass 3252m.
Tour Information
Trip price includes:
- Transport (4×4), including fuel and driver per diems
- Entrance fees (hot springs, museums and National Park, Zorkul Lake reserve )
- GBAO permit
- Office charge including tax
Trip price does not include:
- Food and accommodation
- Yak Safari, also can be added
- Insurance
- Guide service
- All other personal expenses
PRICE PER GROUP
Group | Price |
1 pax | $1,800 |
2 pax | $2040 ($1020 per person) |
3 pax | $2327 ($776 per person) |
4 pax | $2730 ($683 per person) |
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Warm light clothes
- Sunglasses and cap
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Personal medications
Tour map
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If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by the tour operators.
Tajikistan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
Tajikistan operates on the somoni (TJS) as its official currency, although dollars are accepted in some locations. However, the somoni is the primary currency for day-to-day transactions.
Cash withdrawals from ATMs can pose challenges, so it’s recommended to carry some cash to avoid any financial inconveniences. ATMs are accessible in cities such as Dushanbe, Penjikent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan, Kurgan-Tube, and even in smaller towns, excluding Murghab.
Eskhata Bank in Dushanbe is considered a reliable option for obtaining US dollars, with a generous withdrawal limit in somoni. However, be aware that ATMs may be less available on weekends. Finding an ATM that accepts Mastercard can be a bit tricky.
Both US dollars and euros are widely acknowledged across Tajikistan. In smaller areas lacking formal currency exchange services, people may prefer dollars over euros. It’s essential to note that engaging in currency exchange on the black market is illegal.
Safety
Safety
While the overall security situation is generally stable and Dushanbe is considered relatively safe, occasional incidents of robbery and petty crimes may occur. Individuals with financial resources, including foreigners, could be potential targets. Here are some further recommendations for Tajikistan:
- Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport, as authorities may request identification.
- Exercise caution by avoiding demonstrations or large gatherings, and maintain vigilance in public spaces.
- For your safety, do not leave your drinks unattended, decline beverages from strangers, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption.
- If you experience being followed or harassed at the airport, promptly report the incident to your tour agent or the consulate office at the airport.
- Show respect for local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times.
- Smoking is prohibited while walking on the streets.
- The possession and use of drugs are strictly illegal.
- Women traveling alone in Tajikistan may encounter unwanted attention, harassment, or gender-related difficulties.
- Photographing anything related to the military or security services may lead to complications with local authorities.
- Same-sex sexual relationships are not illegal according to Tajikistan’s legislation. However, conservative local views and levels of tolerance may vary, especially outside major cities.
- Transportation in Tajikistan often involves poorly maintained vehicles, and driving standards are basic. Gas stations outside cities are rare, and emergency services may not be readily available. Ensure you have all necessary supplies for your trip and anticipate potential delays.
- Roads outside major cities are in poor condition and may only be accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Conditions are particularly hazardous in spring due to the risk of avalanches and landslides.
- Tajikistan commonly experiences shortages of energy and water, along with frequent power outages, especially during winter and spring, mostly outside Dushanbe.
- Avoid traveling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the unstable security situation.
- Despite a ceasefire agreement, the security situation remains unstable following military clashes in the Sughd region (Northern Tajikistan), bordering Kyrgyzstan, in September 2022. Khujand is still safe to visit.
- Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and floods.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Starting from 2022, visitors from 52 countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Tajikistan. For comprehensive visa information, refer to this link. It is crucial to leave Tajikistan before your visa or visa-free entry expires to avoid penalties and the need for an exit visa.
For those planning to explore the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), obtaining permission is mandatory. Keep in mind that Tajikistan’s borders might close unexpectedly. Declare large amounts of imported funds upon arrival, and when departing, present the customs declaration form.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The ideal time for exploring Tajikistan is during the spring and autumn months, specifically in April, May, June, September, and October. Summers in Tajikistan are characterized by dry and intense heat, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C in the lowlands. Winters can be extremely cold, reaching -20°C in mountainous areas, and heavy snowfall in the western region may disrupt winter routes and close high-altitude mountain passes.
September stands out as perhaps the most favorable time for a journey to Tajikistan, as the heat subsides on the plains, and nearly all but the highest mountain passes remain accessible. Markets come alive with an abundance of delicious fresh produce, and the landscape transforms into a stunning golden autumn. The best time to visit Pamir is in August.
Health
Health
Before embarking on your journey, verify that your chosen destination can offer the required medical assistance you might need. Make sure you possess suitable travel insurance covering both on-site treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. If directed to a medical facility for treatment, promptly contact your insurance provider.
Tajikistan possesses limited medical facilities and faces shortages of essential medications. Medical establishments outside Dushanbe tend to be basic, with some areas having virtually no medical infrastructure.
Certain medications containing codeine are strictly prohibited in Tajikistan. If you intend to bring medications, ensure their legality and acquaint yourself with relevant regulations. Declare all medications and other restricted items upon your arrival.
Ticks are prevalent in forests and rural areas from spring to autumn. The improper disposal of uranium and pesticides in the northern Sughd region poses potential health hazards. It is advisable to get vaccinated at least against Hepatitis A, B and Tetanus at a minimum before your trip.
Other tours in Tajikistan
Tour updated: 29.1.2024