Pamir highway and Wakhan corridor tour
Pamir Highway in 12 days tour
Tour Details
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Period
April - October -
Tour length and Participants
12 days / 11 nights, 1 - 12 participants -
Price per person from 2,369 $ (for 4 pax group)
Tour Highlights
Embark on a captivating journey through Tajikistan, from Dushanbe to the Pamir Mountains. Explore Dushanbe’s rich history and culture before venturing into rugged landscapes. Discover ancient fortresses, picturesque villages, and natural hot springs along the M41 highway. Experience the unique traditions of the Pamir people and trek through pristine wilderness. Conclude your adventure with memories to last a lifetime in Dushanbe.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Dushanbe early in the morning. Meet at the airport, transfer to the hotel and rest.
10:00 After breakfast meet the guide and start of the city tour in Dushanbe. Visit the following sites: Tajikistan United Museum, including exploring the famous Buddha in Nirvana – one of the most valuable exhibits of the museum; Botanical garden; Oriental Bazaar. After lunch transfer 30 km out of the city to visit the ruins of the ancient Hissar Fortress of 18th century and two plain madrassahs of 18th and 19th centuries and mausoleum of 16th century nearby. Return to the hotel and overnight.
After breakfast we start our trip to the Pamirs and make a ride along the M41 highway. Our route will run through Tawildara village and Khaburabad pass (3252m). In case the road via the pass will not be available, we will drive via Kulyab region. People here are more conservative and prefer local dressing style, but this does not influence on their definite hospitality. As soon as we pass the Khaburabad mountain pass to Kalai-Khum, the scenery and the people change again. People living here are called Badakhshanis who speak their own language (there are seven different languages used in Tajik Pamirs). Kalai-khum is located on the Panj River, a major tributary of the famous Amudarya (Oxus) River. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we meet our guide and driver and continue the journey. Today the route will follow the river Panj. During the entire trip we will be observing Afghanistan border. Khorog is the administrative centre of the Pamir region, dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghunt rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks.
On arrival in Khorog – accommodation at the hotel and rest.
Not far from Khorog (in just 45 km), a famous Mineral Hot Spring of Garm Chashma is located. And it will be our first stop today after leaving Khorog.
The road to Ishkashim will be smooth and short. Ishkashim is a small town at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor, where the 19th century Great Game ended. Continue up the north side of the river with amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right; a number of peaks in view are above 6,000m. If we are lucky to arrive in Ishkashim on Saturday, we will see the cross-border Tajik-Afghan market located on the Afghan side. For visiting the market, we will not need an Afghan visa! Overnight at the guesthouse in Ishkashim. Dinner and overnight.
After brekafast we will leave Ishkashim to stop in another point on our map – Langar village. En route from Ishkashim to Langar we will visit an old fortress of Kah-Kaha in Namadgut village, museum of Muborak-kadami Vakhani (a local Sufi scholar, theologian, poet and traveller, who died in 1910). Not far from his house we will find a stone pillar with a hole, which he used to calculate a solar calendar. There is also a local house there with inscriptions and decorations made by the scholar.
Another stop will be at the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang village, sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra and ruins of Yamchun fortress of the 4th centtury BC. On arrival in Langar – accommodation at the guesthouse, dinner and overnight.
In the mornig we will make a short climb above Langar village to see the petroglyphs carved into the rock, depicting mountain goats, caravans, horse riders, and the Ismaili symbol of a hand.
After lunch, we proceed driving to the north via the Khargush Pass (4344m) to Yashilkul Lake. While we slowly move up higher into the Pamirs, the landscape and the local residents’ look change. We have already left behind the lush valley of the Wakhan and the Pamiri tribes. The terrain here is becoming barren and rocky. This region is inhabited by nomadic Kirgyz herders. On arrival in Murgab – accommodation at the plain hotel. Dinner and overnight.
The views of mountains and glaciers along the way today are simply breath-taking as the road takes us to the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655m). This is the highest pass in the former USSR, real “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape.
Further to the left of the main road on the Barchidev side. The road crossed the Jalang valley, passed Tokhtamysh and the village of Kudara. Picnic on the way. We will visit yurts on the way. Then we will go down to the famous and beautiful Bartang Gorge. Accommodation at homestay.
Breakfast. Before leaving, enjoy the beautiful view of Lyapnazar peak (5989 m). Transfer down to the Bartang lake to village Khichez. Arriving to Khichez village, located on Bartang valley, we will explore the area, walking around stunning Khichez valley. Overnight at homestay.
Breakfast. The trek (7 hours) to Jizev begins after crossing one bridge on the river Bartang, just beyond Bhagoo village. The hike is mostly gently uphill for about 8 km. The first houses in Jizev are reached after about 5km. 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, ideal for a short break without too much physical effort. This trekking route passed some lakes and rivers traversing some of the most magnificent scenery in the Pamirs. Return to Khichez. Overnight at homestay.
Breakfast. Transfer to the town of Kalaihumb. Lunch on the way; dinner at guesthouse. You may notice more conservative attitudes of local dressing style and beards, but the hospitality is just as welcoming. Visiting the ancient settlement Karon. The remains of the city Karon are located 1 km east of the village of Ruzvai at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, on the top of Zogik mountain, Darvaz district of GBAO. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast. Drive towards Dushanbe via Khobu-Robot pass (3252 m). The route will take you in the middle of Badagshon´s mountains range to enjoy the most beautiful views. Lunch on the way. Dinner at oriental tearoom. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to the International airport. Departure from Dushanbe.
Tour Information
Trip price includes:
- Accommodation at the hotels, mentioned in “Accommodation during the tour”, or in similar, but of the same category in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check in on day 1 in Dushanbe;
check-in at other hotels – at 14:00; check-out – at 12:00 - Accommodation at the guesthouses en route
- Meals – all breakfasts and meals on full board basis on the Pamir Highway route according to the program
- Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed above
- Services of English-speaking accompanying guide
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including ‘airport-hotel-airport” transfers
Trip price does not include:
- The cost of international flights
- Meals not mentioned above
- Medical expenses and insurance
- Porters at the hotels and airpots
- Tips and gratitudes
- Visa fees (if needed – 80 USD/per person) and permit to the Pamir Highway region (20 USD/per person)
PRICE PER PERSON (HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES)
Group | Price |
1 pax | $4,435 |
2-3 pax | $2,593 |
4-5 pax | $2,369 |
6-7 pax | $2,033 |
8-9 pax | $2,016 |
10-11 pax | $2,010 |
*Supplement for single accommodation +240 USD
City | Hotel |
Dushanbe | Rumi Hotel 4*+ or similar |
Kalai-Khumb | Karon Palace Hotel 4* |
Khorog | Lal Hotel 3* or similar |
Ishkashim | Guesthouse |
Langar | Guesthouse |
Murgab | Pamir Hotel |
Savnov | Guesthouse |
Khichez | Guesthouse |
Group | Vehicle |
Group of 1-2 pax | Toyota Rav4 or similar |
Group of 3-15 pax | Hyundai Starex minivan (5 pax per each vehicle) |
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: 7.2.2024