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Tour to Pamir Highway

9
Days
Dushanbe, Kalai-Khumb, Khorog, Ishkashim, Langar, Murgab, Ak Baital pass, Tokhtamysh pass, Savnov, Khichez, Rushan

The Pamir Highway is officially known as the M41 highway, and it will take you through remote villages and high-altitude landscapes that will leave you breathless. Beginning in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, the highway continues for over 1000 kilometers. Along the way, you'll pass melting glaciers, snowy peaks, winding rivers, turquoise lakes, and picturesque valleys.
To truly experience the Pamir Highway, you will need to take your time and spend a few days on the road. You can break up the journey by staying in homestays, sampling local food, and experiencing the region's unique cultural heritage.
Highest mountain pass Ak-Baital 4655 m – “the Roof of the World”, M41 highway and Panj River will be your highlights in your off-road tour. You will also learn local history of the Great Silk Road and the Great Game. Please check below a 9-day tour program offering breathtaking views and book your travel dates with OREXCA.
Do you want to experience the Pamir highway? We offer our Tour to Pamir Highway. This tour includes: transfers on 4WD, meals, accommodation, English speaking escort guide; entrance fees to sights and GBAO permit.

Day 1Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb (370 km, 8 h)
After having breakfast, we will start our journey towards the Pamir Mountains by taking Highway M41 through Tavildara and Khaburabad pass (or Kulyab region). As we travel, you might observe a more traditional way of dressing and bearded individuals, but do not worry as the locals are still incredibly friendly and hospitable. Our route includes crossing over the Khaburabad mountain pass before arriving at Kalai-Khumb, situated on the Panj River. We will spend the night at a hotel in the area.
Day 2Kalai-Khumb – Khorog (240 km, 6 h)
Our route follows the course of the Panj River, a tributary of the powerful Amu Darya River. As we travel, you'll have the opportunity to observe Afghanistan on the right bank of the river. Our journey continues to Khorog, a cozy mountain town nestled in a valley and serving as the capital of the autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan region. Khorog is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters and is spread irregularly on the slopes of the lively Gunt River. A few kilometers downstream, the Gunt merges with the Panj, which serves as the border with Afghanistan. While you're in Khorog, be sure to check out the Botanic Garden and local museum. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
Day 3Khorog – Ishkashim (120 km, 4-5 h)
Start your day by visiting the renowned Garam Chashma mineral hot spring and the Kuhi Lal ruby mines in Khorog, where Badakhshani rubies were extracted as early as the 14th century. Later, head towards Ishkashim, a quaint town situated at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor, which is famous for being the spot where the Great Game of the 19th century concluded. As you travel up the north side of the river, relish the breathtaking views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right, with several snow-capped peaks towering above 6,000 m. Spend the night at the guesthouse.
If you're fortunate enough to arrive in Ishkashim on a Saturday, make sure to check out the Tajik-Afghan market on the Afghan side. No Afghan visa is required to access the market.
Day 4Ishkashim – Langar (140 km, 6-7 h)
Embark on a journey from Ishkashim to Langar, and make a pit stop at the historical Kah-Kaha fortress on the Silk Road in Namadgut. Next, pay homage to the revered Sufi scholar, theologian, poet, and traveler, Sufi Muborak-Kadami Wakhani, at the Museum dedicated to his life and works. Be sure to check out the stone pillar with a hole near his house, which Wakhani famously used to create a solar calendar, as well as the building adorned with his inscriptions and decorations. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang, Bibi Fatima Zahra's sacred hot springs, and the ruins of the Yamchun Fortress– once guardians of the Pamir branch of the Great Silk Road, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. End your day with a restful overnight stay at a cozy homestay.
Day 5Langar – Murgab (240 km, 6-7 h)
Begin your day by visiting the petroglyphs, which consist of over 600 rock carvings created by ancient people and are located in an open-air setting. Next, head to the Khargush, the origin of the Amu Darya River. En route, traverse the Khargush Pass (4344 m) and Nayza-Tash (4137 m). Finally, reach Murgab and spend the night at a homestay.
Day 6Murghab – Ak Baital pass – Tokhtamysh pass – Savnov (300 km 7-8 h)
Today's journey offers breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers as we make our way to the Ak Baital Pass, also known as The White Horse Pass, which sits at an altitude of 4655m and is considered the highest pass in the former USSR. It is truly "The Roof of the World" and a hidden gem in this dry landscape. As we travel along the main road towards Barchidev, we will cross the Jalang valley, pass through Tokhtamysh, and reach the village of Kudara. We will also stop for a picnic and visit some traditional yurts along the way. Finally, we will descend to the famous and stunning Bartang Gorge before settling in for the night at a homestay.
Day 7Savnov - Khichez (150 km 5-6 h)
Start your day with breakfast and take in the breathtaking sight of Lyapnazar peak (5989 m). Continue your journey with a transfer down to Bartang lake. Upon arrival at Khichez village in the Bartang valley, indulge in exploring the area by taking a leisurely walk around the picturesque Khichez valley. Rest for the night at a homestay.
Day 8Khichez – Rushan – Kalai-Khumb
After having breakfast, we will travel to Kalaihumb town. Along the way, we will take a break for lunch and have dinner at a guesthouse. During our trip, we will visit the historic settlement of Karon, which is situated on the mountaintop of Zogik, with an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level, located one kilometer to the east of Ruzvai village in the Darvaz district of GBAO. We will spend the night at the hotel.
Day 9Kalai-Khumb – Dushanbe (280 km, 7-8 h)
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive towards Dushanbe through the majestic Khobu-Robot pass, which stands at an altitude of 3252 meters. This route offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Badagshon mountain range. Stop for a satisfying lunch along the way. Upon arriving in Dushanbe, transfer to the airport or your hotel.

Download the PDF brochure for the Tour to Pamir Highway

Good to know:

  • Internet access will be limited while touring the Pamir Highway.
  • Traveling the Pamir Highway may cause altitude sickness manifested in headaches, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, lethargy, etc.
  • We highly recommend bringing entertainment items with you (music, books, board games etc.) in addition to sunglasses, a first aid kit, water bottle, portable charger, flashlight, warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
  • Road conditions are poor in certain areas, with dirt roads and poorly maintained pavement.
  • There are few to no ATMs in the Pamirs, so bring enough cash with you in both USD and Tajik Somoni. Guesthouses and restaurants accept both currencies.
  • Altitudes on the Pamir Highway: Dushanbe 800 meters / Kalai-Khumb 1400 meters / Khorog 2100 meters / Ishkashim 2600 meters / Langar 2900 meters / Murghab 3600 meters / Karakul 3900 meters / Sarytash 3100 meters / Osh 1000 meters.
  • Transport throughout the tour (4WD);
  • Accommodation based on double/twin room (8 nights, with breakfast);
  • Full-board (lunches and dinners);
  • Service of an English-speaking guide for the whole duration of the tour;
  • Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
  • GBAO permit.
  • Transfers airport pick-ups and drop-offs;
  • Letter of Invitation and consular fees for Tajikistan tourist visa;
  • International flight tickets before and after the tour;
  • Hotel charges for additional services;
  • Tips are not included (driver, guide);
  • Travel insurance;
  • All other charges and services not mentioned under “Inclusions”.

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