Regular Pamir Highway Group Tour (Dushanbe - Osh) | Roof of the World Travel | The leading company in the tourism market of Tajikistan

The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41 highway, is a legendary road that traverses the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, offering stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and historical sites. This tour along the Pamir Highway presents a wide variety of sights and experiences. This tour allows you to visit one of the most interesting bazaars in Central Asia - the Afghan Bazaar. Every Wednesday we depart from Dushanbe to visit the Afghan market in Ishkashim, which takes place every Saturday.

                                    HIGHLIGHTS
                                      Breathtaking Mountain Scenery 
   Lakes and Rivers 
   Remote Villages and Nomadic Culture 
   Historical and Cultural Sites 
   Wildlife and Nature 
   Adventure Activities 
   Hospitality and Local Cuisine 
   Cultural Exchange 

                                

Itinerary

Day 01: Dushanbe – Norak – Kalai Khum (370 km, 7-8 h)

In the morning we will begin our journey to the Pamir Mountains. Today we will drive to Kalai Khum via Kulob city. The road to Kalai Khum offers travellers a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes. On the way, you will see the Norak reservoir, formed by the Norak dam on the Vakhsh River. The reservoir is surrounded by stunning mountain views and provides insight into Tajikistan's hydropower infrastructure. The highest point of the day is Shurobod Pass (2267 m). Continuing from Shurobod, as you head towards Kalai Khum, you'll follow the Panj River, which forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The river valley offers breathtaking views of the rugged Pamir Mountains and the terraced fields cultivated by local farmers. For centuries, the Pamirs have inspired the world's greatest explorers - Marco Polo, Xuan Zang and Mirza Muhammad Haidar. Having visited the Pamirs, many travellers called this giant mountain system the ocean of blue and white mountains.

Day 02: Kalai Khum – Rushan – Jizev (210 km, 4-5 h, hiking: 2-3 h)

The route from Kalai Khum to Rushan takes travellers through some of the most stunning and remote regions of Tajikistan, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. The Panj River valley is characterized by rugged cliffs, terraced fields, and traditional villages, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the local communities. This route is part of the iconic Pamir Highway, a high-altitude road that traverses the Pamir Mountains. Once you reach Rushan, you will take a side trip to the Bartang Valley - one of the wildest and most evocative valleys in the Western Pamirs. Even the Pamiri themselves consider the Bartang valley as the most prototypical region of their homeland. You will drive to the junction with Jizev side valley and hike up for about 2-3 hours to Jizev village. Today you will spend the night in a real Pamir traditional house and get acquainted with the mountain life of the locals.

Day 03: Jizev – Khorog (100 km, 3-4 h, hiking: 1-2 h)

In the morning you will hike down and continue your journey to Khorog, enjoying the views of Afghanistan. Khorog is perhaps one of the tiniest cities on the world map. It is surrounded by rocky mountains on all four sides. The city was built at the confluence of 3 rivers, where the Shokhdara River and the Gund River flow into the Panj River. Among the Pamiris, there is a high percentage of people with blond hair, fair skin and blue eyes. The Pamir Mountains are the highest inhabited mountains in the world after the Himalayas in Tibet. Life in the mountains has changed the traditions of the locals. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore the tiny city of Khorog on your own.

Day 04: Khorog – Ishkashim – Langar (260 km, 7-8 h)

We continue our adventure towards the Wakhan valley. Wakhan, known as it, served as a buffer zone between the Russian and British empires in the 19th century. Located in the heart of Asia, Pamir is a corner of skyscrapers, snow-capped majestic mountains, clear blue waters of lakes and rivers, wide valleys and dry deserts. For hundreds of years, people have referred to these highest mountains in the world as the "Roof of the World". Today you will understand why. On the way, we will stop at the Kah-Kakha fortress dating back to the 3rd century. Here you will have a stunning view of the Afghan side of the Wakhan. Continuing towards Wakhan, we will have a detour uphill to visit the Yamchun fortresses and further down the hillside is the Bibi Fatima hot spring. In Yamg village, we will visit the reconstructed house of the Sufi mystic Mubarak Kadam, who died in 1910. Near this house is a stone pillar with a hole, which he used to calculate the solar calendar. Another stop will be in the village of Vrang. Here is a Buddhist complex dating from the 4th-7th centuries.

Day 05: Langar – Bulunkul (150 km, 4-5 h)

In the morning we will continue driving along the Khargush valley. On the way, you will pass through the Khargush pass (4344 m). The most beautiful lakes of the Pamirs - Yashilkul and Bulunkul, spread at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, are located in the Murghab region. The colour of the water in Bulunkul is a subtle weave of purple and blue in the sunlight. Such species of fish are found in abundance in the lake. It is possible to see yaks, a unique species of domestic animals that share features with cows and sheep, which were traditionally used as beasts of burden, in addition to milk and meat products. In the afternoon you will get to know local life and take a walk around the lakes on your own.

Day 06: Bulunkul – Murgab (170 km, 4-5 h)

In the morning you will have a 2-3 hour hike around the lakes and then you drive to Murgab. They say in the Pamir: “To arrive here and not see Murgab is like not visiting the Pamirs at all”. After all, by the Roof of the World, we mean Murgab. In the morning we will drive to this town. On the way, you will drive over Naizatash Pass (4 137 m). At the flat landscape of desolate Murgab, there are dozens of peaks with absolute altitudes over 6,000 meters above sea level. Often the landscape of Murghab is compared to the surface of the Moon by visitors, viewing the scene with outsiders’ eyes. Indeed, this comparison speaks to the unrepeatable experience of being in Murghab and the uniqueness of the place. The desolate and high-altitude climate of Murghab is almost Arctic.

Day 07: Murgab – Karakul Lake (160 km, 4-5 h)

Right on the highway of the Pamir Tract is situated the light-blue lake of Karakul (3, 815 m), the name of which can be translated as “The Black Lake”. On the way to the lake, you will drive over the highest Ak Baital pass (4 655 m). Karakul is the highest large mountain lake in the world, excluding those in Tibet and Titicaca. The lake is situated in a meteorite crater and surrounded by swampy and wet meadows and bogs with rich flora and fauna and several endemic species. Flooding, melting permafrost and buried ice sheets shape the landscape with small hillocks and a large variety of small creeks and water courses between 3,500 and 4,000 m. The rich plant cover is grazed by wild and domestic ungulates. In the afternoon you will go for a short hike around the lake.

Day 08: Karakul Lake – Osh (290 km, 6-7 h)

Today we will drive to the Kyrgyz border and then you will be transferred to Osh city. The road will go along amazing mountains and high passes. On the way you will drive over a high mountain pass – Taldik. It is 3 615 meters high! You will never forget the amazing views of the road and the mountains around it. With 93% of the mountains in Kyrgyzstan, and nomadic life in remote places – our country is a real paradise for people who are in love with mountains and unusual cultures. The route takes you along roads that wind along incredible gorges. During the day, be prepared for amazing views of the impressive mountains and gorges. End of journey!

Inclusions

Transport

4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or similar

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 dinners

Accommodation

Homestay (7 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Dushanbe – city tour
Jizew - trekking
Khorog – walking tour
Ishkashim - visiting Garmchashma hotspring
Wakhan - Bibi Fotima hotspring
Bulunkul - hiking

Date and price

You can choose to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or book a private tour on the date of your choice

PRIVATE TOUR

Flexibla departures / Customizable itinerary

PRICE UPON
REQUEST

SMALL GROUP TOUR

Fixed and garanteed departures

Trip Starting Price

725

Dollars

8

Days

Single supplement available for $30

Deposit: $400

Price per pax:

01 pax – 2495$ per person
02 pax – 1385$ per person
03 pax – 1020$ per person
04 pax – 835$ per person
05 pax – 725$ per person

Departures

Departing	Finishing	Status
May 1, 2024	May 8, 2024	+ Places Available
May 8, 2024	May 15, 2024	+ Places Available
May 15, 2024	May 22, 2024	+ Places Available
May 22, 2024	May 29, 2024	+ Places Available
May 29, 2024	June 5, 2024	+ Places Available
June 5, 2024	June 12, 2024	+ Places Available
June 12, 2024	June 19, 2024	+ Places Available
June 19, 2024	June 26, 2024	+ Places Available
June 26, 2024	July 3, 2024	+ Places Available
July 3, 2024	July 10, 2024	+ Places Available
July 10, 2024	July 17, 2024	+ Places Available
July 17, 2024	July 24, 2024	+ Places Available
July 24, 2024	July 31, 2024	+ Places Available
July 31, 2024	Aug. 8, 2024	+ Places Available
Aug. 7, 2024	Aug. 14, 2024	+ Places Available
Aug. 14, 2024	Aug. 21, 2024	+ Places Available
Aug. 21, 2024	Aug. 28, 2024	+ Places Available
Aug. 28, 2024	Sept. 4, 2024	+ Places Available
Sept. 4, 2024	Sept. 11, 2024	+ Places Available
Sept. 11, 2024	Sept. 18, 2024	+ Places Available
Sept. 18, 2024	Sept. 25, 2024	+ Places Available
Sept. 25, 2024	Oct. 2, 2024	+ Places Available
Oct. 2, 2024	Oct. 9, 2024	+ Places Available
Oct. 9, 2024	Oct. 16, 2024	+ Places Available
Oct. 16, 2024	Oct. 23, 2024	+ Places Available
Oct. 23, 2024	Oct. 30, 2024	+ Places Available

Price includes

Transport
Breakfasts
Dinners (except in Osh)
Accommodation
Entrances to all museums
Mineral water during the tour

Price does not include

Lunches
Single rooms
Early check-in
Travel insurance
English-speaking guide

Important notes

                                                 Optionally:
 
English-speaking guide (only Tajikistan)  – 770$ per group
 
GBAO permit – 35$ per person

Information

Money & costs

Safety

Entry & exit

Best Time to Go

Health

MONEY & COSTS:

The Tajik currency is called the Somoni (TJS). In the capital Dushanbe there are a few ATMs that you’ll find in shopping centres, supermarkets or on the main streets, but most of them accept only Visa cards. Outside of Dushanbe we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are only a few of them and they may run out of money.
We recommend bringing cash in new USD bank notes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with credit card is still not possible at most places, except for few high-end restaurants and hotels. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.

SAFETY:

The political situation in the country has been calm in recent years and there are no indications of upcoming tensions. The border area with Afghanistan is safe as well, but we do not recommend crossing the border for a trip into Afghanistan. Guests and locals are treated with respect and Tajikistan can be regarded as safe destination for travelers. That being said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only take official taxi rides. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Tajik partners and we closely monitor political events.

ENTRY & EXIT:

Citizens of almost every country can obtain an e-Visa online for stays of up to 45 days in Tajikistan. All you need to do is enter the requested information then pay a fee of 50 USD by credit card and you will receive almost immediately the eVisa by email. You can print it out and use it just like an ordinary visa to enter the country. Please note, if you are planning to visit Pamir region, you need a GBAO permit, which you can purchase online, together with the eVisa, for an additional fee of USD 20.
As soon as we receive the deposit payment for your tour, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Tajikistan.

BEST TIME TO GO:

The climate of Tajikistan is continental and dry across most of the country, including the largest cities. In regions situated at relatively low altitude, such as the capital Dushanbe, the south of Tajikistan around Kulob and the Khujand region, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated at high altitudes, where temperatures are in the mid 20s or less during the summer. If you visit the Fann or Pamir Mountains, make sure to bring some warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night at elevations of more than 3000 metres. The best season to visit is during summer.

HEALTH:

Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Tajikistan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Tajikistan are basic at best. Please note: there is a small risk of malaria in the south of Tajikistan by the borders with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. None of our tours visit this region.

Regular Pamir Highway Group Tour (Dushanbe - Osh)

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HIGHLIGHTS