What you will experience here will take you back to another century when people lived in a very different
way unlike so many you hear about, this trip is sure to be a true adventure of your lifetime. The far
corners of civilization, the peculiar life, the meeting of cultures, and ancient history is some that could
characterize this route. Through this region passed one of the arteries of the Great Silk Road – the route
through the Pamir Mountains. Pamir is one of the highest mountain systems on our planet with up to
4’900m above sea level. You also can overview the famous Hindu Kush mountain on the Afghan side.
What to expect when choosing this route?
Today we will go to the village of Kalai Khum through the city of Kulob. You will see Norak lake on the
way. The highest point of the day is the Shurabad pass (2267 m), after which the drive along the Afghan
border begins. This part will amaze you with its unique mountains – this is the Territory of the Pamir
Mountains. For centuries, the Pamirs have inspired the world’s greatest explorers – Marco Polo, Xuan Zang
and Mirza Muhammad Haidar. And now you have the opportunity to come here. You will pass along the
natural border – the Panj River. Having visited the Pamirs, many travelers called this giant mountain system
the ocean of blue and white mountains.
In the morning we continue along the border, enjoying the views of Afghanistan. The road to Khorog will
take about 5-6 hours. 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.
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.
In the morning we 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. Upon
arrival at the lake, you will have a short walk of about 1-2 hours around the lake. Then you drive to Murgab
along the legendary Pamir Highway.
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 of 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 a 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. You will go for a short
hike around the lake and then you drive back to Murgab for an overnight.
In the morning we will drive to Khorog along Pamir Highway, known as M41 Pamir Tract. It is considered
the second highest mountain road after highway of Tibet. The road lies over mountains and passes on the
elevations of more than 4 000 meters above sea level. On the way you will drive Koitezak pass (4 271 m).
The almost inaccessible landscape and the rocky mountains of this corner of the world have given safe
haven to a unique diversity of wildlife. The Pamirs provides a large and thriving population of Marco Polo
sheep, the largest sheep in the world, with all year round and a strong population of the highly endangered
snow leopard.
Today we will drive to Bartang valley. The Bartang Valley is one of the wildest and most memorable
valleys in the western Pamirs. Even the Pamiri themselves consider the Bartang valley as the maybe most
prototypical region of their homeland. You will drive to the junction with Jizev side valley and hike up for about 2-3 hours up to the village. Today you will spend the night in a real Pamir traditional house and get
acquainted with the mountain life of the locals. Overnight and dinner with locals.
In the morning you will hike down to the main road where your driver will pick you up and drive you to
Kalai Khum. The road from Rushan to Kalai-Khum is the same as before. This area consists of high rocky
mountains over 6,000 meters high and only one road could be built. Passing through the Pamirs, tourists
have a rare opportunity not only to admire the beauty of virgin nature, but also to learn more about the
ethnography, history and life of the highlanders and thus imagine how the history of mankind developed,
like in a story. creation. Along the way, we will stop at small villages to interact with the locals and see
how they live. Settlements are located on both sides of the river in narrow mountain valleys. On the other
side of the river you will see rocky Afghan villages and gardens.
In the morning we will drive to Dushanbe via mountain road. You will drive over high Khoburubot Pass
(3 252) known as Western Pamir Tract. The road goes through the most picturesque river valley and
amazing gorges in the terrain, where one can stop for rest and shoot photos of the mountain and rivers. On
the way you will see small villages and meet local people. Tajiks are by nature hard working, hospitable,
and kind-hearted. This nation greatly respects its traditions and folklore. This trip is attractive for the lovers
of exotics, those curious about the ethnic and cultural diversity and captivated by the beauty of wild nature.
Dinner will be in a restaurant. Night is in a hotel. End of the trip!
Service includes:
– Transportation (4×4 SUV)
– All breakfasts
– All dinners
– Accommodation:
Kalai Khum – Home stay
Khorog – Home stay
Langar – Home stay
Murgab – Home stay
Jizev – Home stay
Dushanbe – “Asia Grand” Hotel 3*
– Entrances to all museums
– Mineral water during the tour
– National park fee
Service does not include:
– English-speaking guide
– International flights
From 2 277,19 $
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John Simpson –
LLC Sayohat Travel team went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful. I highly recommend this tour.