The Pamir Highway Adventure
12 - 23 May 2025
4 - 15 August 2025
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Description:
The Pamir Highway, officially known as the M41, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and remote roads, traversing the rugged terrain of the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan. This legendary route, once a vital artery of the ancient Silk Road, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of Central Asia's rich history, where traders once journeyed across vast deserts and high-altitude plateaus.
Today, the highway is a passage through time, weaving through landscapes shaped by glaciers and dotted with ancient fortresses, remote villages, and serene alpine lakes. From the vibrant city life of Dushanbe to the windswept highlands of Alichur and the pristine waters of Karakul Lake, the Pamir Highway is more than just a road—it’s an epic journey of breathtaking vistas, cultural immersion, and an adventure on the "Roof of the World."
Country: Tajikistan
Trip length: 12 days, 11 nights
Cost: USD1750 (Approximately SGD2350, MYR8000, EUR1600)
Start city: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
End city: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Max. Capacity: 5 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin sharing)
Transportation (Private-hire vehicle, Intra-city transport)
Guide Fee
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)
Homestay experience
Yurt Stay
Breakfast at guesthouses
Entry to Hot spring
What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & Dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast permit
Flight tickets to and from home country
Ng Xinyu Beth (Singapore)
-TUD has designed the perfect itinerary for us to experience local culture, get a glimpse of the Soviet times and take in the beautiful sights spanning across all seasons... As the name of the tour suggests, we got to enjoy (almost always) complete privacy from the rest of the world, as though the magnificent views were designed to take our breath away.
Day 1: Unveiling Dushanbe’s Charms
Kick off your adventure in Dushanbe, visiting Dustik Square, the National Library, and enjoying lunch at Chai Hana Rohat. Afternoon visits to Nowruz Palace and Mehragon Bazaar offer a taste of local life. End the day relaxing in a charming guesthouse.
Day 2: Into the Mountain Wilderness
Depart Dushanbe, heading towards the impressive Nurek Dam and entering the Gorno-Badakhshan region. Enjoy stunning views along the Panj River and arrive in Qalaikhumb for a warm homestay experience.
Day 3: Hike the Bartang Valley
Travel through the Rushon Valley, stopping at Vamar Fortress before hiking to the remote village of Jizev. Surrounded by towering peaks, this serene village provides a perfect retreat. Spend the night at a rustic homestay.
Day 4: Discover Khorog’s Hidden Gems
Begin with a morning hike back to Bartang Valley, then drive to Khorog, the cultural hub of the Pamirs. Visit the Khorog Botanical Gardens and explore traditional Pamiri houses. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at a local guesthouse.
Day 5: Journey Along Wakhan Valley
Drive through the scenic Wakhan Corridor, visiting the ancient Yamchun Fortress for breathtaking views. Explore Langar village and watch the sunset over the stunning valley landscape.
Day 6: Cross to Afghan Markets
Start your day with a soak in the Bibi Fatimah hot springs. Cross the border to visit the vibrant Saturday Bazaar in Eshkashim, Afghanistan, before returning to Ishkashim, Tajikistan for an overnight stay.
Subject to the political situation.
Day 7: Venture Into remote villages
Follow the picturesque Wakhan Valley, stopping for lunch in Khorog before continuing to Alichur. Experience Kyrgyz hospitality with an overnight stay at a cozy homestay.
Day 8: Hike Pristine Alpine Lakes
Set off early to explore Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes. Enjoy a peaceful hike with panoramic views of the mountains and visit the traditional Kyrgyz village of Jelondy. Return to Alichur for the night.
Day 9: High Passes and Karakul Lake
We'll spend much of this day travelling further northeast towards the Alai mountains, a towering snow-capped mountain range that demarcates the border between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan.
Our route takes us to Karakul Lake via the Akbaital Pass, the highest point on the Pamir Highway, situated at an impressive 4600 above sea level. Spend the night in Murghab, the highest town in Tajikistan and the entire former Soviet Union, nestled at 3650 metres!
Day 10: Explore Ancient Petroglyphs
Spend the morning visiting Murghab’s shipping container bazaar and Soviet-era relics. Discover the Shakhty Petroglyphs, ancient cave drawings over 10,000 years old, before returning to Khorog for an evening in a guesthouse.
Day 11: Scenic Drive to Qalaikhumb
Retrace your route along the Pamir Highway, following the Panj River. Enjoy one last glimpse of the stunning Afghan border landscapes. Arrive in Qalaikhumb for a restful night at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Return to Dushanbe
Conclude your journey with a scenic drive back to Dushanbe. Take in the familiar yet spectacular landscapes one last time before arriving in the city by early evening, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
