Dushanbe to Osh

Start your Pamir Highway journey with a scenic drive from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, to the village of Kalaikhum. Along the way, visit the historic Hulbuk Palace, an 11th-century fortress that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Continue your journey through the Shurobod Pass, where you'll experience breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountains. As you descend, the landscape transitions to the Panj River, which you'll follow for the next few days. This river forms the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, providing unique views into the neighboring country. Upon arrival in Kalaikhum, settle into a traditional Pamiri homestay. Enjoy a warm, home-cooked dinner and immerse yourself in the local culture.

After a restful night in Kalaikhum, continue your Pamir Highway journey towards the hidden gem of Bartang Valley. The scenic drive through the Pamir Plateau offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Pamiri villages, showcasing the remote beauty of the Pamir Mountains. Upon reaching the Jizeu Bridge, we set off on a 6 km hike that will take us into the heart of Jizeu Village. This hike offers an immersive experience of the Pamir region, with panoramic views of the stunning Jizeu Valley, Jizeudarya River, and the surrounding high-altitude landscapes. Along the trail, pass by pristine lakes, crystal-clear rivers, and towering mountain peaks. As we approach Jizeu Village, one of the most serene villages on the Pamir Plateau, we’ll be welcomed by the local Pamiri community, known for their warmth and hospitality. This village, divided into Upper Jizeu and Lower Jizeu, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking Pamir Mountains. After the hike, relax and unwind in a traditional Pamiri homestay where you can enjoy authentic home-cooked meals, experience the local culture, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem.

Enjoy a traditional Pamiri breakfast and prepare for the hike back to your car.
Upon arrival in Khorog, check in to your guesthouse or hotel and relax after the journey. Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, is a lively yet peaceful town surrounded by mountains.
You can visit the Khorog Botanical Garden, one of the highest botanical gardens in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The Khorog Bazaar is a great place to experience local culture, shop for handmade crafts, and try fresh regional produce.

Depart from Khorog and begin your adventure through the stunning Wakhan Valley, entering via the village of Ishkashim. If your visit coincides with Saturday, don’t miss the bustling Afghan Market, where you can experience a lively cultural exchange between locals from both sides of the Panj River.
Your journey continues to the historic Kahkaha Fortress, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. From here, make your way to the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, a natural retreat known for its healing properties—perfect for those looking to unwind in nature’s embrace. Next, visit the Yamchun Fortress, an ancient site with one of the most panoramic vistas in the region, providing stunning views of the Wakhan Valley. Finally, drive to the serene village of Langar, where you can rest or immerse yourself in the peaceful local life. Explore the village and soak in the tranquil beauty of this remote corner of the Pamirs.

Leave Langar behind and journey into the breathtaking Eastern Pamirs, where the landscapes shift from rugged mountain valleys to vast high-altitude plateaus. This scenic route takes you through Kargushi Pass (4,344m), offering panoramic views of the remote and untouched wilderness of Tajikistan.
As you descend from the pass, discover the stunning Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes, two of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Pamir Mountains. Bulunkul Lake, known as one of the coldest inhabited places in Central Asia, is home to a small settlement where temperatures can drop below -50°C in winter. Nearby, the crystal-clear waters of Yashilkul Lake stretch across the valley, creating a breathtaking contrast against the stark, high-altitude landscape. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers to capture the beauty of the Pamir plateau. Continuing your journey, you’ll reach Alichur, a remote Kyrgyz village surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped peaks. Experience authentic nomadic culture, stay in a traditional yurt camp, and enjoy a warm meal in one of the village’s cozy guesthouses. The serene, high-altitude environment of Alichur makes it an ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of the Pamirs.

This journey takes you through the heart of the Eastern Pamirs, where vast high-altitude plateaus, towering peaks, and pristine alpine lakes create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Along the way, stop in Murgab, the highest town in Tajikistan at 3,618m. Visit the Murgab Bazaar, a unique marketplace made of shipping containers, where locals trade essentials in this isolated region. It’s a great opportunity to experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture and daily life in the Pamir Mountains.
From Murgab, the road climbs to the spectacular Ak-Baital Pass (4,655m), the highest navigable pass in the Pamirs. This section of the Pamir Highway offers jaw-dropping panoramic views, with a chance to spot Marco Polo sheep, yaks, and golden eagles in their natural habitat. Descending from the pass, you’ll arrive at Karakul Lake (3,914m), a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by barren mountains and endless open plains. The deep blue waters of Karakul provide a dramatic contrast to the rugged landscape, making it one of the most photogenic locations in Tajikistan.

Today we will cross the border and explore Southern Kyzrgyzstan.
Heading north along the Pamir Highway (M41), you’ll soon reach the Kyzyl-Art Pass (4,280m), marking the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This high-altitude crossing offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, transitioning from the rugged Eastern Pamirs to the lush green pastures of Kyrgyzstan’s Alay Valley.
After clearing the border formalities, descend into Sary-Tash, a small Kyrgyz village surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Here, take a break, enjoy a warm meal, and stock up on supplies before heading toward the towering Lenin Peak.
From Sary-Tash, continue your drive through the picturesque Alay Valley, offering stunning views of Lenin Peak (7,134m) in the distance. The road will lead you to Tulparkol Lake, where you can settle into a yurt camp, relax, and take in the awe-inspiring mountain views that surround you.

Start the day with a morning hike to Traveler Pass (4,100m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lenin Peak (7,134m) and the vast Alay Valley.
The hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip, covering moderate terrain with some steep sections. It’s a great opportunity to capture stunning photos of the Pamir Mountains before descending back to Tulpar-Kul Lake. After lunch drive towards Osh.
As you continue, the landscape gradually transforms from high-altitude plateaus to the fertile lowlands of the Fergana Valley, a historically significant region known for its rich culture and agricultural prosperity. Finally, arrive in Osh, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and a key hub along the Silk Road, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the Pamir Mountains.