Pamir Highway Tour – Dushanbe to Osh

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Trip description

The Pamir Highway is one of the world’s most thrilling road trips, but the expenses for transportation and other costs can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where we come in! Every day during the season, we receive requests from travelers interested in cost-sharing options, and we’re often able to connect like-minded adventurers to share car expenses. Check the dates and itineraries below to find others looking for travel companions on their journey.

Guaranteed Departure Tours

Our Guaranteed Departure (GDT) Tours are set trips that will proceed as scheduled, regardless of the number of participants. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, these tours offer confirmed departures, ensuring your plans are secure.

Afghan Market

Every Saturday, vibrant cross-border markets open in four regions of the Pamirs, connecting locals from Afghanistan and Tajikistan. These unique markets can be found in Shurabad, Darvaz, Khorog, and Ishkashim. Known as the “Afghan Bazaar” by locals, each market offers a colorful selection of handmade crafts, spices, jewelry, textiles, and more. If your Pamir trip coincides with a Saturday in one of these areas, don’t miss the chance to visit this fascinating cultural exchange and take home something truly special from your journey.

Itinerary

Welcome to the start of the Pamir Highway adventure! We set out from Dushanbe, heading toward the beautiful villages of Darvaz. En route, we'll visit the historical 11th-century Hulbuk Fortress and further, in the center of Kulob we pass by the park zone with centuries-old plane trees the memorial complex of Mir Sayid Ali Khamadoni - the poet, philosopher and thinker of the 14th century. Our journey winds through scenic valleys of the Shurobod Pass, before entering the famed Pamir Mountains, eventually arriving at Darvaz district. From here, we’ll follow the stunning Panj River, offering the first glimpses of Afghanistan, just across the border. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy homestay in Kalaikhumb.

Driving Distance/Time: 360 km / 6 hours,
Facilities: Shared showers, Western-style toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 1,200m↑ / 3,937ft↑

We’ll continue to the rugged Bartang Valley, stopping at the trailhead for Jizew Valley. From here, a 2-hour hike leads us to the remote, picturesque Jizew Village. Nestled away from roads, this village offers a pristine escape and some of the most breathtaking views along the Pamir Highway. Tonight’s stay will be with local families, offering an authentic experience of Pamiri life. Just pack light – your main luggage will remain with our driver.

Driving Distance/Time: 210 km / 6 hours,
Hiking Distance: 6 km / 2 hours,
Facilities: Outdoor squat toilets, shared rooms (up to 3 guests)
Altitude: 2,500m↑ / 8,180ft↑

After a sunrise breakfast in Jizew, we’ll hike back to meet our driver and continue to Khorog, the regional capital and one of the most notable stops along the Pamir Highway. Spend the afternoon exploring Khorog, including a visit to the famous Khorog Botanical Garden, the second highest in the world.

Driving Distance/Time: 85 km / 3 hours,
Hiking Distance: 6 km / 2 hours,
Facilities: Shared showers, Western-style toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 2,200m↑ / 7,218ft↑

Following the scenic Panj River, we’ll travel through the Wakhan Corridor, which marks the boundary with Afghanistan. Stops include 4th centure AD - Buddhist Stuppa, the 3-1 centuries BC- Yamchun Fortress, included in UNESCO Heritage list with its remarkable mountain views. The guests can visit the Solar Calendar and house museum of an astronomer, poet and inventor of 18 century – Sufi Mubarak from Wakhan. Nearby are the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, perfect for a rejuvenating dip. In the evening, we’ll reach Zong, where you can relax in guesthouse.

Driving Distance/Time: 110 km / 4–5 hours,
Facilities: Shared showers, outdoor toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 2,900m↑ / 9,514ft↑

An early start leads us on a trek to Engel’s Peak, a 9-hour round trip through the stunning Wakhan Valley. This trail offers incredible views of the Hindu Kush and alpine meadows, ideal for a picnic and photography. The gentle hiking along the irrigation canal takes you to the foot of Engels Peak 6507m. The travelers have chance to visit the numerous petroglyphs marked on the marble from Bronze and earlier ages. After a day of hiking, we’ll return to Langar for dinner and overnight.

Hiking Distance/Time: 20 km / 9 hours,
Facilities: Shared showers, outdoor toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 4.000m↑ / 13,000ft↑

Today’s drive takes us over the Kargush Pass to Bulunkul and Yashikul Lakes at 3740m. After exploring these high-altitude lakes, we stay in local homestay to try the delicious fish from the lakes. The area is known as the coldest place in Tajikistan, in winter the temperature drops here to 60 degrees below zero by Celsius! Despite of that the locals stay in this raw beautiful place even in wintertime.


Driving Distance/Time: 160 km / 5 hours,
Hiking Distance: 6 km / 4 hours, reaching 4,800 m,
Facilities: Outdoor showers, shared outdoor toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 3,850m↑ / 12,631ft↑

After breakfast, we’ll travel east, stopping in Alichur Village to see the Ak Balik lake and can visit the Bash-Gumbaz village for an optional yak ride with a local Kyrgyz family. We stop in Murghab – the administrative center of Murghab region for lunch. Then, we’ll cross one of the highest road passes of the world - Akbaital Pass (4,655 m) en route to Karakul Lake. Enjoy a peaceful evening around this remote lake and stay in a lakeside homestay.


Driving Distance/Time: 270 km / 6 hours,
Facilities: No showers, shared outdoor toilets, shared rooms (up to 4 guests),
Altitude: 4,000m↑ / 13,123ft↑

Cross the border from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan, driving through the scenic Alay Valley to reach Tulparkul Lake, nestled at the base of Peak Lenin. Stay in a traditional yurt camp and immerse yourself in nomadic Kyrgyz culture.


Driving Distance/Time: 150 km / 4 hours,
Facilities: Shared outdoor showers, toilets,
Altitude: 3,500m↑ / 11,482ft↑

Enjoy a scenic hike to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 m) with views of Lenin Peak’s glaciers. Afterward, drive to Osh, where the journey concludes. The driver will drop you at your hotel, leaving you with memories of the unforgettable Pamir Highway. Thank you for travelling with us!

Driving Distance/Time: 250 km / 5 hours,
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours,
Altitude: Osh - 900m↑ / 2,953ft↑

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4+ People
Your dates - Private group Available US $2,000 US $1,000 US $670 US $500

What’s included

  • Transportation: Reliable vehicle with an experienced, basic English-speaking driver
  • Side Trips: Opportunity to explore interesting stops doing the day hikes
  • Driver’s Meals and Accommodation: Covered throughout the journey
  • Fuel Costs: All fuel expenses included
  • Border Fees: Fees for transport crossing international borders

What’s not included

  • International airfares
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Your Meals and Accommodation: Arranged separately by the client
  • Entrance Fees: Tickets for sites and attractions not included
  • GBAO Permit and Visa: Required travel permits are to be arranged by the client, but we can assist

Private Tour

For private tours, you are welcome to choose your ideal start date and enjoy a journey designed exclusively for you.

To join a group

If you prefer traveling with others and sharing costs, we invite you to explore the group departure dates available on this page.

Tailored Trip

Should the current options not align with your schedule; you are more than welcome to suggest a date that works best for you. We would be happy to share your chosen date with others who might wish to join your adventure.

Notes

The detailed itinerary is given for your guidance only; it may be altered on the ground and in accordance to the prevailing conditions by our organizing team.

From
$500
Trip Length
9 Days
Group size
-
Season
April - November
Physical rating
Moderate
Departure / Return
Dushanbe, Osh
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Pamir Highway Tour – Dushanbe to Osh

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