Pamir Highway Tour – Osh to Dushanbe

  • osh-dyu-lake
  • osh-dyu-road
  • osh-dyu-water
  • dyu-osh-trip-museum
  • dyu-osh-trip-tree
  • dyu-osh-trip-pamiri-house

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

Your journey begins in Osh. We will head to the Alay Valley and arrive at Tulpar-Kul Lake, situated at the foot of Lenin Peak. In the evening, you will settle into a traditional yurt camp and experience the nomadic Kyrgyz culture.

Distance/drive time: 250 km / 5 hours,
Accommodation: Shared bathrooms, outdoor toilets,
Elevation: 3,500m↑ / 11,482ft↑

After crossing the border from Kyrgyzstan into Tajikistan, we’ll drive through the high Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 m) to Karakul Lake. One of the most remote and scenic lakes of the Pamirs, Karakul will be our resting spot for the night at a cozy family homestay.

Distance/drive time: 150 km / 4 hours,
Accommodation: No shower, shared outdoor toilets, up to 4 guests per room,
Elevation: 4,000m↑ / 13,123ft↑

Our route will take us across high-altitude steppes with a stop in Murghab for lunch. We’ll also visit Alichur, Ak-Balyk Lake, and the village of Bash-Gumbaz, where you can enjoy a yak ride. In Bulunkul, known as the coldest place in Tajikistan, we’ll rest at a local homestay and savor freshly caught fish from the lake.

Distance/drive time: 270 km / 6 hours,
Accommodation: Outdoor showers, shared toilets, up to 4 guests per room,
Elevation: 3,850m↑ / 12,631ft↑

We’ll cross the Kargush Pass and visit the stunning lakes of Yashilkul and Bulunkul. In Langar, you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight at a guesthouse. Along the way, we’ll stop to see ancient petroglyphs and admire panoramic views of the Wakhan Corridor.

Distance/drive time: 160 km / 5 hours,
Accommodation: Shared bathrooms, outdoor toilets,
Elevation: 2,900m↑ / 9,514ft↑

We continue along the Panj River, which forms the border with Afghanistan, traveling through the Wakhan Corridor. Highlights include Yamchun Fortress, the Sufi Mubarak Observatory Museum, and the Bibi Fatima hot springs. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Khorog, where you can visit the renowned Botanical Garden, the second highest in the world.

Distance/drive time: 110 km / 4–5 hours,
Accommodation: Shared bathrooms, modern toilets, up to 4 guests per room,
Elevation: 2,200m↑ / 7,218ft↑

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Bartang Valley, leaving our vehicle at the trailhead. A two-hour hike will take us to the secluded village of Jizev, renowned for its stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. You’ll stay overnight in local guesthouses.


Distance/drive time: 85 km / 3 hours (by car), 6 km / 2 hours (hiking),
Accommodation: Outdoor toilets, up to 3 guests per room,
Elevation: 2,500m↑ / 8,180ft↑

After a morning breakfast, we’ll hike back to the vehicle and head toward Darvaz via the Shurabad Pass. On the way, we’ll stop by the Panj River to enjoy views of Afghanistan. In the evening, dinner and overnight will be in a guesthouse in the Qalai-Khumb area.


Distance/drive time: 210 km / 6 hours (by car), 6 km / 2 hours (hiking),
Accommodation: Shared bathrooms, modern toilets,
Elevation: 1,200m↑ / 3,937ft↑

The final day of your journey takes us to Dushanbe. En route, we’ll visit the medieval Hulbuk Fortress (11th century) and the memorial complex of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. After lunch in Kulob, we’ll arrive in Dushanbe, concluding your adventure.


Distance/drive time: 360 km / 6 hours
Elevation: 800m↑ / 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.

Private Tour

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

To join a group

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
8 Days
Group size
-
Season
April - November
Physical rating
Moderate
Departure / Return
Osh, Dushanbe
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Pamir Highway Tour – Osh to Dushanbe

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