Embark on an epic journey across the roof of the world on an 13-day expedition along the legendary Pamir Highway. Travel in the legendary UAZ 452 expedition van, built for the rugged terrain of this remote region.
Day 1 (Osh):
Arrive in Osh, Silk Road crossroads. Hotel check-in and, if time allows, visit Sulaiman-Too (UNESCO) for panoramic city views. Meet your guide and group over dinner.
Day 2 (Osh → Sary Mogol):
Cross Taldyk Pass (3,554m) and push into high-mountain country. Visit Lenin Peak Base Camp and overnight in a yurt camp near Tulpar-Kul Lake.
Day 3 (Sary Mogol → Karakul):
Enter Tajikistan via Kyzylart Pass (4,280m). Arrive at Karakul Lake (3,915m), walk the shoreline, and admire the glacial scenery.
Day 4 (Karakul → Murghab):
Climb to Ak-Baital Pass (4,655m), the highest point of the Pamir Highway, then descend to Murghab. Explore the local market and settle into a simple guesthouse.
Day 5 (Murghab → Jarty Gumbaz):
Take a rugged route to remote Jarty Gumbaz. Visit the abandoned Shor-bulak Soviet Observatory (around 4,300m) and watch for Marco Polo sheep and ibex on the slopes, this is one the most unique and remote area of the Pamir.
Day 6 (Jarty Gumbaz → Bulunkul):
Stop at the ancient Shakhty Cave paintings, eat in a local house on the way and enjoy some off-road on the way to a remote geyser. Reach Bulunkul Lakes for a night under some of the clearest skies in Central Asia.
Day 7 (Bulunkul):
Rest and acclimatize in the coldest inhabited area of Central Asia. Choose easy lake walks or a longer hike toward Yashilkul Lake, and spend time with local herders.
Day 8 (Bulunkul → Langar):
Cross Khargush Pass (4,344m) into the legendary Wakhan Valley. End the day with petroglyphs near Langar and a guesthouse stay among towering peaks.
Day 9 (Langar → Ishkashim):
Discover Vrang’s Buddhist stupas, explore ancient Yamchun Fortress, then unwind in the Bibi Fatima hot springs. Continue via Khaakha Fortress to Ishkashim.
Day 10 (Ishkashim → Khorog):
Visit the Afghan market (if open to foreigners), follow the Panj River borderlands, stop by Dinosaur Rock, and explore Khorog’s Botanical Garden. Finish with a traditional Pamiri dinner.
Day 11 (Khorog → Kalai Khumb):
Drive along the Afghan border with dramatic river-and-mountain views and glimpses of village life across the water. Overnight in Kalai Khumb.
Day 12 (Kalai Khumb → Dushanbe):
Leave the high Pamirs behind, stopping at Hulbuk Fortress near Kulob and the vast Norak Reservoir. Arrive in Dushanbe by evening.
Day 13 (Dushanbe):
Free time to explore the capital (museums, markets, Somoni Palace), then transfer to the airport for departure.
Not a tour. An expedition.
