Pamir-Highway-Bishkek-Dushanbe-tour-2025

TOUR DOSSIER:

This 10 Days Kyrgystan and Tajikstan trip is one of the adventure road trip, This trip starts in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek but quickly leaves the modern world behind as you wind your way along difficult mountain roads and high passes, in the shadow of some of the highest mountains on our planet. We will have time to explore Bishkek, and leave to visit to Song Kul and Kazarman village where we can meet local shepherds or hike in the surrounding countryside. Continue our trip, exploring ancient city of Osh then From Kyrgyzstan we cross into Tajikistan Traversing the legendary Pamir Highway, The Pamir Mountains have long been known as ‘the roof of the world’, a region of utterly breathtaking scenery and home to a fascinating melange of cultures. Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and pilgrims, and Victorian explorers in discovering a region largely isolated from the world beyond, a land where each village speaks its own different dialect and local traditions have been maintained for centuries. Traversing the legendary Pamir Highway, We visit ruined forts from the days of the old Silk Road, and pass gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo. Spending some nights in homestays in small communities, we are able to gain a great insight into what it means to live in this harsh but majestic region. This trip ventures to a remote and enchanting land that has remained hidden to the rest of the world, a land of towering peaks, turbulent rivers and fascinating people. Travel with us on one of the most amazing journeys you are ever likely to make.

Program Itinerary

Day 1 – Bishkek to Song Kol Lake (325km 7/8h)

Meeting at your stayed accommodation and we drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. It is situated at the height of 3013 meters above sea level and surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is a great place where you can experience a nomadic lifestyle and relax from busy city life. On arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. You will have dinner and overnight at Kyrgyz yurts, which are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings. Yurts are built without nails.

Overnight Yurt stay with 4 – 5 beds in one yurt and shared basic bathroom facilities.  Meals: (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

Day 2 – Song Kul to Kazarman (325km 7/8h)

Today on our journy we drive through the rugged Moldo Ashuu Pass, marveling at its dramatic switchbacks and colorful mountain vistas. The route offers spectacular views of traditional yurts scattered across rolling hills. Descend into the peaceful Kazarman Village, where you’ll unwind in a friendly local homestay. Relax with a home-cooked dinner and experience the simplicity of village life.

Overnight Guest House.   Meals: (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

Day 3 – Kazarman to Osh (290km 5/6h )

We depart early this morning for the journey to Osh. Before arriving in Osh we visit the ancient minaret and mausoleums in Uzghen around 60km from Osh. Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s oldest city that we cn explore.

Overnight Hotel Orto Asia or similar.   Meals: (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

 Day 4 – Osh – Sary Tash Tulpar Kul nomad village (275km 5/6h)

Today we drive from Osh to Sary Mogol village, via beautiful Alay ranges and over the Taldyk Pass (3615 m). We will stop for a lunch in between. Once we pass the village of Sary Tash, the natural scenery of Pamir Alay range is spectacular. You could even see, we will arrive Kyrgyz nomadic village near the lake Tulpar Kol, the village is close to see Lenin Peak (7134m).

Overnight in Nomadic yurt stay.  Meals: (1 Lunch and Dinner)

 Day 5 – Tulpar Kul – Sary Tash via Kara Kul – Murghab (320km 6/7h) TAJIKISTAN

This drive will see us enjoy some of the most dramatic scenery of the trip with the lunar like landscapes and bright turquoise lakes providing stunning backdrops. We also cross the Kyzyl Art pass (4282 metres), which essentially forms the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan before arriving at Lake Karakul. 

After lunch or Picnic around the lake we head for Murghab anticipating an arrival time in the late afternoon. En route we shall cross more high passed including the highest point on the tour the Ak-Baital Pass (4655 metres). Murghab itself situated at 3670m has few attractions but we will explore the area a little and if we are lucky to have clear conditions we may be able to view the distant Chinese peak of Muztag Ata (7546m).

Overnight Guest House.  Meals: (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)

 Day 6 – Murghab to Langar visit Bulun Kul and Yashil Kul (276 km 5/6 h)

Today we will drive to Langar en route visit  Bulun Kul and Yashil Kul. The most beautiful lakes of the Pamirs are Yashil Kul and Bulunkul (Blue lakes), stretched on the altitude of 3 700 meters above sea level, are situated in the Murghab district. Today we will spend a night near them. The color of water in Bulunkul is a subtle inter-play of violet and dark-blue in the sunlight. Species of fish like are found in abundance in the lake. There is the opportunity to see yaks, a unique species of domestic animals, sharing features of cow and sheep, traditionally used as a beast of burden apart from giving milk and meat products.Then continue our  drive to Langano via the Kargushi Pass (4344 meters). On this journey we leave behind the lush valleys of the M41 and enter to Wakhan Valley landscape that is rocky, mostly barren but nevertheless dramatic.

This is the Pamir Highway we have anticipated, with the route between Khorog and Osh completed in 1931 across a Tibetan-plateau style high altitude terrain. Overnight in-Home stay.   Meals: (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch and Dinner)

 Day 7 – Trekking to Engels peak (40km 10/13h)

Today after breakfast we drive to peak Engels, trekking around the peak.

The Engel’s Peak Meadows hike takes you to a green meadow just below 4000 m where you can admire views of Engel’s Peak and the Hindu Kush mountains behind you. The Engel’s Peak Meadows hike can be done as a one or two day trek. Engel’s Peak Meadows hike is a moderate hike without any technical or particularly difficult parts except the altitude and the altitude gain from about 3200 m to about 4000 m.  

Depending on which village you start and end in, the Engel’s Peak Meadows hike is approximately 20 km there and back from the beginning of the trail near Dirch and it can take from 6 to 12 hours depending on the fitness and experience of the hikers. The hike can be also started from Zong or Langar which adds few hours and steep climb to the total hiking duration so it is best to leave early if you wish to make it in one day.

Overnight: Tent-Camp.  Meals: (Breakfast-Picnik Lunch-Dinner)

 Day 8 – Langar – Ishkashim to Khorog (228km 6/7h)

Morning we will walk down if we stayed in Tent Camp to the point, and driver will catch up you then continue our trip.

Today we drive along the fabled Wakhan Valley. We stop at the village of Vrang to visit at the 4th Century Buddhist stupas. In Yammg we stop for visit Sufy museum and lunch. There are a number of these ancient fortresses in the area, and we also visit Yamchun fort, perhaps the most impressive of them. We take a break at the Bibi Fatima hot springs, named for the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter and where local women believe they can increase their fertility. Before arriving in Ishkashim we shall stop at Namadgut to visit the Khahkha Fortress. This impressive structure rises from a naturally formed platform of rock and dates back to the Kushan era of the 3rd Century.

Continue our trip along the Wakhan Valley stopping at Garmchasma hot springs for an (optional) dip in the waters. On arrival in Khorog we will take relax, overnight at the Hotel Pamir Palace or similar where single rooms are available. Meals: (Breakfast-Picnik Lunch-Dinner)

 Day 9 – Khorog to Kalaikhumb (260 km 6/7hours)

Today we set off in Kalaikhumb, driving back through beautiful scenery, The road joins the river Piano, which in turn forms the border with Afghanistan. The contrast across the river valley is telling, Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country, but in general the roads are sealed and buildings are connected with electricity. The situation barely 100m away is even starker, and it is as if the river represents not just a physical divide, but also a step back in time.  Overnight in Guest House.    Meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

 Day 10 – Kalaikhumb to Dushanbe (360 km 7/8 hours)

Today we set up to Dushanbe, driving through beautiful scenery and interesting villages en route. This area is a little more conservative, and we see many men with beards, and women wearing traditional dress.

Overnight: Own arrangements.    Meals: (1 Breakfast 1 Lunch)

END OF THE SERVISE

Inclusions:

• Overland transportation by 4WD coach (Land Cruiser / Mitsubishi Pajero from Bishkek to Dushanbe, (parking fees, all necessary permissions fuel and taxes per the whole route) with basic English speaking driver.
• All accommodation on twin share basis as indicated above:(Hotels 2. Guest houses 4. Yurt stays 2, Tent Camp 1.)
• Meals as listed (9B – Breakfasts, 10L – Lunches, 9D – Dinners)
• Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
• Mineral water (1/2L per day per person)
• Ticket for Tajik National park

Excluded:

• Arrival and departure transfers,
• Supplement for single rooms in USD 92
• GBAO permit per pax 30 USD
• English speaking guide for whole tour USD 763
• Travel insurance, items of personal nature, camera/video fees,
• International flights
• Any airport taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Alcohol drinks

_ PS

• Important – early arrival is not included.
• Some sightseeing places and excavations might be closed / not possible to visit due to local changes, reconstruction, roads condition, and security reasons. We do not guarantee all advised places will be covered, but we will try to do our best to cover them.
• Pricing is confidential & non commissionable