M41 ROAD: PAMIR HIGHWAY AND WAKHAN VALLEY

Adventure tour in the in the highlands of Pamir

 

Tour destinations: Tajikistan
Itinerary duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Itinerary Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb – Khorog – Ishkashim – Langar – Ak Baital pass – Tokhtamysh pass – Savnov – Khichez – Rushan – Kalai-Khumb – Dushanbe

Adventure Jeep-tour in the Pamirs

This adventure trip along unique mountain roads will take you to the enchanting world of the high-altitude Pamir Mountains revealing the wild beauties of untouched nature, giving an insight to local original culture and lifestyle of the Pamir people.

During this adventure tour you will enjoy the hauntingly spectacular mountain landscape of the “Roof of the world”, experience the atmosphere of high-altitude desert plateaux and seldom visited place of TajikistanWakhan valley, marvel at grandeur and splendour of picturesque mountain gorges and lakes and after crossing one of the world's most remote and desolate borders you will return to civilization immersing yourself in lush vegetation of grasslands and warmth.

Pamir Highway tour and travelling along the Wakhan corridor you can escape the contemporary technogenic environment and immerse yourself in a fascinating world of mountains, feel true freedom and genuine emotions!

 

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Tour itinerary 2024
Day 1 Arrival in Dushanbe.
Arrival in Dushanbe early in the morning. Meet at the airport, transfer to the hotel and rest.
10:00 After breakfast meet the guide and start of the city tour in Dushanbe. Visit the following sites: Tajikistan United Museum, including exploring the famous Buddha in Nirvana - one of the most valuable exhibits of the museum; Botanical garden; Oriental Bazaar.
After lunch transfer 30 km out of the city to visit the ruins of the ancient Hissar Fortress of 18th century and two plain madrassahs of 18th and 19th centuries and mausoleum of 16th century nearby.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Day 2 Dushanbe – Kalai-Khumb by road (370 km).
After breakfast we start our trip to the Pamirs and make a ride along the M41 highway. Our route will run through Tawildara village and Khaburabad pass (3252m). In case the road via the pass will not be available, we will drive via Kulyab region. People here are more conservative and prefer local dressing style, but this does not influence on their definite hospitality.
As soon as we pass the Khaburabad mountain pass to Kalai-Khumb, the scenery and the people change again. People living here are called Badakhshanis who speak their own language (there are seven different languages used in Tajik Pamirs). Kalai-khum is located on the Panj River, a major tributary of the famous Amudarya (Oxus) River.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3 Kalai-Khumb – Khorog by road (240 km).
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we meet our guide and driver and continue the journey. Today the route will follow the Panj River. During the entire trip we will be observing Afghanistan border.
Khorog is the administrative centre of the Pamir region, dramatically set deep in the valley at the confluence of the Panj and Ghunt rivers and boxed in by the mountain peaks. 
On arrival in Khorog – accommodation at the hotel and rest. 
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4 Khorog – Ishkashim by road (120 km).
Not far from Khorog (in just 45 km), a famous Mineral Hot Spring of Garm Chashma is located. And it will be our first stop today after leaving Khorog. The road to Ishkashim will be smooth and short.
Ishkashim is a small town at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor, where the 19th century Great Game ended. Continue up the north side of the river with amazing views of the Pamirs to the left and the Hindu Kush to the right; a number of peaks in view are above 6,000m.
If we are lucky to arrive in Ishkashim on Saturday, we will see the cross-border Tajik-Afghan market located on the Afghan side. For visiting the market, we will not need an Afghan visa!
Overnight at the guesthouse in Ishkashim. Dinner and overnight.
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5 Ishkashim – Langar by road (140 km).
After brekafast we will leave Ishkashim to stop in another point on our map – Langar village. En route from Ishkashim to Langar we will visit an old fortress of Kah-Kaha in Namadgut village, museum of Muborak-kadami Vakhani (a local Sufi scholar, theologian, poet and traveller, who died in 1910).
Not far from his house we will find a stone pillar with a hole, which he used to calculate a solar calendar. There is also a local house there with inscriptions and decorations made by the scholar.
Another stop will be at the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang village, sacred hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra and ruins of Yamchun fortress of the 4th centtury BC. On arrival in Langar - accommodation at the guesthouse, dinner and overnight.  
Overnight at the guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6 Langar – Burunkul – Murgab by road (230 km) .
In the mornig we will make a short climb above Langar village to see the petroglyphs carved into the rock, depicting mountain goats, caravans, horse riders, and the Ismaili symbol of a hand.
After lunch, we proceed driving to the north via the Khargush Pass (4344m) to Yashilkul Lake. While we slowly move up higher into the Pamirs, the landscape and the local residents’ look change. We have already left behind the lush valley of the Wakhan and the Pamiri tribes. The terrain here is becoming barren and rocky. This region is inhabited by nomadic Kirgyz herders.
On arrival in Murgab – accommodation at the plain hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7 Murghab – Ak Baital pass – Tokhtamysh pass – Savnob by road (300 km).
The views of mountains and glaciers along the way today are simply breath-taking as the road takes us to the Ak Baital Pass (The White Horse Pass 4655 m). This is the highest pass in the former USSR, real “The Roof of the World” and the hidden site in this expanse of arid landscape.
Further to the left of the main road on the Barchidev side. The road crossed the Jalang valley, passed Tokhtamysh and the village of Kudara. Picnic on the way. We will visit yurts on the way.
Then we will go down to the famous and beautiful Bartang Gorge.
Accommodation at homestay.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8 Savnob – Khizev by road (150 km).
Breakfast. Before leaving, enjoy the beautiful view of Lyapnazar peak (5989 m).
Transfer down to the Bartang lake to village Khizev. Arriving to Khizev village, located on Bartang valley, we will explore the area, walking around stunning Khichez valley.
Overnight at homestay.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9 One day trekking to Jizev.
Breakfast. The trek (7 hours) to Jizev begins after crossing one bridge on the Bartang River, just beyond Bhagoo village. The hike is mostly gently uphill for about 8 km.
The first houses in Jizev are reached after about 5 km. The abundant vegetation, the gnarled trees, the lakes and the ever-changing river – sometimes frothing with energy, sometimes limpid and blue - create a very special peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a short break without too much physical effort. This trekking route passed some lakes and rivers traversing some of the most magnificent scenery in the Pamirs.
Return to Khichez.
Overnight at homestay.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 10 Khizev – Rushan – Kalai-Khumb.
Breakfast. Transfer to the town of Kalai-Khumb. Lunch on the way; dinner at guesthouse. You may notice more conservative attitudes of local dressing style and beards, but the hospitality is just as welcoming.
Visiting the ancient settlement Karon. The remains of the city Karon are located 1 km east of the village of Ruzvai at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, on the top of Zogik mountain, Darvaz district of GBAO.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 11 Kalai-Khumb – Dushanbe by road (280 km).
Breakfast. Drive towards Dushanbe via Khobu-Robot pass (3252 m). The route will take you in the middle of Badagshon´s mountains range to enjoy the most beautiful views.
Lunch on the way. Dinner at oriental tearoom.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
Day 12 Departure from Dushanbe.
Transfer to the International airport.
Departure from Dushanbe.
Meals: breakfast.

Cost of the tour in USD per person, season 2024:

Group 1 pax 2-3 pax 4-5 pax 6-7 pax 8-9 pax 10-11 pax SGL supplement
Hotels & guesthouses 3960 USD 2315 USD 2115 USD 1815 USD 1800 USD 1795 USD +240 USD

Cost includes:

  • Accommodation at the hotels, mentioned above, or in similar, but of the same category in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check in on day 1 in Dushanbe; check-in at other hotels - at 14:00; check-out - at 12:00
  • Accommodation at the guesthouses en route.
  • Meals - all breakfasts and meals on full board basis on the Pamir Highway route according to the program.
  • Entrance fees to the monuments and museums listed above.
  • Services of English-speaking accompanying guide.
  • Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour, including ‘airport-hotel-airport” transfers.

Cost does not include:

  • The cost of international flights.
  • Meals not mentioned above.
  • Medical expenses and insurance.
  • Porters at the hotels and airpots.
  • Tips and gratitudes.
  • Visa fees (if needed – 80 USD/per person) and permit for visiting the Pamir Highway region (20 USD/per person).

Information on the hotels

City Hotel 4*
Dushanbe Rumi Hotel 4* or similar
Kalai-Khumb Karon Palace Hotel 4*
Khorog Lal Hotel 3* or similar
Ishkashim Guesthouse
Langar Guesthouse
Murgab Pamir Hotel
Savnob Guesthouse
Khizev Guesthouse

Information on the vehicles

Tajikistan Vehicle
Group of 1-2 pax Toyota Rav4 or similar
Group of 3-15 pax Hyundai Starex minivan (5 pax per each vehicle)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  ► Memo: Useful tips for tourists »»

  1. Is it obligatory to have temporary registration while staying on the territory of Tajikistan?
    Foreign tourists with Tourist visa (T) are allowed to stay on the territory of Tajikistan without temporary registration within 30 days. Holders of all other visa categories, as well as CIS citizens, except for those of Kazakhsatan and Kyrgyzstan, should get temporary registration within 3 working days from the date of entry. Policemen in the street, as well as border officers at the port of exit can demand the proof of Tajik registration. Absence of registration is penalized by heavy fine.
  2. What documents and forms should be filled out while entering/leaving the territory of Tajikistan?
    Upon entering Tajikistan a foreign national should fill out migration card which is provided on board of plane or on arrival at airport, as well as customs declaration. Upon exiting the country a foreigner should show the customs control official the registration certificate, migration card, and customs declaration filled out on arrival to Tajikistan port of entry.
  3. What is forbidden to bring in and take out from Tajikistan?
    Similar to other countries’ regulations, it is forbidden to bring pornographic materials, firearms, weapons and ammunition, printed, audiovisual and other information which can be construed as jeopardizing the country's state sovereignty, narcotics, including drugs containing psychotropic agents. Exception is the medicinal product accompanied with a copy of doctor’s prescription. It is allowed to take out any items except foodstuff, precious stones, gold and minerals. Foreign travelers are also forbidden to take out local currency- somoni. If a traveler wants to buy any jewelry item as a souvenir, he/she needs a permit certifying that this item does not have cultural or historical value.
  4. Is it allowed to bring alcoholic drinks and cigarettes in Tajikistan?
    Under Tajik customs regulations it is allowed to bring in not more than 1 litre of alcoholic drinks and 1 block of cigarettes (200 sticks) per person.
  5. What are the limits to the amount of foreign currency allowed for bringing in or taking out of Tajikistan?
    Tajikistan has no restriction on the amount of foreign currency cash you can carry in or out of Tajikistan. However, any amounts of foreign currency cash exceeding $5,000 in USD or foreign equivalent must be declared. It is recommended to declare the total amount of currency brought in the country, because a foreign traveller is allowed to take out of Tajikistan the amount of foreign currency that does not exceed the amount which was brought in and declared in customs declaration.
    On exiting the country the amount of cash exceeding $500 is subject to declaration. The total amount of foreign currency cash allowed for export from Tajikistan without special permit is $2,000. If the amount of foreign currency exceeds $2,000, appropriate documentation certifying its legality should be submitted to customs authorities. Customs declaration confirming the import to Tajikistan of foreign currency cash or valuables can serve this purpose.
  6. What currency is in circulation in Tajikistan? Where can foreign currency be exchanged for local one?
    Any transaction when buying goods and services or any other financial dealings on the territory of Tajikistan are made in the national currency - somoni. Foreign currency can be exchanged in the banks of big cities or numerous exchange offices which function practically in any town of the country. It is not recommended to exchange foreign currency in the streets or bazaars.
  7. Are credit cards accepted for payment of goods and services on the territory of Tajikistan?
    Visa and Master Card are accepted for payment of goods and services in some hotels and supermarkets of Dushanbe and Khojent. ATMs are available only in these two cities.
  8. What time zone is Tajikistan in?
    In Tajikistan local time is +5 GTM.
  9. Can foreigners subscribe to the mobile communications service operators in Tajikistan? Is mobile communication service available everywhere in Tajikistan?
    In Tajikistan today mobile telecommunication services are provided by 9 companies with ability to support international roaming with major world mobile operators. However it is not easy for a foreigner to buy a SIM-card of the local mobile communication provider. In majority of cases this is to be solved individually between the buyer and the seller. It should be noted that mobile communications rates in Tajikistan are rather high.
    In cities and large towns cellular communication functions regularly with good signal receipt. However, in some remote villages, especially in mountain areas, there are difficulties with signal receipt.
  10. How good is Internet access in Tajikistan?
    The quality of Internet access depends on the location of the town: the larger the town or city is the better is Internet access. In majority of villages there is no Internet access. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and restaurants of Dushanbe and some other Tajik cities. Internet-cafes are available only in large towns.
  11. Is it allowed to take photos or make video recording at tourist attractions?
    In Tajikistan it is forbidden to photograph or make video of military facilities and airports. Some attractions charge extra fee photographing or video recording. It is not recommended to take pictures of people in the street without their permission, especially women.
  12. What kind of clothing is suitable for travelling in Tajikistan? Are there any restrictions in clothes for women?
    Tajikistan is a mountainous country with variety of weather conditions. In summer in the cities the temperature can rise as high as +30-40 degrees Centigrade, whereas in Pamir mountainous areas it is much cooler. Warm clothing to protect you from piercing wind, rain and snow should be taken if you travel in Tajikistan during the colder seasons of the year and always in the mountains. The outfit for mountain trekking should meet the standard requirements for this type of sport.
    There are no restrictions in clothes for women.
  13. What language do local people speak? Do they speak foreign languages?
    In Tajikistan the state language is Tajik. Virtually all citizens of big cities can more or less speak Russian. Very few local people can speak foreign languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.)
  14. What are dining facilities in Tajikistan?
    In Tajik capital and big cities there is a big variety of cafes and restaurants offering national Tajik cuisine as well as dishes of international cuisines. The prices are reasonable- a substantial lunch in cities can cost $ 8-10, whereas in teahouses and cafes in some mountainous areas it is even cheaper. Tajik cuisine is extremely delicious and varied.

 

Additional options, tours and excursions

Resort in the Pamirs Tour

Countries: Kyrgyzstan
Tour at the foot of Lenin Peak
Tour duration: 10 days
Best time for the tour: June - September

Amateur photographers, journalists, artists, travelers, romantics, bards, the young and the old, who knows no rest in this world, and everyone who has lost themselves - you all are going to get every thing here - the harmony, peace and balance. You are going to absorb all this beauty and feel the grandeur of this land, you will see the world in its new colors, you will be granted with new life energy, and you will get new powerful sources to live - live with fun, live joyfully, learn to be happy every minute of this wonderful stay at our small, single and unique planet - Earth!

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Photos of the tour:

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Video: Jeep tours on the Pamir Highway (Tajikistan)

 

Travelling in jeeps in the high-altitude areas of the Pamirs!

A trip filled with enormous breathtaking spaces and the cold beauty of the high Pamir Mountains. The famous Pamir Highway, M 41, is a high-altitude car road over 700 km long connecting Dushanbe, Khorog (Tajikistan) and Osh (Kyrgyzstan). The Pamir Highway is unpredictable and usually empty, featuring several passes over 4,000 m high. Along the whole length of the road there are very few car service centres and petrol stations. Currently, it is one of the most elevated paved roads having such length. M 41 forms the only vital artery connecting the isolated alpine regions of the Pamir Mountains with the rest of the civilised world.

Our video gallery:

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