Überblick

Höhepunkte

• Important information
• Weather and Climate
• The Pamir is one of the highest and most remote mountain regions in the world, with elevations up to 7,500 meters. Therefore, we must prepare for extreme climatic conditions. In Dushanbe and Osh, as well as in the lower-lying parts of the Pamirs, daytime temperatures can reach up to 35° C. On the Pamir Plateau and in the Pik Lenin yurt camp, it can also be quite cold at night in summer, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
• Single room surcharge
• The single room surcharge applies to overnight stays in hotels in Dushanbe and Bishkek, as well as the guesthouse in Kalai-Kumb. In the guesthouses in Savnob, Karakul, and Sary Tash, we cannot guarantee single rooms. In the yurts at Pik Lenin, we are accommodated in groups of a maximum of 5 people per yurt. The yurts are not available for single use. During the camping nights, the single use of a two-person tent is included in the travel price.
• Travel itinerary and route
• The Pamir is poorly developed in terms of infrastructure, and the roads are often in a desolate state. Due to weather conditions, it may happen that we cannot pass the roads. Therefore, there may be changes in the program schedule. The program outlined above represents the optimal variant. Our travel dates are based on the usually favorable weather conditions at that time.
• Entry and Documents
• For entry into Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, citizens from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy need a passport that is valid for at least six months, proof of return or onward travel documents (tickets), and no visa for a stay of up to a maximum of 30 or 60 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to inquire at their respective representations.
• For a stay of more than three days in Tajikistan, registration is required. A GBAO special permit is needed for travel to the Pamirs. We will take care of both documents. They are included in the travel price.
• Please check the current travel and safety advisories as well as the entry requirements online. German citizens can find information at the Federal Foreign Office at www.auswaertiges-amt.de, Austrian citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.aussenministerium.at, and Swiss citizens at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs at www.eda.admin.ch.
• Vaccinations and Health Prevention
• There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. However, it is important that your standard vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio are up to date. Additionally, we recommend considering vaccinations against hepatitis A. For longer stays or certain activities, vaccinations against hepatitis B and rabies may also be advisable. It is best to discuss this with your doctor or a tropical medicine specialist. Center for Travel Medicine: www.crm.de; Robert Koch Institute: www.rki.de These sites do not replace a doctor's visit. Allow enough time and ideally contact your doctor several months before the trip to create a vaccination plan.
• Pack a personal travel pharmacy tailored to your needs. It is sensible to include medications for diarrhea, headaches, and colds, as well as bandages and plasters. We carry a general emergency pharmacy and a well-equipped first aid kit on the tour. However, these are only intended for real emergencies and should not replace personal preparation.
• If you have any chronic health issues, you should definitely consult your family doctor before the trip. Due to the altitude in the Pamirs and the associated low oxygen levels in the air, as well as a significant temperature difference between day and night (about 20 °C), your body is under much greater strain than normal. Especially for cardiovascular problems or asthma, we strongly recommend discussing these issues with your family doctor.

Reiseverlauf

Tag 01: Arrival in Dushanbe – City Tour – Qalai Khumb

Your adventure begins in Dushanbe, the welcoming capital of Tajikistan. Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred into the city. Depending on arrival time, you explore the city’s highlights, best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening during warmer months. A walk through Rudaki Park, views of the impressive National Flagpole, and a short city drive introduce Tajikistan’s modern identity.Optional visits to the National Museum, Museum of Antiquities, or the lively Mehrgon Central Market offer insight into local history and daily life. After lunch, you leave the city behind and begin the journey toward the Pamirs.Along the way, stop at the vast Nurek Reservoir, one of Central Asia’s largest artificial lakes, before continuing through Kulob. The landscape gradually becomes more rugged as you follow the Panj River, which forms the natural border with Afghanistan. Arrival in Qalai Khumb in the late afternoon.

• Driving: 360.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Übernachtung: Qalai Khumb hotel or guesthouse
• Höhe: Dushanbe ~800 m | Qalai Khumb ~1,300 m
• Straßenverhältnisse: Asphalt

Tag 02: Qalai Khumb – Bartang Valley – Hike to Jizew

After breakfast, the road leads deeper into the mountains toward the remote Bartang Valley, one of the wildest and least accessible regions of the Pamirs. Narrow gorges, rushing rivers, and isolated villages dominate the scenery.At the road’s end, the journey continues on foot. A scenic 7 km hike climbs gradually through alpine landscapes, crossing streams and passing small mountain lakes. The ascent from 2,100 m to about 2,600 m is steady and rewarding.By late afternoon, you reach Jizew Village, a peaceful green oasis hidden deep in the mountains. Dinner and overnight in a local homestay, experiencing authentic Pamiri hospitality

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 5 hours
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Übernachtung: Jizew Village (Homestay)
• Höhe: Start ~2,100 m | Jizew ~2,600 m
• Höchster Punkt: 2600m
• Straßenverhältnisse: Partly paved, partly rough

Tag 03: Jizew – Khorog

In the morning, hike back along the same trail to the main road, where your vehicle is waiting. From there, drive to Khorog, the administrative and cultural center of the Pamirs.Set at the confluence of rivers and surrounded by mountains, Khorog has a relaxed atmosphere. Visit the renowned Khorog Botanical Garden, one of the highest-altitude botanical gardens in the world, offering panoramic views over the valley. A walk through the central park and local market completes the afternoon. Overnight in Khorog.

• Driving: 90.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 2 hours
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Übernachtung: khorog hotel or homestay
• Höhe: 2200
• Straßenverhältnisse: mixed

Tag 04: Khorog – Wakhan Valley – Yamchun

Today’s journey follows the legendary Wakhan Valley, a narrow corridor that once connected Central Asia with South Asia. Snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush rise across the river in Afghanistan, creating one of the most dramatic border landscapes in the region.Stops include the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, where bathing is optional, and the ancient Kah-Kaha Fortress, dating back to the 3rd century. On Saturdays, it may be possible to visit a small cross-border market with Afghan traders.The day concludes at Yamchun Fortress, perched high above the valley with sweeping views of the Wakhan Corridor. Overnight in Yamchun village, with an optional evening visit to nearby hot springs

• Driving: 240.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Übernachtung: Yamchun guesthouse
• Höhe: 2900
• Höchster Punkt: 2900
• Straßenverhältnisse: Mostly unpaved

Tag 05: Yamchun – Langar – Khargush Pass – Bulunkul

Leaving the Wakhan Valley, the route climbs toward the Eastern Pamir Plateau, where vast open spaces replace narrow valleys.Stops include Yamg Village with its solar calendar and small museum, Langar with its Buddhist stupa and ancient petroglyphs, and ruins of historic Silk Road caravanserais. After crossing the dramatic Khargush Pass, the road descends toward Bulunkul, one of the highest and coldest permanently inhabited villages in Tajikistan.

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 6
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Übernachtung: bulunkul homestay
• Höhe: 3700
• Höchster Punkt: 4500
• Straßenverhältnisse: Rough / unpaved

Tag 06: Bulunkul – Murghab – Karakul Lake

In the morning, enjoy a short walk near Bulunkul Lake, weather permitting. Continue toward Murghab, stopping at small alpine lakes and wide-open viewpoints. Near Murghab, visit the abandoned Shorbuluq Observatory, offering distant views toward China’s Muztagata range.After lunch in Murghab, cross the Ak-Baital Pass, the highest motorable pass in Tajikistan. By late afternoon, arrive at the striking blue waters of Karakul Lake, surrounded by towering peaks. Overnight in a homestay near the lake.

• Driving: 310.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Übernachtung: karakul homestay
• Höhe: 4100
• Höchster Punkt: 4650
• Straßenverhältnisse: Rough / unpaved

Tag 07: Karakul – Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan Border – Sary-Tash – Osh

After a morning walk along Karakul Lake, depart toward the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border. Time is allocated for border and customs formalities.Upon entering Kyrgyzstan, continue through the scenic Sary-Tash Valley, with breathtaking views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Arrival in Osh in the evening, marking the end of this remarkable Pamir journey

• Driving: 300.00 km
• Fahrzeit: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Übernachtung: Osh
• Höhe: 970
• Höchster Punkt: 4250
• Straßenverhältnisse: mixed

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