Overview

Highlights

• 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 especially for visiting the Sarez lake as the goal of the each visitors as they want to explore it. Its calls permit for visiting the lake of Sarez, 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.

Itinerary

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

Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the city. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a brief city tour of Tajikistan’s capital. Highlights include Rudaki Park, the National Flagpole, and a panoramic drive through modern districts of Dushanbe.
Optional visits include the National Museum, Museum of Antiquities, or Mehrgon Central Market.After lunch, depart toward the Pamirs. En route, stop at the impressive Nurek Reservoir, one of Central Asia’s largest artificial lakes. Continue via Kulob, following the Panj River, which forms the natural border with Afghanistan.
Arrival in Qalai Khumb by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.

• Driving: 360.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Guesthouse, Qalai Khumb
• Road conditions: asphalt

Day 02: Qalai Khumb – Bartang Valley – Trek to Jizew

After breakfast, drive into the remote Bartang Valley, renowned for its dramatic gorges, fast-flowing rivers, and isolated mountain settlements.
At the road’s end, begin a scenic hike through alpine landscapes, crossing streams and small lakes. The ascent is gradual and non-technical.By late afternoon, arrive in Jizew Village, a green oasis surrounded by towering peaks. Dinner and overnight in a traditional Pamiri homestay

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Driving time: 5 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Homestay, Jizew Village
• Altitude: Start ~2,100 m | Jizew ~2,600 m
• Highest point: 2600
• Road conditions: Mixed (paved and rough)

Day 03: Jizew – Bartang Valley – Khorog

Return hike to the main road, then continue by vehicle to Khorog, the administrative and cultural center of Gorno-Badakhshan.
In the afternoon, visit the Khorog Botanical Garden, one of the highest botanical gardens in the world, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Time permitting, explore the local market and city park.

• Driving: 90.00 km
• Driving time: 1-2 hours
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Overnight: Hotel or Guesthouse, Khorog
• Altitude: 2,200 m
• Road conditions: Mixed (paved and rough)

Day 04: Khorog – Sokhara Valley – Jawshangoz

Drive along one of the Panj River’s upper branches toward the scenic Sokhara Valley. The landscape gradually opens into wide valleys with spectacular mountain views.
Arrive in Jawshangoz, the final village in the valley, offering outstanding views of Peak Engels. Overnight in a local homestay

• Driving: 230.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Homestay, Jawshangoz
• Altitude: 3400
• Road conditions: Mixed

Day 05: Jawshangoz – Viewpoints of Peaks Karl Marx & Engels

After breakfast, drive to the last accessible point and hike toward panoramic viewpoints of Peaks Karl Marx and Engels.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Camp is established in a high alpine environment, weather permitting. Enjoy lunch and short exploratory hikes before returning to camp. Overnight in tents.

• Driving: 25.00 km
• Driving time: 1 hours
• Hiking distance: 8.00 km
• Overnight: Tent
• Altitude: 4,100–4,550 m
• Highest point: 4,550 m
• Road conditions: mixed

Day 06: Jawshangoz – Maysara Pass – Bulunkul

Descend slightly before crossing Maysara Pass (4,450 m). Stop at Turumtaikul Lake to observe local herders and traditional dairy production.
Rejoin the Pamir Highway and cross Kutezak Pass (4,500 m), continuing to Bulunkul, known as the coldest village in Tajikistan. Overnight in a homestay

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Homestay, Bulunkul
• Altitude: 3,700 m
• Highest point: Maysara Pass 4450
• Road conditions: mixed

Day 07: Bulunkul – Yashilkul Lake – Marjanoy

After crossing the river by local boat, meet the donkey team and transfer main luggage. The expedition now enters a true wilderness trekking phase.
Walk along the vast shoreline of Yashilkul Lake, enjoying expansive views and profound isolation. Two shallow river crossings are encountered.
Camp near the lake with spectacular sunset reflections. Overnight in tents.

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Driving time: 8 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 18.00 km
• Overnight: Tent
• Altitude: 3,850 m
• Highest point: 3,850 m
• Road conditions: mixed

Day 08: Marjanoy – Bugromoy Pass – Miyonail

Begin with a river crossing, then continue along the lakeshore before ascending toward Bugromoy Pass (4,350 m).
From the pass, panoramic views extend toward the Bartang Valley. Descend carefully through sandy and rocky terrain. Camp in a remote alpine setting.

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Driving time: 8 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 18.00 km
• Altitude: 4,000 m
• Highest point: 4350
• Road conditions: rocky and sandy

Day 09: Miyonail – Chapdar Lake – Furokhsangov

Ascend toward stunning Chapdar Lake (approx. 4,550 m), one of the most scenic high-altitude lakes in the Pamirs.
Enjoy lunch beside the lake before descending into a broad alpine basin. Rejoin the donkey team and establish camp. Cold evening temperatures are expected

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Driving time: 8 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 18.00 km
• Overnight: tent
• Altitude: 4100
• Highest point: 4550 chapdar lake
• Road conditions: mixed

Day 10: Furokhsangov – Ukhinj

A shorter and more relaxed trekking day through open valleys and seasonal pastures.
Stop at a herder’s stone shelter for tea and cultural interaction. Pass the Uch Lakes, a group of three clear alpine lakes. Afternoon free for rest and exploration.

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Driving time: 5 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 12.00 km
• Overnight: tent
• Altitude: 3900
• Road conditions: miaxed rock and sand

Day 11: : Ukhinj – Yierkht

Today’s trek leads toward the legendary Sarez Lake, one of the largest lakes in Tajikistan, formed by a massive landslide in 1911. Often referred to as the “Sleeping Dragon,” the lake is considered one of Central Asia’s most geologically significant sites.
The trail follows a rocky river path with one river crossing. Camp is set in a scenic location near the lake.

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Driving time: 5 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 12.00 km
• Overnight: tent
• Altitude: 3300
• Road conditions: mixed rock and sandy

Day 12: Yierkht – Sarez Lake

Explore the shoreline in the morning before crossing Sarez Lake by boat. Pack animals follow an alternative route and reunite later.
The remainder of the day is dedicated to exploration, photography, and relaxation amid one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pamirs.

• Driving time: 1–2 hours trekking
• Hiking distance: 8.00 km
• Overnight: tent
• Altitude: 3200
• Road conditions: mixed

Day 13: Sarez Lake – Barchidiv

Descend toward Barchidiv Village via a well-defined trail. The water flowing from Sarez Lake is exceptionally clear and fresh.
Arrive around midday. Afternoon at leisure to relax, explore village life, or swim in the river. Overnight in a local homestay

• Driving time: 5 hours of trekking
• Hiking distance: 18.00 km
• Overnight: tent
• Altitude: 2700
• Road conditions: rocky

Day 14: Barchidiv – Bartang Valley – Qalai Khumb

Farewell to the donkey team and trekking staff. Drive through the Bartang Valley, observing traditional villages, terraced fields, and daily rural life.
Lunch in Rushan, then continue along the Panj River to Qalai Khumb. Dinner and overnight.

• Driving: 400.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Guesthouse, Qalai Khumb
• Altitude: 1600
• Road conditions: Mixed

Day 15: Qalai Khumb – Dushanbe

Return drive to Dushanbe with scenic stops en route. Landscape gradually transitions from high mountains to fertile valleys.
Arrival in Dushanbe by late afternoon. Transfer to hotel or onward arrangements.
End of Services – Pamir & Bartang Valley Expedition.

• Driving: 350.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Hotel (if required
• Altitude: 850
• Road conditions: Asphalt

Departures