Panoramica

Punti salienti

• 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.

Itinerario

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

Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to the city. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Tajikistan’s capital. Highlights include a walk through Rudaki Park, views of the National Flagpole, and a panoramic city drive introducing the modern face of the country.Optional visits include the National Museum, Museum of Antiquities, or the lively Mehrgon Central Market, offering insight into Tajik culture and daily life.After lunch, depart Dushanbe and begin the scenic drive toward the Pamirs. En route, stop at the impressive Nurek Reservoir—one of Central Asia’s largest artificial lakes—before continuing through Kulob. As the road follows the Panj River, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with Afghanistan visible across the river.
Arrival in Qalai Khumb in the late afternoon. Overnight at a guesthouse

• Driving: 360.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Pernottamento: Qalai Khumb
• Condizioni stradali: Asphalt

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

After breakfast, travel into the remote and spectacular Bartang Valley—one of the wildest regions of the Pamirs. Narrow gorges, powerful rivers, and isolated mountain villages dominate the scenery.At the end of the road, begin a scenic hike of approximately 7 km. The trail gradually ascends through alpine terrain, crossing small streams and passing mountain lakes. The steady climb from 2,100 m to 2,600 m is rewarding and not technically difficult.By late afternoon, arrive in Jizew Village, a lush green oasis hidden deep in the mountains. Dinner and overnight in a local homestay, experiencing warm Pamiri hospitality.

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 5 hours
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Pernottamento: Jizew Village (Homestay)
• Altitudine: Start ~2,100 m | Jizew ~2,600 m
• Condizioni stradali: : Partly paved, partly rough

Giorno 03: Hiking the Upper Jizew Valley

After an early breakfast, set out on a hike into the upper Jizew Valley. The narrow trail leads through a stunning gorge featuring more than five small alpine lakes, each with different colors and character.Snow-covered peaks rise above the valley, creating breathtaking scenery and ever-changing views. Walk 5–6 km into the valley and return along the same path. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy village life. Overnight at the homestay.

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Pernottamento: : Jizew Village (Homestay)
• Altitudine: 2600
• Condizioni stradali: path

Giorno 04: : Jizew – Khorog

In the morning, hike back along the same trail to the main road, where your vehicle awaits. Continue driving to Khorog, the administrative and cultural center of the Gorno-Badakhshan region.In the afternoon, visit the Khorog Botanical Garden—one of the highest-altitude botanical gardens in the world—offering spectacular views over the valley. Enjoy a stroll through the central park and local market. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse.

• Driving: 90.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 2 hours
• Hiking distance: 9.00 km
• Pernottamento: Khorog
• Altitudine: approx. 2,200 m
• Condizioni stradali: mixed asphalt and ruph

Giorno 05: Khorog – Wakhan Valley – Langar

Today’s journey follows the legendary Wakhan Valley, once a vital corridor connecting Central and South Asia. Across the Panj River, the snow-covered peaks of the Hindu Kush rise dramatically in Afghanistan.
Stops include:
• Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (optional bathing)
• Kah-Kaha Fortress (3rd century)
• Possible visit to a small cross-border market (seasonal)
Continue to Yamchun Fortress, perched high above the valley with panoramic views of the Wakhan Corridor. Arrive in Langar village in the evening. Overnight in a homestay.

• Driving: 310.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 5–6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Pernottamento: Langar homestay
• Altitudine: 2900
• Condizioni stradali: Mostly unpaved

Giorno 06: Hiking to Engels Peak Meadows

Start early due to weather conditions. The hike begins with a steady ascent, requiring a slow and comfortable pace. After reaching the irrigation channel, the trail becomes gentler and gradually ascends toward the alpine meadows below Engels Peak.Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. After a short rest, return along the same trail to Langar. Overnight at the homestay

• Driving: 0.00 km
• Hiking distance: 14.00 km
• Pernottamento: Langar (Homestay)
• Altitudine: approx. 3500
• Condizioni stradali: normal

Giorno 07: Langar – Khargush Pass – Bulunkul

Leaving the Wakhan Valley, the route climbs onto the vast Eastern Pamir Plateau. Along the way, visit:
• Yamg Village (solar calendar and local museum)
• Langar petroglyphs and Buddhist stupa
• Ruins of ancient Silk Road caravanserais
After crossing the dramatic Khargush Pass, stop for a panoramic hike offering views of more than six alpine lakes and numerous surrounding peaks. Continue to Bulunkul, one of the highest and coldest permanently inhabited villages in Tajikistan. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

• Driving: 230.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Pernottamento: Bulunkul homestya
• Altitudine: 3700m
• Condizioni stradali: Rough / unpaved

Giorno 08: Bulunkul – Murghab – Karakul Lake

In the morning, enjoy a short walk near Bulunkul Lake. Continue toward Murghab, stopping at alpine lakes and scenic viewpoints. Near Murghab, visit the abandoned Shorbuluq Observatory with distant views toward China’s Muztagata range.After lunch in Murghab, cross the Ak-Baital Pass, the highest motorable pass in Tajikistan. Optional short hike to reach approximately 4,800 m for acclimatization. Arrive at Karakul Lake in the late afternoon. Overnight in a lakeside homestay.

• Driving: 310.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 4.00 km
• Pernottamento: Karakul Lake
• Altitudine: 4100
• Punto più alto: 4500
• Condizioni stradali: Rough / unpaved

Giorno 09: Hike to Ortoboz Peak (5,100 m)

After a short drive to the trailhead, begin the ascent to Ortoboz Peak—the highest hiking point in the Karakul area. The initial section is relatively easy, followed by sandy and rocky terrain requiring careful footing.From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over Karakul Lake and, on clear days, distant views toward Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Descend along the same route and return to the homestay for overnight.

• Driving: 5.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 30min
• Hiking distance: 10.00 km
• Pernottamento: Karakul homestay
• Altitudine: 4100
• Punto più alto: 4500
• Condizioni stradali: Rough / unpaved

Giorno 10: Karakul – Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan Border – Sary-Tash – Osh

After a morning walk along the shores of Karakul Lake, depart for the Tajikistan–Kyrgyzstan border. Time is allocated for border and customs formalities.Upon entering Kyrgyzstan, continue through the scenic Sary-Tash Valley, offering magnificent views of Lenin Peak. Arrive in Osh in the evening, marking the end of this unforgettable Pamir Mountains adventure.

• Driving: 300.00 km
• Tempo di guida: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Pernottamento: osh
• Altitudine: 970
• Punto più alto: 4250
• Condizioni stradali: mixed