Overview

Highlights

• 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.

Itinerary

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

Upon arrival at Dushanbe International Airport, you are met by your guide and transferred into the city. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short introduction to Tajikistan’s capital. Highlights include a stroll through Rudaki Park, views of the National Flagpole, and a panoramic city drive showcasing modern Dushanbe.Optional visits include the National Museum, Museum of Antiquities, or the vibrant 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 the largest artificial lakes in Central Asia. Continue through Kulob as the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, following the Panj River, which forms the natural border with Afghanistan.Arrive in Qalai Khumb in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

• Driving: 360.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Qalai Khumb guest house
• Highest point: Dushanbe ~800 m | Qalai Khumb ~1,300 m
• Road conditions: Asphalt

Day 02: Qalai Khumb – Bartang Valley – Hike to Jizew Village

After breakfast, drive deep into the remote Bartang Valley, one of the wildest and least accessible regions of the Pamirs. The journey follows narrow gorges, powerful rivers, and isolated mountain settlements.At the road’s end, continue on foot. A scenic 7 km hike climbs gradually through alpine terrain, crossing streams and passing small mountain lakes. The steady ascent rewards you with outstanding views.
By late afternoon, arrive at Jizew Village, a lush green oasis hidden high in the mountains. Experience traditional Pamiri hospitality with dinner and overnight in a local homestay.

• Driving: 250.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6
• Hiking distance: 7.00 km
• Overnight: Jizew Village (Homestay)
• Altitude: Start ~2,100 m | Jizew ~2,600 m
• Road conditions: Partly paved, partly rough

Day 03: Jizew – Bardara Village

In the morning, hike back down to the main road, where your driver awaits. Continue driving deeper into the upper Bartang Valley, following the Bartang River—one of the main tributaries of the Panj River.This section of the valley is exceptionally remote and scenic. Every turn reveals a different landscape, from dramatic cliffs to fertile terraces. Traditional lifestyles and warm hospitality remain deeply preserved here.Arrive in Bardara Village in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a local Pamiri home.

• Driving: 100.00 km
• Driving time: 5-6
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: bardara homestay
• Altitude: 2800
• Road conditions: Rough

Day 04: Bardara – Roshorv Village

In the morning, explore Bardara village. A highlight is the visit to the natural refrigerator, where locals traditionally store food year-round. You may also visit a holy shrine, accompanied by local legends and stories.Later, drive toward Roshorv, the largest village in the upper Bartang region, located at 3,100 meters. If conditions and energy allow, enjoy a short hike to a nearby viewpoint offering panoramic views of Peak Lapnazar (5,999 m).From Roshorv, admire sweeping vistas of the Rushan Range, Lalay Badakhshan, and distant glimpses of Peak Revolution. Overnight in a local homestay.

• Driving: 60.00 km
• Driving time: 1-1.5hours
• Overnight: Roshorv homestay
• Altitude: 3100
• Road conditions: Moderate

Day 05: Roshorv – Barchidif (Detour) – Savnob

Drive from Roshorv to Barchidif Village, where two rivers—one flowing from Sarez Lake and the other from Tanimas—merge to form the Bartang River. This marks the official starting point of the Bartang River.
After lunch in Barchidif, continue to Savnob Village. In the evening, visit the historic Savnob Fortress, dating back to the 18th–19th century, and explore a nearby cave rich in local folklore.Dinner and overnight in a traditional homestay.

• Driving: 60.00 km
• Driving time: 2
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Sawnob homestay
• Altitude: 2700
• Highest point: 3100
• Road conditions: Moderate

Day 06: Savnob – Karakul Lake

Today marks your final day in the Bartang Valley. Drive slowly toward the Eastern Pamirs, following a small river through changing landscapes. Gradually, towering peaks give way to the vast open plateaus characteristic of this region.En route, visit local shepherd camps, observing daily life and traditional methods of producing yogurt, butter, and cheese from fresh milk.By late afternoon, arrive at Karakul Lake, the largest and highest lake in Tajikistan, set at an altitude of 4,100 meters. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore and the striking high-altitude scenery. Overnight in a guesthouse.

• Driving: 230.00 km
• Driving time: approx. 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: karakul homestay
• Altitude: 4100
• Highest point: 4100
• Road conditions: Rough

Day 07: Karakul Lake – Border Crossing – Osh

After a morning walk around 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, offering breathtaking views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m)—one of Central Asia’s most iconic mountains.Arrive in Osh in the evening, marking the end of this unforgettable Pamir and Bartang Valley adventure.

• Driving: 340.00 km
• Driving time: 6 hours
• Hiking distance: 0.00 km
• Overnight: Osh hotel
• Altitude: 4250
• Highest point: 4250
• Road conditions: Mixed

Departures