Example Itinerary

Pamir Highway Road Trip

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid, Heritage, Open Spaces
Destinations
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

From the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, embark on a truly memorable journey through the rugged and beautiful Pamir Mountains. Discover the true landscape of Tajikistan as you cruise alongside the Panj river, with views across the border to Afghanistan. Visit towns with museums packed with history and surrounded by natural beauty and wonder. Dip in hot springs and marvel at ancient rock carvings. Stay in hotels and guesthouses and enjoy real Tajik hospitality and food. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky, from the peaks of one of central Asia’s most romantic mountain ranges.

This itinerary takes you along the Pamir Highway which starts in Tajikistan and crosses into Kyrgyzstan, ending in Bishkek.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Scenic Drives: The Pamir Mountains contain natural beauty in epic proportions. Landscapes that can't be missed are Chichkan Gorge, Arslanbob Valley's walnut groves, and Karakul Lake, to name but a few.
  • Bibi Fatima Zahra: Named after the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, the hot springs of Wakhan Valley are a popular Muslim pilgrimage site and believed to possess powerful healing properties.
  • Celestial Vistas: Gaze up at the Milky Way without the disruption of light pollution, deep in the mountains of Murgab.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Dushanbe

Arrive in Tajikistan’s capital city and check into your hotel. Spend some time acclimatizing to your new surroundings and experiencing Tajik culture. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and the comforts of your hotel before the adventure truly begins.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Within walking distance of a number of popular local attractions, and just a 15-minute drive from Dushanbe International Airport, the Hyatt Regency has a much sought after location in this Tajik city.

Services: The service here is first-class with a personalized touch and guests’ needs are met on every request.

History: The capital city of Dushanbe has a historical past that dates back over 3,000 years. A number of archaeological finds highlight the city’s unsettled history, including Greek-Bactrian ruins and a settlement from the Kushan period, dating back to the 7th century.

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Hyatt Regency Dushanbe Preferred Hotel
About

This luxury hotel in the center of Dushanbe is one of the city's more modern options. As soon as you step inside the grand lobby with its traditional Tajik features, it's clear that plenty of time and effort have gone into the hotel's design.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

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Dushanbe

Today you’ll explore some of the best sites Dushanbe has to offer, including the Gurminj Museum of traditional musical instruments, the Museum of Antiquities - full of ancient Buddhist art from the lost cities of the Kushan Empire, and the Greco-Bactrian school of art. Dine tonight at a local restaurant in town, before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s departure to the Pamir Highway.

Dushanbe
Dushanbe

Day 3

Map

Qal'ai Khumb

Hit the road and embark on a journey down the M41 highway. The seven-hour journey winds first through the Kulyab region where guests are welcomed with warm hospitality. Later, the highway leads to Qal'ai Khumb, home to the Badakhshanis, on the Panj river. Bed down in a local hotel. 

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by the Pamir Mountains and on the border with Afghanistan, Qalai-Khumb is a gateway to many exciting destinations. The hotel's 22 spacious, inviting rooms combine local and modern design elements with such amenities as complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite televisions, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, high-quality linens, and essential toiletries.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

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Khorog

Bid goodbye to Qal'ai Khumb and its friendly inhabitants and strike out on the road for the 160-mile drive to Khorog. The journey runs alongside the Panj river and across it lies Afghanistan. The beautiful and important city of Khorog lies nestled in the mountains at the meeting point of the Panj and Ghunt rivers. In these beautiful surroundings, spend the night in a private guesthouse.

Hotel Options
About

The LAL Hotel is a quaint property offering guests a comfortable stay in the heart of Khorog. Rooms are clean and spacious, and come with twin or double beds, a private bathroom, and are modestly furnished with local flourish.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The extremely cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Serena Inn belies its noble purpose. Originally built especially to accommodate Aga Khan on his visit to the town, it’s the pride of Khorog, sitting on its outskirts, nestled in the foothills of Mount Badakhshan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Khorog
Khorog

Day 5

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Ishkashim

Less than 30 miles from Khorog are the famous mineral hot springs, the site historically mined for Badakhshani rubies. After another four-hour drive, at the mouth of the Wakhan Corridor, lies the pretty town of Ishkashi, home to the cross-border Saturday market between Tajik and Afghan traders. With stunning views of the Pamir peaks all around, Ishkashim is a pleasant spot to spend the night and we recommend the Dekhli Darbor hotel.

Hotel Options
About

For visitors to Ishkashim, we recommend Hani’s Guesthouse where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Well located in the center of town, next to the police station and close to nearby amenities, the two storey guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

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Langar

Along the way on your six-hour drive today, visit an ancient silk road fortress, the Kah Kaha in Namadgut, where you will also find a fascinating museum about a famous Sufi scholar who created a solar calendar. Stop off to explore a Buddhist stupa and experience the healing powers of the natural hot springs of Bibi Fatima Zahra. Once at Langar, check into a cozy local guesthouse and rest for the night.

Hotel Options
About

A homestay offers a fascinating window into Tajik culture where guests will feel an immediate connection with the culture and locals that can’t be found in hotels. In this humble but comfortable homestay with the basic facilities covered, guests will have a chance to live how the locals live, while having a base from which to explore remote Tajikistan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Langar
Langar

Day 7

Map

Murghab

After an early breakfast, take advantage of the cool of the morning to climb the rocks above Langar to see the ancient carvings of goats, horse riders and caravans. Back on the road, the highway climbs up to Murgab, where the views of the night skies often include the twinkle of the Milky Way. Here, the guesthouse for the night is eco-friendly and locals sell their handicrafts.

Hotel Options
About

The lonely town of Murghab, in its position in the midst of the Pamirs, is a town well accustomed to receiving tired and weary travelers, worn out from their adventures in the surrounding areas in the beautiful but punishing terrain, and looking for a little respite. Luckily Ibrahim and his charming family, who run the Anara Guesthouse, are ready to welcome tired and grubby guests with a warm smile and even warmer showers.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Murghab
Murghab

Day 8

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Kizylart

Today you will travel nearly 140 miles through the Pamirs. The Akbaital Pass leads to the beautiful Karakul lake, a turquoise jewel set in mountainous scenery. Round off the adventure with dinner on the shores of Lake Progulka before reaching your guest house at Kizylart.

Hotel Options
About

In remote areas of Tajikistan, travelers rely on basic guest houses where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Typically located in the center of town, the guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 9

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Osh & The Fergana Valley

Drive approximately three hours from Kyzylart to Osh. After you arrive in this colorful town, check out the local market with Uzbek and Kyrgyz shops, and perhaps pick up a few goodies to bring home. Explore the city sights, including Solomon’s throne, a pilgrimage site located on the top of a hill dominating the city where Solomon stopped to pray. Visit Central Asia’s largest and most crowded outdoor market - the Great Silk Road Bazaar.  Rest and stay in Osh overnight.

Hotel Options
About

Classic Hotel is a city-center property with a prime location, just a minute's walk from City Hall and five minutes' walk from the Central Park. Room types are available as standard, superior and suite, with double, twin and triplet bed options.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Osh & The Fergana Valley
Osh & The Fergana Valley

Day 10

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Jalal-Abad

Drive onward and spend the entire day exploring around Jalal-Abad. Jalal-Abad is famous for its mineral springs, so visitors should take advantage! There are plenty of excellent “Kurorts” (spas) in town where guests can spend their day relaxing in natural mineral spring baths. Beside one of the main Kurorts is a cafe located more than 3,000 feet above the town. Enjoy the view as well as the nearby craft hall, where visitors can pick up some locally-bottled water and little trinkets.The main street of Jalal-Abad is called Lenin Street, just like many others former Soviet towns. This central area of town features fountains and statues of Vladimir Illych, a historical and cultural museum, and shops where visitors can purchase local goods.

Hotel Options
About

A popular stop on the Silk Road, in Kyrgyzstan's beautiful Fergana Valley, Jalal-Abad is a typical Kyrgyz town surrounded by beautiful countryside. Explorers and travelers looking for somewhere to stop in Jalal-Abad will be delighted by the warm welcome at Roza Park Hotel.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

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Arslanbob Valley

Today, get back on the road and continue on to Arslanbob Valley. The lush walnut grove for which Arslanbob is famous dominates the surrounding landscape. An oasis of vibrant leafy green in an otherwise dry corner of Kyrgyzstan, and the perfect place for an afternoon stroll between the trees. Stretch your legs in the picturesque environs before settling into your guest house.

 

Hotel Options
About

In remote areas of Kyrgyzstan, travelers rely on basic guest houses where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Typically located in the center of town, the guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Arslanbob Valley
Arslanbob Valley

Day 12

Map

Chichkan Gorge

This morning, you will drive north to Chichkan Gorge and Toktogul Dam. Enjoy the beautiful highland scenery of virgin coniferous forests and flowing mountain river. The Chichkan Gorge is home to the ibex, roe deer, argali, wild boar, and junipers, spruce and wild berries. The Chychkan River flows through the gorge and empties into the Toktogul Resevoir. Also within the area are two alpine lakes and a 60-meter waterfall. Overnight at a homestay in the area.

Hotel Options
About

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

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Departure

Depart Chichkan Gorge and drive to Bishkek through the stunning Suusamyr Valley. From Bishkek, you can continue with an extension in Kyrgyzstan or depart on your international flight.

Why Remote Lands?

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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