First come Dushanbe and Hissar, followed by the valleys of Darvoz and Bartang, Wakhan's fortresses and the Eastern Pamir. This sequence reveals the transition from cities to mountain roads and open high-altitude landscapes. Starting in a city does not remove the effects of altitude later in the journey.
Pamir Highway and Wakhan Valley: 14 Days from Dushanbe to Tashkent
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Excursions in English
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14 days / 13 nights
Dushanbe → Tashkent
From Wakhan fortresses to Pamir lakes: 14 days from Dushanbe to Tashkent
Pamir Highway tour — a journey from Dushanbe to Tashkent along the Panj, through Wakhan's fortresses and the open spaces of the Eastern Pamir on the M41. Beyond the window lie the narrow gorges of the Panj, Afghan villages across the river and mountains with the road winding between them. Valleys with orchards then give way to open high-altitude landscapes: here, the journey itself becomes one of the main reasons to visit the Pamir. Over 14 days, you will walk the trail to Jizev, visit Khorog Botanical Garden and stop at lakes Karakul and Tulpar-Kul. The historic complexes of Hissar and Hulbuk, Margilan silk and Rishtan ceramics complement the mountain section. The programme includes transport and 13 overnight stays. Guided excursions take place on days 2, 11, 12 and 13; the guided walk to and from Jizev is on days 4–5. On the other days, you travel with a driver.
3 000 USD per person with twin or double accommodation; 3 600 USD is the single-room option in available hotels in Dushanbe, Osh, Margilan, Kokand and Tashkent. A private room is not guaranteed on the other 7 nights along the remote part of the route. International flights are excluded; accommodation combines hotels, guesthouses and a yurt camp. The rates of 3 000 / 3 600 USD are per person and apply with a minimum of 2 travellers. The single-room option does not mean a private trip for one person.
Pamir Highway tour — the essentials in 30 seconds
- Route: Dushanbe → Wakhan → Eastern Pamir → Osh → Fergana Valley → Tashkent, 14 days / 13 nights.
- Language: Excursions and walking sections are accompanied by English-speaking guides on the specified days. The language used to communicate with the driver is clarified before confirmation.
- Transport: from day 3 to day 10 — a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner or similar vehicle; transport on the remaining sections is as specified in the programme.
- Pace: long mountain drives, high passes and a walk into Jizev. See the “Comfort” section.
- Main highlights: four fortresses, Jizev, Khorog Botanical Garden, Ak-Baital, Karakul and Tulpar-Kul. After the Pamirs: Osh, Margilan silk, Rishtan ceramics and Kokand.
- Included: Accommodation, breakfasts from day 2 to day 14, dinners from day 1 to day 14, guides on the listed days, the GBAO permit, tickets as listed in the included services, transport and water. Extra: Lunches and packed lunches, international flights, insurance, visa fees and personal expenses.
- Booking: the date, accommodation and services are confirmed in writing; an enquiry or payment alone does not confirm the trip. Confirmation process.
How the journey works
Kyzyl-Art is planned for day 9 and Dostuk / Dustlik for day 11. Travellers complete border formalities in person, with their own documents and luggage.
Central Asia Journeys / CAJ.UZ coordinates the route and confirms accommodation, transport, the GBAO permit and the included services in writing. Traveller reviews · About us
Murghab, Ak-Baital, Karakul, the border and Tulpar-Kul take almost the entire day. Delays must not be made up by speeding or driving to the lake at night; an alternative overnight stop and its conditions are agreed in advance.
Landscapes and key stops along the route
Along the Panj, we travel on the Tajik bank, with the slopes and villages of Afghanistan visible across the river. Each bend brings a different perspective: water below, mountain walls, houses and small fields on the far bank. In Wakhan, the valley opens out; farther on, in the Eastern Pamir, the eye can roam across an open plateau and distant mountain ranges. Between these drives come fortresses, the Jizev trail and lakes, followed towards the end of the journey by the silk and ceramics of the Fergana Valley.
History
Four fortresses
Four fortresses reveal history in different landscapes: the gateway of Hissar and the Hulbuk complex give way to the ruins of Kah-Kaha and Yamchun above the Wakhan Valley. Both the fortifications themselves and their setting among the mountains are worth a closer look.
Lakes
Karakul and Tulpar-Kul
We stop at Karakul on the way to the border. At Tulpar-Kul, we plan an overnight stay and a walk the following morning, weather permitting — time beside the water before descending towards Osh. Long treks around the lakes are not included.
On foot and in the garden
Jizev and the botanical garden
A mountain trail leads to Jizev: the bridge, small lakes and groves replace views through the vehicle window. We spend the night in a village guesthouse. In Khorog, the main plan is a walk among the collections of the Pamir Botanical Garden.
Crafts
Silk and ceramics
After the mountain roads, there is time to look more closely at local crafts: in Margilan, we discover traditional silk production; in Rishtan, we visit a ceramics workshop and take part in a masterclass.
Is this route right for you?
- you want to travel the Pamir Highway all the way from Wakhan's valleys and fortresses to the open spaces of the Eastern Pamir;
- you would enjoy walking a mountain trail, exploring fortresses and discovering the silk and ceramics of the Fergana Valley in one journey;
- you are comfortable with simple guesthouses and camp accommodation;
- you enjoy an active itinerary with long drives and a walking section.
- you want a slow-paced holiday without long drives;
- you need city hotels and a high standard of comfort every night;
- you need a route without altitude or high passes;
- you want a different balance of cities and nature — compare the programme of the Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan tour.
- the nationality and accurate details of each traveller;
- your travel date, arrival flight into Dushanbe and departure flight from Tashkent;
- your choice of double/twin or single-room accommodation;
- any walking limitations, dietary requirements and relevant health conditions.
Tour price and accommodation options
3 000 USD per person
3 000 USD per person sharing a double or twin room, with a minimum of 2 participants. The price includes transport, 13 overnight stays, breakfasts from day 2 to day 14, dinners from day 1 to day 14 and services as specified in the programme. A guide is provided on the listed days; lunches are paid separately.
3 600 USD per person
The single-room option applies to available hotels in Dushanbe (2 nights), Osh, Margilan, Kokand and Tashkent. Private rooms for the other 7 nights, including Karon Palace and LAL Hotel, require separate confirmation before payment and are not automatically guaranteed.
Individual quotation
The 3 600 USD single-room rate is an accommodation option on a shared trip, not a private tour for one person. Travel without other participants is quoted separately.
Choose your departure date
Enter your preferred date in the tour enquiry. You may request any preferred start date. We confirm the full route according to the season, road and border conditions and camp operation; winter travel requires a separate programme. The rates of 3 000 / 3 600 USD per person apply to travel up to 31 December 2026; 2027 prices are quoted separately. Before payment, receive a written CAJ.UZ quotation with the date, group arrangements, accommodation and full list of services.
The rates of 3 000 / 3 600 USD are per person and apply with a minimum of 2 travellers. The single-room option does not mean a private trip for one person.
How the trip is confirmed
- Choose a date and place an order. State the group composition and accommodation option; enter passport details and attach scans if requested by the form.
- Wait for the services to be checked. CAJ.UZ checks documents, the GBAO permit, transport, accommodation and other services.
- Receive written confirmation. A payment or enquiry may create an order, but the trip itself is confirmed only after the services have been secured and CAJ.UZ has issued written confirmation.
Cancellation and refunds
General conditions. The final refund depends on when you cancel and the conditions of services already secured.
- CAJ.UZ service fee. If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, CAJ.UZ does not retain its service fee.
- Supplier conditions. Tickets, special rates and services already secured may be partially or completely non-refundable.
- Approved refunds are processed within five working days.
- The refund is sent to the original payer.
- Refunds are made to the original payment method.
- Before placing an order, read the booking conditions and refund policy.
What is included
- 13 nights: 8 in hotels, 4 in guesthouses and 1 in a yurt camp as described in the programme;
- Breakfasts are included from day 2 to day 14, and dinners from day 1 to day 14. Lunches, including takeaway food and packed lunches, are paid separately.
- room type according to the selected and confirmed rate;
- one 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water per person daily.
- 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner or similar vehicle from day 3 to day 10;
- transport on the remaining sections as specified in the programme;
- meeting at Dushanbe Airport and transfer to the hotel;
- final transfer to Tashkent Airport.
- English-speaking guides: excursions on days 2, 11, 12 and 13; the Jizev walking section on days 4–5. Daily accompaniment by a guide throughout the route is not included.
- Entrance fees and photography/video fees on city tours are included as specified in the programme. Included entrance tickets for other sites along the route are listed in the quotation before payment.
- GBAO permit;
- visa support for Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan if required; visa fees are extra.
What is paid separately
- international flights;
- travel insurance;
- visa fees and official charges.
- Lunches, including takeaway food and packed lunches, are not included in the price and are paid separately.
- personal expenses and tips;
- excess baggage over 20 kg;
- any service not listed in the final written confirmation.
- early hotel check-in;
- late hotel check-out;
- changes to hotels, transport, meals, guides or the route — subject to a separate quotation and written confirmation.
Main programme and optional activities: visits to the fortresses, botanical garden, Jizev and the lakes are described in the daily itinerary; the excursions and listed services form part of the programme. Bathing in the springs, a dimlama cooking class, Yamg, Vrang and a separate walk to the Langar petroglyphs are not part of the standard plan. Yamg, Vrang and the petroglyphs can replace some visits; all these stops will not be added to a single day. We will discuss the timing and cost of optional activities in advance. The final list of tickets, meals and other inclusions is agreed before payment.
The route from Dushanbe to Tashkent
The map shows the main journeys and 12 overnight locations; the numbers identify places, not tour days. There are two nights in Dushanbe. We walk into Jizev and back, although the line on the map represents the overall route. Excursion side trips and all visits, including Hissar and Hulbuk, are described in detail in the programme below.
14 days / 13 nightsStarting in Dushanbe, finishing in Tashkent
3 countriesTajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
4x4 and walking sections4x4 vehicles from day 3 to day 10
Western and Eastern Pamir
Days 1–8
Dushanbe → Wakhan → Murghab
1
Dushanbe → Kalai-Khumb → Jizev → KhorogDays 1–5 · by vehicle and on foot
From Dushanbe and the fortresses of Hissar and Hulbuk to the Pamir road and the Jizev trail in the Bartang Valley. This stage marks the shift from the pace of the city to that of the mountains.
4x4 from day 3
2
Khorog → Ishkashim → Langar → MurghabDays 6–8 · 4x4
Wakhan's fortresses and springs, the road along the valley, then Kargushi and Alichur: a transition from the Western Pamir to open high-altitude landscapes.
Access to stops depends on local conditions
Through Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan
Days 9–14
Murghab → Osh → Fergana Valley → Tashkent
1
Murghab → Karakul → Kyzyl-Art → Tulpar-Kul → OshDays 9–10 · 4x4 and border crossing
Ak-Baital and a short stop at Karakul, followed by the border. The night at Tulpar-Kul and the road through Taldyk connect the high-mountain section with the descent towards Osh.
Formalities are completed in person
2
Osh → Dostuk → Margilan → Kokand → TashkentDays 11–14 · vehicle and border crossing
After Andijan come Margilan silk, Rishtan ceramics and historic Kokand. The route continues through Kamchik to Tashkent.
Finishing at Tashkent AirportPlease note: journey times depend on roads, weather, altitude, border queues and the condition of the group. Meeting points and guiding arrangements are set out in the confirmation. Guiding along the route.
Programme: what we will see in 14 days
How to read the programme: start with each day's main highlight and overnight stay; the times help you assess the pace. This is a guide for suitable September conditions, not a fixed timetable: the local team confirms the next day's departure time, taking account of roads, weather, opening arrangements and the group. If a site is closed, we agree an alternative; specific border and high-altitude conditions are noted on the relevant days. All times in the programme are local. On day 9, set clocks forward one hour when entering Kyrgyzstan; on day 11, set them back one hour when entering Uzbekistan. Breakfasts are included from day 2 to day 14, and dinners from day 1 to day 14. Lunches, including takeaway food and packed lunches, are not included and are paid separately. Dinner timing and arrangements on the arrival and departure days are agreed around your flights. For an early departure, a packed breakfast must be arranged with the hotel in advance, subject to availability.
Please be ready to leave at the stated meeting time; when moving to a new overnight stop, have your luggage packed. All times are local. The local team will notify you in advance of changes due to flights, roads, weather or the border; the schedule does not guarantee exact arrival times.
Day 1 — Arrival in Dushanbe
Guiding and meeting arrangements: The driver will meet you after arrival. At 18:30, meet the driver in the hotel lobby for the drive to dinner; if your flight is late, the time will be adjusted to your arrival.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| According to your actual arrival | Meet the driver after entering the arrivals hall at Dushanbe Airport and transfer to the hotel. | Allow 60–90 minutes after landing for formalities and luggage, then around 30–45 minutes for the drive. |
| From 14:00, subject to hotel rules | Check-in and rest. | If you arrive early, you can leave your luggage; a guaranteed early room is charged separately. |
| 18:30–19:00, if flight timing allows | Be ready in the hotel lobby at 18:30 to meet the driver and travel to dinner. | The plan allows up to 30 minutes to reach the dinner venue. For a late arrival, the meeting time and dinner arrangements are adjusted to the flight; there is no meeting with an excursion guide today. |
| 19:00–20:00, after arrival | Time for dinner and rest. Dinner is included. | A quiet evening with no compulsory excursion after the flight. |
Pace: a relaxed day after the flight. · Please note: The airport meeting depends on the actual arrival time. The evening departure at 18:30 is possible if you have checked in on time; for a late flight, the local team will provide a different time.
Day 2 — Dushanbe and Hissar Fortress
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:30 — meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Hissar Fortress. The guide leads the visits in Hissar and Dushanbe.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:15 | Breakfast at the hotel. | Breakfast is included. Bring comfortable shoes and water; be ready in the lobby at 08:30 to meet the guide. |
| 08:30–09:15 | Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 08:30 and depart Dushanbe for Hissar Fortress. | Allow around 45 minutes, depending on the hotel and city traffic. |
| 09:15–10:30 | Hissar Fortress: the gateway and historic complex. | Around 75 minutes for sightseeing and photos; expect steps and uneven surfaces around the ruins. |
| 10:30–12:15 | Return to Dushanbe and stroll through Mehrgon Market. | Around 45 minutes driving and an hour at the market: produce, dried fruit and everyday trading. |
| 12:15–13:30 | Drive to a café and have lunch. Lunch — paid separately. | Up to 15 minutes driving, then an hour for lunch. |
| 13:30–15:00 | Museum visit: Tajikistan's history and culture. | Up to 30 minutes to reach the museum, then around an hour at the museum in the agreed programme. |
| 15:00–16:15 | Dusti Square and a walk through central Dushanbe. | A short drive and an hour among the squares and parks. |
| 16:15–17:00 | Time reserved for traffic and returning to the hotel. | 45 minutes, followed by free time. |
| 19:00–20:00 | Dinner and preparation for the Pamir road. Dinner is included. | Pack your luggage ready for an early departure. |
Pace: moderate; fortress steps and city walks. · Please note: The museum and market are part of the day's plan; their order is adjusted to opening arrangements. If the museum is closed, an alternative is agreed in advance.
Day 3 — Dushanbe → Hulbuk → Kalai-Khumb
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 06:45 — meet the driver in the hotel lobby with your luggage packed; departure at 07:00. You explore Hulbuk independently, without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15–06:45 | Early breakfast at the hotel; breakfast is included. | Finish breakfast by 06:45 and come down to the lobby with your luggage packed and documents ready. |
| 06:45–07:00 | Meet the driver in the hotel lobby and load luggage. | 15 minutes for loading and document checks. Departure by 4x4 at 07:00. |
| 07:00–10:15 | Dushanbe → southern Tajikistan, towards Hulbuk. | Around 3 hours 15 minutes, with a short toilet stop. |
| 10:15–11:15 | Explore Hulbuk Fortress and its historic complex independently. | Up to an hour for sightseeing and photos. The driver provides transport; an excursion guide is not included for this visit. |
| 11:15–12:00 | Early lunch before the long mountain section. Lunch — paid separately. | 45 minutes; the local team chooses the place to eat. |
| 12:00–17:15 | The mountain road through Darvoz to Kalai-Khumb. | Around 5 hours of driving, with a 15-minute break midway. Document checks and delays are possible. |
| 17:15–18:00 | Time buffer and check-in at Karon Palace. | 45 minutes; any unused reserve becomes rest time. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner in Kalai-Khumb. Dinner is included. | Overnight: Karon Palace. |
Pace: a long day on the road. · Please note: Departure takes place only after permits, the road route and the situation in Darvoz have been checked. If delayed, the Hulbuk visit is shortened, preserving the reserve for a safe arrival.
Day 4 — Kalai-Khumb → Bartang → Jizev
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 07:00 — meet the driver in the hotel lobby and depart with your luggage. At 13:15, meet the guide at the suspension bridge before the walk to Jizev.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30–07:00 | Breakfast and departure. | Prepare a small backpack with what you need for one night in Jizev. |
| 07:00–12:15 | Meet the driver in the hotel lobby at 07:00; drive along the Panj and through Bartang to the Jizev trail. | Around 5 hours by 4x4 with a 15-minute break; the mountain drive is a substantial part of the day. |
| 12:15–13:15 | Lunch and preparation for the walk. Lunch — paid separately. | 45 minutes to eat, then 15 minutes to prepare equipment. Carry your overnight essentials in a small backpack. |
| 13:15–16:15 | Meet the guide at the suspension bridge at 13:15 and walk to Jizev. | Around 3 hours with breaks. The guide accompanies the group along the trail past a mountain river, small lakes and groves. |
| 16:15–17:00 | Time reserved for a slower walk and settling in. | 45 minutes; a late start on the trail requires a change of plan, not a faster group pace. |
| 18:00–19:00 | Dinner and an evening at the guesthouse. Dinner is included. | Simple accommodation; electricity, bathroom facilities and heating depend on the chosen guesthouse. |
Pace: active: a mountain trail while carrying your small backpack. · Please note: Access to Bartang, the bridge and the trail is checked the day before. The walk starts with sufficient daylight remaining; carrying your main luggage is not included unless confirmed.
Day 5 — Jizev → Khorog
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 07:45 — meet the guide outside the guesthouse for the return walk. At approximately 10:15, say goodbye to the guide at the suspension bridge; at 10:45, continue with the driver.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–07:45 | Breakfast and packing your small backpack. | Check that you have collected all personal belongings and documents from the guesthouse. |
| 07:45–10:45 | Meet the guide outside the guesthouse at 07:45 and walk back along the trail to the suspension bridge. | Around 2.5 hours on foot. At approximately 10:15, say goodbye to the guide at the bridge and meet the driver; allow 30 minutes for rest and loading, then depart at 10:45. |
| 10:45–12:45 | Drive towards Khorog with the driver, without an excursion guide. | Two hours, including the drive out of the Bartang Valley. |
| 12:45–13:45 | Lunch break along the way. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour, kept separate from loading luggage or visiting a site. |
| 13:45–15:15 | The final drive into Khorog and check-in. | Around 45 minutes driving and 45 minutes reserved for delays. |
| 15:15–18:00 | Rest after the trail and free time in Khorog. | No compulsory intensive sightseeing; prepare your belongings for Wakhan. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner in Khorog. Dinner is included. | Overnight: LAL Hotel. |
Pace: an active morning and a more relaxed afternoon. · Please note: The return trail is walked in daylight. Sightseeing stops are not added at the expense of recovery time.
Day 6 — Khorog → Garm Chashma → Ishkashim
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:00 — meet the driver in the hotel lobby. You explore the botanical garden and Garm Chashma independently, without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–07:45 | Breakfast and packing. | Comfortable shoes for walking in the garden. |
| 08:00–09:15 | Meet the driver in the hotel lobby at 08:00; drive to the botanical garden for an independent walk. | Around 75 minutes including the local drive. This is the main morning visit; the museum is a backup if the garden is closed. |
| 09:15–11:30 | Khorog → Garm Chashma hot spring. | Up to 30 minutes to leave the city, followed by around 1 hour 45 minutes on the mountain road. |
| 11:30–12:15 | Explore Garm Chashma independently: a hot spring and white limestone deposits. | Up to 45 minutes for sightseeing and rest. Bathing is a separate option, subject to access, local rules and how you feel. |
| 12:15–13:15 | Lunch break. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 13:15–15:45 | Follow the Panj towards Ishkashim. | Around 2.5 hours, with short stops in safe places. |
| 15:45–18:00 | Time reserved for delays, check-in and rest in Ishkashim. | Up to an hour reserved for road delays, then free time. Walk only in permitted areas. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner. Dinner is included. | Overnight: Guesthouse Ren. |
Pace: moderately active. · Please note: The botanical garden is the main plan. If it is closed, we agree a visit to the local history museum instead. Garm Chashma is a planned stop; bathing depends on the spring's operating arrangements and is not guaranteed.
Day 7 — Ishkashim → Wakhan fortresses → Langar
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:00 — meet the driver at the guesthouse entrance. You visit Kah-Kaha, Yamchun and the Bibi Fatima stop independently, without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–07:45 | Breakfast and packing. | Wear comfortable shoes for the fortresses: expect steps and uneven paths. |
| 08:00–09:20 | Meet the driver outside the guesthouse at 08:00; drive to Kah-Kaha and explore the ruins independently. | Around 40 minutes driving and 40 minutes to explore the accessible area. |
| 09:20–12:00 | Drive with the driver to Yamchun and explore the fortress above Wakhan independently. | Around 1 hour 40 minutes for the mountain approach and up to an hour for the ruins, path and panoramas. |
| 12:00–13:00 | A short drive with the driver and an independent stop at Bibi Fatima hot spring. | Up to 15 minutes for the approach and 45 minutes on site; bathing is not a guaranteed included service. |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 14:00–16:30 | Drive through the Wakhan Valley to Langar. | Around 2.5 hours, with short stops to rest and enjoy the valley views. |
| 16:30–18:00 | Time reserved for delays, check-in and free time. | 45 minutes in reserve, then rest. Optional activities do not replace this reserve. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner in Langar. Dinner is included. | An early rest before the drive into the Eastern Pamir. |
Pace: active visits, steps and uneven paths. · Please note: Kah-Kaha and Yamchun are planned visits. We do not enter closed or restricted border areas. Bathing and a dimlama cooking class are separate options requiring advance agreement.
Day 8 — Langar → Kargushi → Alichur → Murghab
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 07:00 — meet the driver at the guesthouse entrance with your luggage packed. The drive and stops take place without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15–07:00 | Breakfast and preparing the vehicles. | Carry water, documents, extra warm clothing and lunch arranged in advance. Lunch — paid separately. |
| 07:00–12:00 | Meet the driver outside the guesthouse at 07:00; drive via Kargushi to the Alichur Valley. | Around 4 hours 45 minutes of driving and a 15-minute stop, weather permitting; no long walk at the pass. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch or a packed lunch, with a break from the vehicle. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 13:00–15:30 | Alichur Valley → Murghab. | Around 2.5 hours, without additional detours to lakes. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Time reserved for road delays and check-in. | An hour for delays; if significantly behind schedule, the next stage is reconsidered. |
| 16:30–18:00 | Rest in Murghab and check arrangements for day 9. | No strenuous walk is planned: the border, transport between checkpoints and camp operation are checked. |
| 18:00–19:00 | Early dinner and rest in Murghab. Dinner is included. | Prepare belongings and food for an early departure the following day. |
Pace: a long day at high altitude. · Please note: The move to an overnight stay in Murghab at around 3 600 m requires monitoring how you feel. This schedule does not guarantee acclimatisation; if symptoms occur, do not continue ascending to keep to the timetable.
Day 9 — Murghab → Ak-Baital → Karakul → Kyzyl-Art → Tulpar-Kul
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 06:00 — meet the driver at the guesthouse entrance with your documents and luggage ready. There is no excursion guide; you complete border formalities in person.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 05:30–06:00 | Early breakfast, loading and document checks. | Departure depends on sunrise and the confirmed border operating arrangements. |
| 06:00–08:15 | Meet the driver outside the guesthouse at 06:00; Murghab → Ak-Baital at around 4 655 m, with a short stop. | Around two hours driving and up to 15 minutes at the pass, depending on weather and how you feel. |
| 08:15–10:15 | Drive to Karakul and stop by the lake. | Around 1.5 hours driving and 30 minutes beside the water. A long trek around the lake is not planned. |
| 10:15–10:45 | Early lunch / a packed lunch prepared in advance. Lunch — paid separately. | 30 minutes; do not rely on a café being open near the border. |
| 10:45–12:15 | Karakul → Tajik border checkpoint. | Around 1.5 hours; have documents and luggage ready for inspection. |
| 12:15 → 15:15 | Exit Tajikistan, take the agreed transfer between checkpoints and enter Kyrgyzstan. | The plan allows 2 hours of elapsed time. Set clocks forward 1 hour when entering Kyrgyzstan. Crossing may take considerably longer. |
| 15:15–15:45 | Meet the onward vehicle and allow a short reserve after border control. | 30 minutes; walking through the neutral zone is not assumed without separate confirmation. |
| 15:45–18:15 | Continue to Tulpar-Kul along the agreed access route. | Allow around 2.5 hours after Kyrgyz border control; the actual time depends on the meeting point and road to the camp. |
| 18:15–19:00 | Settle in and rest at Tulpar-Kul. | Only if the camp / yurts are operating and the approach is completed before dark. If delayed, the backup plan agreed in advance applies. |
| 19:00–20:00 | Dinner at the overnight stop. Dinner is included. | Simple camp accommodation; heating and alternative overnight arrangements are agreed in advance. |
Pace: the most demanding high-altitude and border day. · Please note: This shows a favourable September scenario. Permits, entry eligibility for each nationality, both vehicles and the section between checkpoints, and camp operation must be confirmed in advance. A separate 30-minute reserve is insufficient for a long delay: an agreed alternative overnight stop or an extra day is needed. A night-time approach to the lake is not planned.
Day 10 — Tulpar-Kul → Sary-Tash → Taldyk → Osh
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 09:30 — meet the driver at the camp entrance with your luggage. The morning lakeside walk is independent; the drive to Osh then takes place without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–08:00 | Breakfast at the overnight stop. | Times are local. |
| 08:00–09:30 | Independent walk at Tulpar-Kul and packing luggage. | Up to 45 minutes by the lake, weather permitting, then 45 minutes to pack; an ascent of Lenin Peak is not included. |
| 09:30–11:45 | Meet the driver at the camp entrance at 09:30 and depart via Sary-Tash for the Taldyk Pass. | Around 2 hours driving and up to 15 minutes at a safe stopping place near the pass. |
| 11:45–13:00 | Descend the switchbacks towards Gulcha. | Around 1 hour 15 minutes. |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch break. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 14:00–16:00 | Continue driving to Osh. | Around two hours, depending on traffic. |
| 16:00–17:00 | Time reserved for road delays and check-in. | One hour; the evening has no compulsory sightseeing. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner in Osh. Dinner is included. | Overnight: Kaganat Boutique Hotel. |
Pace: descent from the high mountains; a long drive. · Please note: The lakeside walk depends on weather and how you feel. Accommodation and camp operation are checked before departure; a long trek towards Lenin Peak is not included.
Day 11 — Osh → Dostuk / Dustlik → Andijan → Margilan
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:00 — meet the guide in the hotel lobby for the Osh tour. You complete the border formalities in person. At 14:00 Uzbekistan time, meet another guide in Andijan; the meeting point will be provided in advance. Timing depends on the border crossing.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00–07:45 | Breakfast and preparing documents. | Times are local. |
| 08:00–09:30 | Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 08:00; guided tour of Sulayman-Too and the nearby part of Osh. | 90 minutes including the approach; steps and the climb depend on weather and the group's abilities. |
| 09:30–10:30 | Collect luggage and drive to Dostuk. | Around 30 minutes to get ready and 30 minutes to the checkpoint. |
| 10:30 → 11:30 | Complete border and customs formalities independently; meet the driver on the Uzbek side. | Without an excursion guide. The plan allows 2 hours of elapsed time. Set clocks back 1 hour when entering Uzbekistan. Queuing time is not guaranteed. |
| 11:30–12:00 | Time reserved for the meeting, luggage and loading. | 30 minutes; the actual walking section and help with luggage are clarified in advance. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Drive towards Andijan. | Around an hour; the route depends on the meeting point and traffic. |
| 13:00–14:00 | Lunch in Andijan. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 14:00–15:30 | Meet the guide in Andijan at 14:00 Uzbekistan time; a tour focusing on Babur and the Jami complex. | The meeting point is provided in advance. Up to 90 minutes, including short drives. If delayed at the border, the meeting is postponed and the visit shortened. |
| 15:30–18:00 | Andijan → Margilan, check-in and rest. | Around 1.5 hours driving, followed by an hour for arrival and check-in. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner in Margilan. Dinner is included. | The next day features silk and ceramics in the Fergana Valley. |
Pace: an active morning and a border day. · Please note: If the border takes longer, the Andijan visit is shortened. Travellers pass control in person; the distance between drop-off and meeting points and help with luggage are agreed in advance.
Day 12 — Margilan → Rishtan → Kokand
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:30 — meet the guide in the hotel lobby with your luggage packed. The excursions in Margilan and Rishtan are guided, followed by the drive to Kokand.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:15 | Breakfast and packing. | Breakfast is included. Be in the lobby at 08:30 with your luggage packed to meet the guide. |
| 08:30–10:30 | Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 08:30; depart for Yodgorlik silk production in Margilan. | Up to 30 minutes driving and around 90 minutes discovering traditional silk working. |
| 10:30–12:00 | Margilan → Rishtan. | Around 1.5 hours, including leaving the city. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch. Lunch — paid separately. | One hour. |
| 13:00–14:30 | Guided visit to a ceramics workshop and a masterclass in Rishtan. | Around 90 minutes: discover the ceramics and work with a craftsperson as specified in the programme. |
| 14:30–16:30 | Rishtan → Kokand, time reserved for road delays and check-in. | Around 1 hour 15 minutes driving and 45 minutes in reserve. |
| 16:30–18:00 | Free time and rest in Kokand. | The main historical tour is planned for the following morning. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Dinner. Dinner is included. | Overnight: Reikartz Grand Kokand. |
Pace: a moderate cultural day. · Please note: Silk production and the ceramics masterclass are part of the main plan. Timing is agreed with the venues; which production stages are operating depends on the day.
Day 13 — Kokand → Kamchik → Tashkent
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 08:30 — meet the guide in the hotel lobby for the Kokand tour. At 12:15, depart for Tashkent with the driver, without an excursion guide.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:15 | Breakfast. | Luggage ready for the next drive. |
| 08:30–10:00 | Meet the guide in the hotel lobby at 08:30; tour Khudoyar Khan Palace and Kokand’s historic centre. | Around 90 minutes including a short drive: architecture, palace decoration and the city's history. |
| 10:00–11:00 | Continue the guided tour of historic Kokand. | A short drive and one additional site from the agreed programme. |
| 11:00–12:15 | Collect luggage and have lunch before the drive. Lunch — paid separately. | 30 minutes to get ready, then 45 minutes for lunch. |
| 12:15–16:30 | Depart with the driver at 12:15 for Tashkent via Kamchik; the excursion guide does not accompany this drive. | Around 4 hours driving, with a 15-minute toilet stop in a permitted place. |
| 16:30–17:30 | Time reserved for entering the city and check-in. | One hour, increased if the road is busy. |
| 19:00–20:00 | Farewell dinner as specified in the programme. Dinner is included. | Overnight in Tashkent; the airport meeting time is based on your actual flight. |
Pace: a morning of sightseeing and a long drive. · Please note: Winter restrictions on Kamchik and road delays are checked separately. No departure flight is scheduled on the day you reach Tashkent: the overnight stay in the standard programme remains.
Day 14 — Tashkent — departure
Guiding and meeting arrangements: 4 hours 15 minutes before your flight — meet the driver in the hotel lobby with your luggage. Leave for the airport 4 hours before departure; the exact meeting time will be provided based on your ticket.
| Approximate timing | What to expect | Travel and details |
|---|---|---|
| According to your flight and hotel arrangements | Included breakfast before departure, if flight timing allows. | For an early flight, a packed breakfast is possible only if confirmed by the hotel. |
| 4 hours 15 minutes before your flight | Meet the driver in the hotel lobby 4 hours 15 minutes before your flight; your luggage must be ready. | 15 minutes for document checks and loading. For example, for a flight at 12:00, meet in the lobby at 07:45 and depart at 08:00. Late room check-out is charged separately. |
| 4 hours before your flight | Transfer with the driver to Tashkent Airport; leave 4 hours before your flight. | Allow 30–45 minutes driving plus a reserve; planned arrival is 3 hours before departure. |
| 3 hours before your flight | Check-in, luggage, pre-flight formalities and departure. | Follow the airline's requirements and use the terminal shown on your ticket. The international flight is not included. |
Pace: a relaxed finish. · Please note: The meeting time depends on the actual flight and airline requirements; the one-hour driving window does not replace the 3 hours at the airport.
Where you will stay
Accommodation is part of the journey: city hotels alternate with family guesthouses in the Pamirs, with a night in a yurt planned at Tulpar-Kul. The selected properties appear below in route order. Availability and room arrangements are confirmed for your dates; any replacement is agreed before payment.
13 nights: 8 in hotels, 4 in guesthouses and 1 in a yurt camp.
Shumon Hotel
- Location
- A hotel in Dushanbe, where we spend the first two nights of the journey.
- Why we stay here
- We rest after arrival and spend the next day exploring Dushanbe and Hisor Fortress without changing hotels.
Karon Palace
- Location
- Karon Palace is in Kalai-Khumb, in the Darvaz region.
- Why we stay here
- We end the long drive from Dushanbe via Hulbuk here, then continue towards Bartang and the Jizev trail the next morning.
Family home in Jizev
- Location
- After walking through the mountain valley, we stay in a family home in Jizev.
- Why we stay here
- Staying in the village for the evening divides the walk over two days, with the return to the vehicles the next morning.
LAL Hotel
- Location
- LAL Hotel is in Khorog, the next town on our route after Jizev.
- Why we stay here
- We rest after the return walk and drive, then head to the botanical garden and onwards into Wakhan the next morning.
Guesthouse Ren
- Location
- Guesthouse Ren is our stop on the Ishkashim stage before continuing through the Wakhan Valley.
- Why we stay here
- We stay here after Khorog and Garm Chashma, leaving the next day for Kah-Kaha, Yamchun and the drive along Wakhan.
Mischa Guesthouse
- Location
- Mischa Guesthouse is the selected stop in Wakhan, in the Langar area.
- Why we stay here
- After visiting the Wakhan fortresses, we end the day here and prepare for the morning drive via Kargushi towards the Eastern Pamir.
Erali Guesthouse
- Location
- Erali Guesthouse is the selected overnight stop in Murghab in the Eastern Pamir.
- Why we stay here
- We stop after the drive via Kargushi and Alichur, before an early departure towards Ak-Baital, Karakul and the border.
Tulpar CBT Yurt Camp
- Location
- A yurt camp by Tulpar-Kul Lake in the Alay region.
- Why we stay here
- After Kyzyl-Art, we plan a night by the lake and a short morning walk before descending to Osh, provided the camp is operating, the weather allows and we arrive on time.
Kaganat Boutique Hotel
- Location
- Kaganat Boutique Hotel is our city stop in Osh after the high mountain section of the route.
- Why we stay here
- We rest after the drive over Taldyk, then visit Sulaiman-Too the next morning before heading to the Uzbek border.
Atlas Hotel
- Location
- Atlas Hotel is the selected overnight stop in Margilan in the Fergana Valley.
- Why we stay here
- We stay after the border crossing and Andijan, ready to discover Margilan’s silk production the next day before continuing to Rishtan.
Reikartz Grand Kokand
- Location
- Reikartz Grand Kokand is at 28D Turkiston Street in Kokand.
- Why we stay here
- We stay in town to visit Khudoyar Khan’s Palace and historic Kokand the next morning before the drive over Kamchik.
ATECA Hotel Suites
- Location
- ATECA Hotel Suites is at 44A Kohinur Street in Tashkent’s Yakkasaray district.
- Why we stay here
- This final night after the drive over Kamchik separates the long road journey from the international flight, with an airport transfer planned for the following day.
How the room is confirmed
The 3 000 USD per-person rate is for double/twin accommodation. Bed types and the conditions of all 13 nights are set out in the written quotation.
3 600 USD per person. The single-room option applies to available hotels in Dushanbe (2 nights), Osh, Margilan, Kokand and Tashkent. Private rooms for the other 7 nights, including Karon Palace and LAL Hotel, require separate confirmation before payment and are not automatically guaranteed.
The photographs show the selected properties, not a guaranteed room allocation. Bathrooms in guesthouses and yurts may be shared; heating, hot water and electricity are checked for each stay. The camp at Tulpar-Kul operates subject to season and weather.
Check-in and check-out: according to each property's rules. Early check-in and late check-out are not included; additional arrangements require written confirmation.
Season, altitude, borders and physical demands
The 14-day plan is considered only after checking the road, both borders, the GBAO permit and operation of the camp at Tulpar-Kul. The exact start date must allow time to prepare documents and account for seasonal accommodation closures.
A separate adaptation is needed for snow, shorter daylight and seasonal camp closures. Open roads and camp operation are not assumed; price and accommodation are clarified before booking.
The standard high-altitude option with a camp at Tulpar-Kul is not offered as a confirmed departure. Any winter route requires a separate programme, transport arrangements and quotation.
Altitude: Ak-Baital is around 4 655 m; the overnight stay in Murghab is at approximately 3 600 m. Risk depends on sleeping altitude and the rate of ascent; physical fitness does not guarantee protection. Report symptoms to the driver or local team and do not continue ascending to keep to the schedule. Discuss extra days in advance for a more gradual route; consult a doctor about medical matters before travelling.
| What to consider | Duration or walking demands |
|---|---|
| Walking section | Days 4–5: walk into Jizev and return along the trail to the vehicle. Other days include city walks and stops at fortresses. |
| Long drives | Days 3–4 and 8–10: the most demanding days. Day 9 combines high passes, an international border and an overnight stay at Tulpar-Kul. |
| Border days | Day 9 — Kyzyl-Art; day 11 — Dostuk / Dustlik. Timing depends on queues, local instructions, roads and weather. |
What to bring
- comfortable shoes for mountain trails and city walks;
- warm layers and wind protection;
- sun and rain protection;
- personal medication and a small first-aid kit;
- passport, document copies, light luggage and insurance with suitable cover.
GBAO permit and border formalities
The GBAO permit is included as specified in the programme; accurate details and document scans may be needed in advance. Border crossings and document requirements depend on nationality and conditions on the travel date.
- Kyzyl-Art: crossing from Tajikistan into Kyrgyzstan on day 9.
- Dostuk / Dustlik: crossing from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan on day 11.
- In-person checks: travellers pass passport control themselves, with their own documents and luggage.
Crossings and individual roads may close without warning. For the remainder of 2026, access is checked before confirmation and again before departure. Stay on the agreed route in border areas; keep documents with you and follow the local team's instructions.
Who accompanies the travellers?
An excursion guide is included on days 2, 11, 12 and 13. On days 4–5, a guide accompanies the walk to Jizev: you meet and say goodbye at the suspension bridge. On the other days, you travel with a driver and visit sites independently, without an excursion guide.
The driver handles road journeys and transfers. You visit Hulbuk independently on day 3, the botanical garden and Garm Chashma on day 6, and the Wakhan fortresses and stops at the springs on day 7. On days 8–10, you travel with a driver, without an excursion guide.
Day 11 includes separate guided tours in Osh and Andijan. The guide does not accompany you through the border: you complete passport and customs checks in person; a driver meets you on the Uzbek side for the journey to Andijan.
On day 13, a guide leads the tour of Kokand. Once it ends, the journey over Kamchik to Tashkent is with a driver, without an excursion guide.
From choosing a date to written confirmation
Enter your preferred date, number of travellers and room type on the tour 34 page.
Enter the travellers and selected accommodation. Before payment, obtain a written quotation at 3 000 or 3 600 USD per person; if the amount shown in the form differs, check with CAJ.UZ. Provide passport details at the operator's request through the designated form.
CAJ.UZ checks and secures accommodation, transport, the GBAO permit and other services. Written confirmation is sent only after this. Confirmation process.
Before paying: check the date, number of participants, room option and amount. Available payment methods and conditions are shown in the order form.
Programme changes: hotels, transport, meals, guides and route changes are quoted separately and confirmed in writing.
Before buying other services
- Do not buy non-refundable international tickets specifically for this departure before receiving written confirmation from CAJ.UZ.
- Payment is made on the official tour 34 page.
- Before placing an order, please read the booking conditions and refund policy.
Operator and group conditions
CAJ.UZ is a local Central Asia operator. The trip starts at Dushanbe Airport and ends at Tashkent Airport.
The confirmation lists accommodation, transport, the GBAO permit and included services for the chosen date. Group and individual changes are agreed before payment.
Special arrangements may be available for group organisers. The discount and conditions for the group leader’s place are set out in the written quotation before payment.
Questions about the Pamir Highway tour
How long is this tour?
The tour lasts 14 days / 13 nights, starts in Dushanbe and ends with a transfer to Tashkent Airport.
Which countries are included in the route?
The route passes through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
What is the current price?
The rate is 3 000 USD per person sharing a double or twin room, or 3 600 USD for the single-room option in the specified city hotels. Both rates require a minimum of 2 participants. The single-room option covers 6 city nights; a private room for the other 7 nights requires separate confirmation. A trip for one participant is quoted individually.
Is the GBAO permit included?
Yes. The permit to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region is included as specified in the programme; passport details may be needed in advance.
Is this a demanding tour?
Yes. It is an active high-altitude route with long drives, simple guesthouses, a walking section into Jizev and high passes.
Which days are the most demanding?
Usually days 3–4 and 8–10: long drives, high-altitude sections, Ak-Baital, Kyzyl-Art and the overnight stay at Tulpar-Kul.
What transport is used in the Pamir section?
From day 3 to day 10, the programme uses a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner or similar vehicle.
Which borders are crossed?
The main crossings are Kyzyl-Art between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and Dostuk / Dustlik between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Do I need to cross the border myself?
Yes. Travellers complete passport control in person and remain with their own documents and luggage.
Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included from day 2 to day 14, and dinners from day 1 to day 14. Lunches, including takeaway food and packed lunches, are not included and are paid separately. Dinner timing and arrangements on the arrival and departure days are agreed around your flights. For an early departure, a packed breakfast must be arranged with the hotel in advance, subject to availability.
How is the booking confirmed?
A payment or enquiry may initially create an order, but the booking is confirmed only after details have been checked, services secured and CAJ.UZ has issued written confirmation.
Can I cancel the tour?
If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, CAJ.UZ does not retain its service fee. Tickets, special rates and supplier rules may still affect the final refund.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Individual adjustments are available on request. Any changes to hotels, transport, meals, guides or the route are quoted and confirmed in writing.
Does a guide accompany the group every day?
No. Guided excursions are included on days 2, 11, 12 and 13, while the Jizev walking section on days 4–5 is guided from the suspension bridge and back. On day 11, guides lead separate tours in Osh and Andijan; you complete the border formalities in person. After the tour on day 13, you travel to Tashkent with a driver. There is no excursion guide on the other days.
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Plan a Pamir Highway journey
Before booking: choose the date, number of travellers and accommodation option. If the price or conditions in the form differ from what you expect, contact CAJ.UZ before payment. The trip is confirmed in writing after services have been secured.
Ready to place an order?
Visit the tour 34 page to check the price and enter your date. For an individual quotation or questions about altitude, documents or accommodation, contact CAJ.UZ.
Telephone: +998 90 922 30 73
5
5
20
Price for 1 pax
Accommodation in a 3 * hotel and guest houses according to the program
Double/twin room
$3,000
Single room
$3,600
Book now.
Prices valid until: 31.12.2026