Tajikistan · Kyrgyzstan
The Legendary Pamir Highway
Individual trip
- Duration11 days
- Departs fromThessaloniki or Athens
- Next departure14/07 & 12/08
Overview
The journey
- On the trail of the legendary M41, from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan, where the world ends and adventure begins
- A journey for true travellers.
- For those who are not just looking for a destination, but for experiences that stay with them forever.
- The legendary Pamir Highway, the famous M41, is one of the most spectacular and remote roads on the planet. Ranked by National Geographic among the most beautiful drives in the world, it crosses the legendary "Roof of the World" between snow-capped peaks, endless valleys, lakes at almost 4,000 metres and forgotten villages where time seems to have stopped.
- From the historic city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan to exotic Dushanbe in Tajikistan, the journey crosses three legendary mountain passes, follows the borders with Afghanistan and China and brings us into contact with the mysterious peoples of the Wakhan Corridor, where civilisations, religions and empires met.
- We will see mighty Lenin Peak, sleep in traditional yurts under the starry Pamir sky, walk beside turquoise alpine lakes, meet the hospitable mountain nomads and follow one of the most breathtaking road journeys anyone can make.
- A rare journey.
- Authentic.
- Wild.
- Almost mythical.
INDIVIDUAL TRIP
Group #01: 15/07-24/07/2026
Group #02: 12/08-21/08/2026
Notes
- The trip takes place at high altitude and requires good physical condition and a sense of adventure.
- The routes follow mountain roads with long distances and limited tourist infrastructure in places.
- Guesthouses in the Pamirs are simple but authentic and an essential part of the experience.
- In some places there may be no reliable internet or mobile signal.
- The programme may change because of weather or local conditions, for safety reasons.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day01Arrival in Osh, the gateway to the Pamirs
Arrival in the historic city of Osh, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan and one of the oldest in Central Asia, on the edge of the fertile Fergana Valley.
On our first tour we visit the sacred Sulaiman-Too mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kyrgyzstan's most important place of pilgrimage. From the viewpoint we enjoy a unique view of the city and the mountains rising towards the legendary Pamirs.
We then wander through the colourful bazaar, full of scents, spices, local products and authentic scenes of Central Asia.
Overnight in Osh.
Day02On the legendary Pamir Highway – yurts with a view of Lenin Peak
Today our great road journey on the legendary Pamir Highway begins.
The drive is breathtaking: red mountains, deep valleys, rivers, endless plains and the spectacular bends of the Taldyk Pass lead us ever higher towards the "Roof of the World".
Arrival at the impressive Edelweiss Meadow yurt camp at 3,600 metres, beneath mighty Lenin Peak (7,134 m), one of the most iconic summits of Central Asia.
In the afternoon we hike in the Achik-Tash area, among colourful rock formations, alpine meadows and almost unreal landscapes.
Overnight in traditional yurts or heated tents at the foot of the Pamirs.
Day03The alpine lakes of the Pamirs and sacred Tulpar-Kol
Today is devoted to exploring the magical Achik-Tash valley.
We walk beside countless small turquoise lakes that reflect the snowy Pamir peaks, often passing herds of yaks grazing on the alpine meadows.
The highlight of the day is the sacred Tulpar-Kol lake, a place of special spiritual importance for the nomads of the region, where we learn about the daily life and ancient traditions of the Kyrgyz nomads.
Return to camp and overnight.
Day04From Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan – Karakul Lake and the Ak-Baital pass
We leave Kyrgyzstan behind and cross into Tajikistan over the Kyzyl-Art pass at 4,280 metres.
We continue to legendary Karakul Lake, one of the most remote and impressive lakes in Central Asia, at almost 4,000 metres. It was formed by a meteorite impact millions of years ago and is surrounded by bare, imposing mountains.
We then cross the Ak-Baital pass at 4,655 metres, one of the highest road passes in the world, before reaching Murghab, the highest settlement in Central Asia.
Overnight in Murghab.
Day05The Wakhan Corridor, on the border with Afghanistan
Today's drive is one of the most spectacular of the whole trip.
We follow the historic Wakhan Corridor, one of the most remote places on the planet, between the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains, with Afghanistan just across the Panj River.
Along the way we enjoy stunning views of snowy peaks, deep gorges and isolated villages.
Arrival in Langar, an authentic Wakhi mountain village known for its ancient petroglyphs and unique cultural heritage.
Overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
Day06Hot springs and centuries-old cultures
We continue through the mysterious Wakhan landscape towards Ishkashim.
On the way we visit the tomb and museum of the great Sufi Mubarak Kadam and see a stone sun calendar more than 700 years old.
We then relax in the legendary Bibi Fatima hot springs, considered sacred and famous for their healing properties.
Arrival in Ishkashim and overnight in a traditional guesthouse.
Day07Khorog, the green oasis of the Pamirs
Departure for Khorog, the main town of the mountainous Gorno-Badakhshan region.
Built in a deep gorge surrounded by poplars and mountains, the town feels like an unexpected oasis in the wild Pamirs.
We visit the famous Pamir Botanical Garden, one of the highest in the world, and the regional Museum of History and Ethnography.
Free time at the local market.
Overnight in Khorog.
Day08Along the Panj River to Kalai-Khumb
The road continues along the Afghan border, following the Panj River through spectacular gorges and isolated settlements.
During the day we visit the archaeological site of Karon, one of Tajikistan's most important archaeological treasures.
Arrival in Kalai-Khumb, a historic village on the riverbank.
Overnight.
Day09Arrival in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's cosmopolitan capital
Departure for Dushanbe along spectacular mountain roads.
On the way we stop at the Mausoleum of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and the Hulbuk fortress.
Arrival in Dushanbe, a city of boulevards, parks and Soviet architecture with Eastern influences.
Our tour includes the National Museum of Antiquities, home of the impressive "Buddha in Nirvana", Independence Square and the Ismoil Somoni monument.
Farewell dinner and overnight.
Day10Departure from Dushanbe
Transfer to the airport and return flight, full of images from one of the most fascinating journeys in the world.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Hotels, traditional guesthouses and a yurt camp as per the programme
- Full board daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All transport during the trip
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking tour leader and guide throughout
- Local mountain guide in the Lenin Peak area
- All tours and visits as per the programme
- Entrance fees to museums and sights
- Special permit for the protected areas of the Pamir range
- Hiking equipment in the Lenin Peak area
- Bottled water daily
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned above
- Medical expenses and insurance
- Porterage at hotels and airports
- Tips
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