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HomeRoad TripsAsiaCentral AsiaTajikistanPamir Highway
Pamir

Pamir Highway Road Trip

Dushanbe - Qalai Khumb - Rushan - Mardzh - Murghab - Karakul Lake - Sarytash - Osh - Jalal-Abad - Karakol - Bishkek

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Historical sites Historical sites
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Comfort Comfort
Pamir Highway Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km1,908 h/stage3.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Pamir Highway Road Trip in Tajikistan?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,016EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 737EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,352EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,772EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 1,474EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,316EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,088EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 5,544EUR drive & more 463EUR sleep & more 2,123EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,258EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 8,802EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,150EUR drive & more 513EUR sleep & more 770EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,619EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,769EUR
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Pamir Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Pamir Highway Road Trip, an exciting 1908km adventure from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. The best time of year to drive is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and nature along the route. Experience the ancient culture of the region as you visit UNESCO Heritage sites such as the Ismaili Center Khorog and the ancient city of Osh, which is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Marvel at the natural beauty of Karakul Lake, Qalai Khumb, Mardzh, and Karakol. Be aware that the road conditions are poor in some areas, and you will need to cross a few borders along the trip. The journey should take around 14 days, and can be done on a fair budget. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and will provide an unforgettable experience and lifelong memories.
number of days 14 number of days
route length 1,908 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Dushanbe

Distance 1,908 km Driving time 30.3 h Pace: modest 496.2 kWh Airports DYU
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Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is the starting point of the renowned Pamir Highway Road Trip. Located in the foothills of the Gissar mountain range, it offers travelers a unique blend of urban city life and the lush, mountainous countryside. The city itself is home to a number of interesting attractions, including the National Museum, the Rudaki Park and the Gul Khona Mosque. There are also numerous parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanical Garden and the Kofarnihon Park. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Dushanbe International Airport (DYU). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your journey on the Pamir Highway Road Trip. The Pamir Highway Road Trip is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes, with snow-capped peaks, rugged gorges, and pristine alpine lakes. From Dushanbe, you'll pass through the towns of Khorog, Murghab and Khudzhand, before finally reaching the Kyrgyz border. No matter how you choose to begin your journey, Dushanbe is the perfect starting point for the Pamir Highway Road Trip. With its unique mix of urban city life and breathtaking mountain scenery, it's an experience you won't soon forget.

1 Dushanbe - Pamir Highway - Qalai Khumb

Distance 280 km Driving time 5.2 h Pace: modest 72.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for a unique and unforgettable road trip? Start in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and take the famous Pamir Highway to reach Qalai Khumb in 280 km and less than 6 hours. This journey is part of a larger tour, so make sure to pay attention to the historical sites along the way. Visit the picturesque villages of Karakul and Yashilkul, and take a break in the city of Khorog. Enjoy the stunning views of the Pamir Mountains and the Wakhan Valley. Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient fortress of Qalai Khumb or the Ismaili Centre at Khorog. If you're looking for a great place to stay, there are plenty of accommodation options available. You can also find several restaurants, campsites and other attractions along the way. For more information, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing road trip!

2 Qalai Khumb - Jizeu Valley - Rushan

Distance 176 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 52.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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If you are looking for an exciting road trip, then look no further! Starting in Qalai Khumb, Tajikistan and ending in Rushan, this route is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. The total distance of this journey is 176 km and can be completed in less than 3 hours. You can begin your journey in Qalai Khumb, a small town located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. Here, you can explore the historical sites of the city, including the 16th century fortress and the nearby ancient petroglyphs. Next, you will drive through the Jizeu Valley, located between the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and the Rushan District. This valley is known for its picturesque views and its diverse wildlife. Along the way, you can visit the lakes of Jizeu, which are home to many species of birds and fish. Finally, you will arrive in Rushan, where you can explore the nearby ancient city of Khulbuk. Here, you can visit the ruins of the medieval fortress and the nearby tombs. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and start planning your road trip through Qalai Khumb, Jizeu Valley, and Rushan today!

3 Rushan - Pamir Highway - Mardzh

Distance 171 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: fast 51.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pamir Highway, starting in Rushan, Tajikistan. This 171 km long stretch of road will take you less than 3 hours to complete, and you will be able to explore the most beautiful places along the way. On the way, you will pass through the breathtakingly beautiful villages of Tugay, Garm Chashma, and Ishkashim, where you can explore the breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountains, as well as visit the ancient fortress of Tugay. You will also have the chance to explore the stunningly beautiful Garm Chashma hot springs, which have been known for centuries as a place of healing and relaxation. Further along the route, you will reach the picturesque town of Murgab, where you can explore the ancient fortress of Murgab and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Finally, you will reach the end of your journey in Mardzh, where you can explore the ancient city of Mardzh and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't miss out on this incredible journey and start planning your road trip now!

4 Mardzh - Pamir Highway - Murghab

Distance 211 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: fast 63.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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The road trip from Mardzh to Murghab is an unforgettable experience! This 211 km journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete. You will be driving through the breathtaking Pamir Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. You will start your journey in Mardzh, a city located in the heart of the Wakhan Valley. Here, you can explore the ruins of the ancient settlement of Yamchun and take a stroll around the breathtaking Wakhan Valley. The next stop on your journey is the small village of Khorog. Here, you can visit the local bazaar and explore the nearby mountains. The final destination on your road trip is Murghab. This small town is located on the banks of the Murghab River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the nearby Garm Chasma Hot Springs and enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm waters. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

5 Murghab - Karakul Lake

Distance 128 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: fast 38.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Murghab-Karakul Lake stage of your road trip! This spectacular journey will take you through one of the most incredible landscapes in the world, through the Pamir Mountains. The total distance of this stage is 128 km, and it will take you no more than two hours to complete. Your first stop is Murghab, a small town in the eastern Pamir Mountains. Here, you can explore the stunning landscapes and take a stroll through the local bazaar. Don't forget to try some of the local specialties! Your next stop is Karakul Lake, a stunningly beautiful high-altitude lake in the Pamir Mountains. Here, you can take a boat ride across the lake, explore the nearby mountains, and take in the breathtaking views. This stage of your road trip will be filled with incredible sights and experiences. Make sure to take lots of pictures to remember your journey! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.

6 Karakul Lake - Sarytash

Distance 93 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: modest 24.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips border crossing
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Karakul Lake, Tajikistan to Sarytash! This 93 km drive will take you less than two hours, crossing a state border. Along the way, you will find some of the most interesting places to explore. At Karakul Lake, take a moment to admire the stunning views of the Pamir Mountains, which are some of the highest in the world. Then, head to the nearby Kara-Kul Village, where you can explore the surrounding area and get a glimpse of local life. The next stop is the village of Murghab, where you can visit the Murghab Museum and learn about the area's rich history. You'll also find a few interesting shops where you can buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Continue on to the village of Sarytash, where you can visit the Sarytash Mosque and the ancient fortress of Sarytash. You'll also find some great restaurants and cafes to enjoy a delicious meal. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in the town of Sarytash, where you can explore the old streets and visit the local market. This is just one of the many stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

7 Sarytash - Osh

Distance 188 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: fast 56.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Sarytash to Osh! On this 188 km journey, you will have the opportunity to explore some of Kyrgyzstan's most interesting sites, all within a 3-hour drive. Along the way, you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys. You will also have the chance to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Sulayman Mountain, the Burana Tower, and the Osh Bazaar. Make sure to also take some time to explore the beautiful countryside and take lots of pictures! As you drive, you will be able to appreciate the cultural and historical significance of each site you visit. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" section of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Kyrgyzstan!

8 Osh - Jalal-Abad

Distance 95 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: modest 24.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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If you are a road-tripper, then you should definitely consider the stage from Osh to Jalal-Abad! This 95km drive will take you less than 2 hours, so you can easily cover it in one day. The starting point of this stage is Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Here you can visit the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, the Osh Bazaar, and the Osh State Historical and Cultural Museum. The next stop is Jalal-Abad, the capital of Jalal-Abad Province. Here you can explore the Jalal-Abad Regional Museum and the archaeological site of Kara-Kul. This stage is just a part of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So don't miss this opportunity to explore the beautiful Kyrgyzstan!

9 Jalal-Abad - Karakol

Distance 189 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: modest 49.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Jalal-Abad to Karakol! This 189 km journey will take you less than 4 hours, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the majestic mountains, lush valleys, and the glistening Issyk-Kul Lake. Start your trip in Jalal-Abad, where you can explore the city’s many historical monuments. Don’t miss the Sulayman Mountain, a beautiful mountain with breathtaking views. Continue your journey to Karakol, the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Visit the Dungan Mosque and the Karakol Historical Museum to learn more about the city’s history. As you drive along the way, keep your eyes open for the picturesque landscapes. Stop at the Ala-Kul Lake and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Don’t forget to take pictures of the stunning views of the mountains and the Issyk-Kul Lake. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Jalal-Abad to Karakol!

10 Karakol - Bishkek

Distance 379 km Driving time 5.9 h Pace: fast 113.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Karakol to Bishkek! This journey will take you through 379 km of breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and picturesque views. Start from Karakol, a small city in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan, and explore its unique attractions such as the Dungan Mosque, Przhevalsky Museum, and the Karakol Sunday Animal Market. As you drive along the route, make sure to take a break to admire the stunning views of Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world. Continue your journey to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Here you can explore the Ala-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, and the National Philharmonic Hall. Make sure to take a stroll in the famous Oak Park and visit the Osh Bazaar. You will be able to find souvenirs, handmade crafts, and delicious Kyrgyz dishes. This is just one of the many stages of your journey, and more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites are available in the itinerary of this stage. So don’t wait any longer and embark on this amazing road trip from Karakol to Bishkek!

  Bishkek

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Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is the perfect ending point for the Pamir Highway Road Trip. Located in the Chui Valley, Bishkek is a large city with plenty to explore. The most popular sights include Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and the Philharmonic Hall. There are also many museums and galleries to explore, such as the Central State Museum and the National Art Gallery. For those who love the outdoors, Bishkek is the perfect destination. The city is surrounded by mountains and valleys, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. There are also many lakes and rivers to explore. For travelers arriving by car, there are many places to stay including luxury hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. There are also a number of car rental services available. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Manas International Airport (FRU). From there, Bishkek is a short ride away. No matter how you arrive in Bishkek, you will be sure to find plenty to explore in this vibrant city. Whether you are looking to explore the city's culture and history, or to take in its stunning natural beauty, Bishkek has something for everyone. At the end of the Pamir Highway Road Trip, you will be glad you made the journey to Bishkek.

Pamir Highway Road Trip at a glance

We have no doubt that our trip will become a superb inspiration for your future holidays.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of elements to be mindful of to make your road adventure smooth. These tips will surely become useful for drivers who are interested in hiring a car or camper rental in Tajikistan.
In Tajikistan, there are a number of road regulations to be mindful of while driving. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense when Tajikistan is your road trip destination. The amount of alcohol you can consume is very low and cannot exceed 0‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum car speed around the city. In rural areas, you can travel at the maximum speed of 80km/h. On motorways, you should stick to the speed limit of 100km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole road trip will vary depending on the budget option that you are interested in. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
The cost of gasoline for the budget option to cover the planned 11 stages across Tajikistan can be roughly 263 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy accommodation will cost up to around 737 EUR. Tourists who go for this option will spend roughly 336 EUR on food and restaurants. Travellers will have to pay around 2,016 EUR if they aim for the cheapest hire car option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 1,336 EUR to about 3,352 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 263 EUR to cover the planned mileage of the adventure. Cost amounting to 1,474 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are looking for standard overnight stays. Tourists can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost approximately 504 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 2,772 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 5,088 EUR for drivers who would like to try vehicle hire and 2,316 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Tourists who would like to benefit from the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 8,802 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle hire and 2,316 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire car can expect a cost of roughly 5,544 EUR. If you are interested in the premium version of the itinerary, you will pay about 463 EUR for fuel. Drivers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay more or less 672 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 2,123 EUR for accommodation options.
Our tour can be easily adjusted to the expectations of all camper fans. If you choose this travel mode, the expenses may amount to more or less 3,150 EUR. Holidayers will spend around 513 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Holidayers should expect to pay around 336 EUR for expenses connected with food and more or less 770 EUR for accommodation if they want to travel in a camper.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above-mentioned details in an easy to follow manner.
The part of Tajikistan showed in our itinerary idea is great to be visited between April and June. If Pamir Highway Road Trip has sparked your creativity, you should definitely check out other picturesque road adventures that are available on our website. We hope that the broad spectrum of road trips will definitely live up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in Tajikistan

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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