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.
14
number of days
1,972 km
route length
moderate
budget
adventurer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Dushanbe
Distance 1,972 km
Driving time 49.4 h
Pace: slow
453.7 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 348 km
Driving time 7.2 h
Pace: modest
90.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Qalai Khumb - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Qalai Khumb
- Jizeu Valley
- Rushan
Distance 178 km
Driving time 7.2 h
Pace: slow
41.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Rushan - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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3
Rushan
- Pamir Highway
- Mardzh
Distance 171 km
Driving time 6.5 h
Pace: slow
39.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Mardzh - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Mardzh
- Pamir Highway
- Murghab
Distance 212 km
Driving time 6.5 h
Pace: slow
48.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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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.
Murghab - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Murghab
- Karakul Lake
Distance 128 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: slow
29.4 kWh
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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.
Karakul Lake - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Karakul Lake
- Sarytash
Distance 93 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: slow
21.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Sarytash - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Sarytash
- Osh
Distance 187 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: modest
48.7 kWh
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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!
Osh - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Flickr
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8
Osh
- Jalal-Abad
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
23.0 kWh
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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!
Jalal-Abad - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Jalal-Abad
- Karakol
Distance 188 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: fast
56.5 kWh
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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!
Karakol - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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10
Karakol
- Bishkek
Distance 379 km
Driving time 6.5 h
Pace: modest
98.4 kWh
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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 - Tajikistan - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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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
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Start:
Dushanbe
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End:
Bishkek
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Distance:
1,972 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Dushanbe Airport (DYU)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Pamir Highway, officially known as the M41 Highway, is an epic 1,908km journey that traverses the rugged landscapes of Central Asia, starting from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and culminating in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This legendary route, steeped in history, is not just a Road; it's an adventure into the heart of the ancient Silk Road, offering a deep dive into the rich culture of the region and awe-inspiring vistas of some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- The Ismaili Center in Khorog, which showcases the cultural contributions of the Ismaili community and sits near the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, known for its diverse ethnic groups and traditions.
- The storied city of Osh, which has been a significant trading center for over 3,000 years and is famous for its bustling market, one of the largest in Central Asia.
- The strikingly beautiful Karakul Lake, formed by a meteor impact and situated at an altitude of over 3,900 meters, making it one of the highest lakes in the Pamirs.
- The picturesque villages of Qalai Khumb and Murgab (often referred to as Mardzh), which provide insights into the rural lifestyle of the Pamirs and a chance to engage with welcoming local communities.
- The enchanting city of Karakol, which is not only known for its natural beauty but also its Russian Orthodox church and Dungan mosque, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time for this Road Trip is between June and September. During these months, the weather is predominantly warm and dry, providing the best conditions for driving and sightseeing. This period also coincides with the melting of snow on high-altitude passes, making them more accessible.
Potential Risks:
- The route includes sections with poor Road conditions, requiring careful navigation and driving skills.
- Travelers will need to navigate several international borders, necessitating proper documentation and an understanding of border crossing procedures.
- The high-altitude environment can lead to variable and extreme weather conditions, making it important for travelers to be prepared for sudden changes.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey typically takes about 14 days, but many adventurers choose to take longer to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
- The Pamir Highway is considered one of the most affordable epic Road Trips, offering a unique experience that is accessible to many.
- While the Trip can be challenging, it is achievable for drivers with varying levels of experience, provided they take necessary precautions and prepare adequately.
- The Road Trip is an incredible opportunity to create lifelong memories, offering a blend of adventure, cultural exchange, and natural beauty that is unparalleled.
A good choice for:
Setting out on the Pamir Highway Road Trip is a profound way to explore some of the world's most secluded and stunning cultural heritage sites, as well as witness the breathtaking natural wonders of the Pamir Mountains, often called the `Roof of the World.` With careful planning, consideration of the best travel times, and preparedness for the unique challenges of the Road, this journey promises to be an enriching and unforgettable adventure that goes beyond the typical tourist experience.
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