7 Days Pamir Highway Itinerary – My Daily Roadtrip Guide from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Osh, Krygyzstan

Whereas the “–stans” Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and many others. are largely feared and averted by vacationers– right here I’m pondering: Why ought to or not it’s averted? What’s there that the media doesn’t appear to point out apart from the violence and damaging issues? How are folks like there? Except for my quest of visiting each nation on this planet with my Philippines Passport, I needed to have the solutions as soon as and for all. 

I launched into a 2-month journey round Central Asia and my first cease is the roadtrip from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan and the latter being generally known as The Land of Celestial Mountains and is known for the Pamir Mountain Ranges the place the Pamir Freeway lies.

Traditionally talking, these mountains served as a commerce route connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and Southern Europe. This route is named The Nice Silk Highway. Not solely was this essential for the economic system of varied international locations concerned within the commerce, however it additionally performed an essential function of their cultural, political, and non secular interactions.

I’ve just lately accomplished my 7-day journey on the Pamir Freeway with Paramount Journey and I’ve to say that whereas this journey is tiring and exhausting, it’s nonetheless exhilarating and thrilling, to not point out very a lot value it! 

This route took us 7 days on a non-public automobile ranging from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Right here is my itinerary:

• DAY 1: Drive from Dushanbe to Kalaikhumb 
• DAY 2: Drive in the direction of Khorog (220 kms)
• DAY three: Drive in the direction of Ishkashim (115 kms)
• DAY four: Drive in the direction of Langar (Cross the border to Afghanistan for the Day)
• Day 5: Drive in the direction of Bulunkul through Khargush Go
• Day 6: Drive in the direction of Murghab City
• Day 7: Drive in the direction of Osh, Kyrgyzstan

DAY 1: Drive from Dushanbe to Kalaikhumb 

The lengthy drive began at 9 AM. I used to be picked up on the resort by my driver and tour information, Alisher. We drove in the direction of the Pamir Freeway over the mountain move at Kalaikumb, the midway level of Khorog. We took the southern street through Kulyab and we stopped quite a bit for lavatory breaks, snacks, meals and tons of lovely pictures on the Norak Dam and did somewhat buying at a small spice bazaar. We drove alongside the Afghan border (they’re separated by a river) and in reality, we bought to see Afghan Villages from the Kyrgyzstan facet. 

Lodging: Guesthouse by the Panj River owned by a stunning Tajik household 

DAY 2: Drive in the direction of Khorog (220 kms)

Khorog is the capital of (GBAO) Gorno-Badakhshan Area and is positioned alongside the Panj River which varieties the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In Khorog, you may go to a bazaar or see the botanical gardens that are the second-highest on this planet and get an superior view of town, the rivers, and the encircling mountains. One of many highlights of this present day was that we stopped by an area’s home for lunch and I used to be taught easy methods to make their native bread. 

DAY three: Drive in the direction of Ishkashim (115 kms)

This was a straightforward and gradual day for the reason that drive was solely 115 kms. We made numerous stops as regular however this time, we went to a giant bazaar and an attractive park the place we had lunch by the river. Afterward, we headed to Garchashma Scorching Spring however sadly, it was a “males time” versus “ladies time”. Solely males can swim since all of them do it full bare. We noticed lots of people strolling with their herds and I used to be fortunate to have a pleasant picture with them! 

Lodging: Guesthouse

DAY four: Drive in the direction of Langar/Cross the border to Afghanistan

The unique itinerary was to cease by Vrang to see Buda Stupa and in Zong Village to go to Abrashim Qala Fort. Nevertheless, I made a detour on my own to cross the border to Afghanistan to Sultan Ishkashim which is the gateway to the Wakhan Hall. This city is thought for its small bazaar and it’s also the final border level the place you will get to cross Afghanistan by the bridge.

Anyway, I used to be capable of meet up with my group late within the afternoon. Langar is known for its shrines and you’ll go mountaineering to see the gathering of over 6,000 petroglyphs. Notice that that is 2,800 meters above sea stage so deliver heaters and your coat!

Lodging: Guesthouse owned by a Wakhan household

Day 5: Drive in the direction of Bulunkul through Khargush Go

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We began early within the morning to drive in the direction of Bulunkul Lake, a freshwater alpine lake with snow-capped mountains serving because the backdrop. One other cease is the Yashikul Lake, one other pure marvel which is constructed by a mudslide which enclosed a portion of the Alichur River in historical instances. We stayed for an evening in Bulunkul Village, the sixth coldest place on earth! 

Lodging: Homestay 

Day 6: Drive in the direction of Murghab City

After a scrumptious breakfast served by our host household, we then began an early journey in the direction of Murghab City, the capital of the Murghab District and is taken into account as the very best city, being three,600 meters above sea stage. We stopped by Bulunkul and Tuzul Lakes to take these instagrammable pictures and simply see how lovely it’s early within the morning. We additionally visited Alichur Village and Ak-balik Lake. 

Murghab is sort of a small metropolis within the mountains with a bazaar made from previous containers/trailers, a hospital with one physician, eating places and greater guesthouses. There’s a bazaar right here the place you should purchase necessities identical to what I did. It’s moderately small and even half empty. We had been speculated to go to Sary Mogol tomorrow however sadly, my journey mates bought sick due to the altitude so we needed to lower the journey quick. No worries although, I’m saving it for subsequent time! ?

Lodging: Guesthouse

Day 7: Drive in the direction of Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Whereas this can be the tip of my journey round Tajikistan, that is the start of a brand new one as I cross the border to Kyrgyzstan. I needed to say goodbye to my driver Alisher as somebody new goes to drive me to Osh. I gave him a bottle of wine which he was very grateful for!

TIPS BEFORE TRAVELING TO TAJIKISTAN 

• Obtain the offline google translate for the native Tajik or Russian language. This can enable you in so some ways!
• In the event you’re going to GBAO, make not less than 10 photocopies of your passport and visa. There are quite a few checkpoints alongside the best way and they’re going to ask for this. 
• Put together to be “disconnected” to the world. They’ve a really unhealthy web sign and there are only some locations which have free wifi. 
• In the event you’re touring with a driver and a information, I encourage you to offer suggestions as more often than not, that is their solely supply of revenue. 10% of the full value of the tour is good. 
• At all times deliver USD particularly whenever you’re touring within the Pamir Freeway. More often than not, ATMs are unreliable and the charges are exorbitant!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO TAJIKISTAN?

The most effective time to go to this nation is from March to April and September to October the place it’s neither scorching sizzling nor loopy chilly.

HOW TO DO THE PAMIR HIGHWAY TOUR?

It’s possible you’ll do it by taking a bicycle, motorcycle, and even simply hitchhiking. Nevertheless, I nonetheless favor to be within the fingers of a great and educated native like Alishir from Paramount Journey. It was such ease touring with him as he’s very enthusiastic about his job, he drives effectively, and he has an excellent humorousness! He took me to the most effective locations to eat too! You’ll be able to learn my 15 Issues To Do within the Pamir Freeway.

Be happy to contact them at [email protected] and point out KACH and the supervisor stated he’ll offer you 5% low cost!

HOW TO GET THE VISA

You are able to do it instantly however I had points with the web kind and importing my picture. As an alternative of making an attempt for the 4th time, I simply outsourced it and paid further $20. I extremely advocate availing the companies of iVisa, particularly if you happen to really feel extra snug having your software submitted by an expert group. They’ve been offering expedited processing and steerage companies for any e-visa functions since 2013 in order that they have lots of expertise. 

For the Evisa with the GBAO Allow, you’ll solely must pay 72 USD plus a processing price of 20 USD and also you’ll get your visas inside 48 hours. It’s that simple!

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