Eastern Pamir Travel Guide, Tajikistan (January 2026 Update)
The Eastern Pamir (Murghab Plateau) remains one of Central Asia’s most remote and starkly beautiful regions—high-altitude deserts, turquoise lakes, nomadic Kyrgyz yurts, and epic mountain vistas. All elevations exceed 3,000m, with the Pamir Highway (M41) as the main artery. Ethnic Kyrgyz communities dominate, many still semi-nomadic.
Key 2025-2026 updates:
- The Kyzyl Art Pass border with Kyrgyzstan reopened fully in March 2025 after years of closure. As of July 2025, no special Kyrgyz border permit is needed—cross freely with valid visa/e-visa.
- Tourism grew ~24-31% in 2025, but remote areas like Karakul and Alichur feel even sparser due to emigration. Limited guesthouses/food—pack extras.
- GBAO permit still required (easy via e-visa).
GBAO Permit & Visa
- GBAO permit mandatory for the entire Eastern Pamir.
- Add it to your Tajikistan e-visa (extra ~$20-30) or get separately online/in Dushanbe OVIR.
- Print multiple copies for checkpoints.
Highlights by Direction from Murghab
Southwest of Murghab
- Jelondy hot springs
- Koi Tezek Pass (4,270m)
- Bulunkul (coldest spot in Tajikistan) & Yashilkul lakes
- Sassykul/Tuzkul
- Alichur village (friendly Kyrgyz homestays, yaks)
- Ak Balyk sacred spring
- Shakhty petroglyphs
- Jarty Gumbez (Marco Polo sheep hunting camp/hot springs)
Murghab
The “hub”—famous container bazaar, basic homestays (e.g., Tulfabek, Erali). Great base for side trips.
North of Murghab
- Pshart/Madiyan valleys & hot springs
- Rangkul dunes/lakes
- Ak Baital Pass (4,655m—highest on Pamir Highway)
- Karakul Lake & village (stunning crater lake, limited stays)
- Kyzyl Art Pass to Kyrgyzstan
East/South (Ak Suu Valley)
- Shaimak (views into Afghanistan/China/Pakistan)
- Qolma Pass (China border)
Hiking
Excellent options—Gumbezkul Pass, Bazardara, Aral Yuj near Karakul, Kyzyldong climb. Altitude demands acclimatization.
Getting Around
Shared 4WD taxis from Murghab bazaar (cheaper post-border reopening). Private hire ~$200/day. Hitch possible but slow. Cycling popular.
The Eastern Pamir offers raw, high-altitude adventure—fewer crowds than the Wakhan, but increasingly accessible via the reopened Kyrgyz border. Perfect for off-grid explorers! 🌄🐪