Jarty Gumbez, Pamir, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole

Jarty Gumbez, Tajikistan: A Complete Travel Guide

Jarty Gumbez, Tajikistan: A Complete Travel Guide was originally published in September 2026

Jarty Gumbez is a remote settlement and hunting camp in Tajikistan’s Eastern Pamirs, sitting at 4,130 meters above sea level. Located south of Murghab, it is best known for its sulfurous hot springs, ancient petroglyphs and kurgans, and access to some of the Pamirs’ most isolated landscapes.

I visited Jarty Gumbez in search of Marco Polo sheep on my virst visit in 2016, and getting there was very much part of the experience. The settlement is reached by rough jeep tracks branching off the Pamir Highway, making it a worthwhile detour for travelers already exploring the Murghab region. I’ve since been able to re-visit when back in Tajikistan, to the hot springs and areas surround Jarty Gumbez over the years

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Jarty Gumbez at a Glance

Location	Eastern Pamirs, Tajikistan
Elevation	4,130 m (13,550 ft)
Nearest town	Murghab
Distance from Murghab	Approximately 90 km
Drive time	Around 4–6 hours, depeding on stops
Known for	Hot springs, petroglyphs, kurgans and wildlife
Region	Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO)

How to Get to Jarty Gumbez

Jarty Gumbez from Murghab

Shor Bulog Observatory, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole — Shor Bulog Observatory

Jarty Gumbez is approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Murghab and takes around 4–6 hours to reach by 4×4. Travelers follow the Pamir Highway southeast from Murghab before turning onto the rough jeep tracks south of Karasuu.

The jeep track to Jarty Gumbez passes past the Shakhty Petroglyphs, an area known for its ancient depiction of a bore hunt, before reaching yet another turn for a deviation to the solar observatory of Shor Bulog. South of this turn-off, you will pass through Darva Tash Basin, which can have a shallow seasonal lake in it in the spring months, and eventually will enter a valley that leads to Jarty Gumbez.

It’s advisable to arrange for a local driver or guide familiar with the terrain, as the tracks can be challenging and are often unmarked.

Jarty Gumbez from Khorog

Trail to Zorkul, Pamir, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole

Traveling from Khorog to Jarty Gumbez involves a longer and more complex route. One option is to traverse the Wakhan Valley from west to east and from the final Wakhan village of Langar, go to Khargush Pass Checkpoint, and then continue eastward along a track to the Zorkul Nature Reserve wetlands, which requires a special Zorkul Permit. This route offers breathtaking views and a sense of remoteness, but should be undertaken with proper preparation and local guidance.

Another option is to travel from Khorog via the Gunt Valley and Jelondy before joining the Pamir Highway near Sassykul. From there, continue east toward Murghab and take the tracks south of Karasuu described above. This route requires a GBAO permit but does not require a Zorkul Permit as long as you stay outside the reserve

Best Time to Visit Jarty Gumbez

The best time to visit Jarty Gumbez is during the summer months, when roads through the Eastern Pamirs are more accessible and temperatures are more manageable at 4,130 meters. Winter brings extreme cold and snow, while shoulder-season conditions can make the remote tracks difficult to navigate. Shoulder season, especially the spring months can be very muddy, as we found in May-June 2025, getting stuck knee deep in muddy jeep tracks.

For most travelers, mid-June through September offers the best combination of accessibility and weather, although conditions can change quickly at this elevation.

Things to Do in Jarty Gumbez

Jarty Gumbez Hot Springs

Jarty Gumbez is home to a natural sulfurous hot spring, providing a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. The warm waters offer relaxation amidst the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Visit the Shakhty Petroglyphs and Ancient Kurgans

Shakhty Petroglyphs, Pamir, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole — Shakhty Petroglyphs

The area around Jarty Gumbez contains numerous archaeological sites, including ancient kurgans and petroglyphs. The nearby Shakhty Petroglyphs are among the most notable, with Bronze Age rock art offering a glimpse into the people who traveled through the Eastern Pamirs thousands of years ago. Ancient kurgans (burial mounds) can be found in the area as well.

Where to Stay in Jarty Gumbez

The family-run guesthouse in Jarty Gumbez welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality. Overnight stays, including dinner and breakfast, are available for approximately $35 USD per night. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals and engage with locals to learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people.

Trek to Nearby Lakes

Zorkul, Pamir, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole

For the adventurous, trekking to nearby lakes such as Kulikukjigit and Kulikaradung offers stunning vistas and a chance to experience the pristine wilderness of the Pamirs. These treks are best undertaken with a local guide and proper preparation.

Wildlife Around Jarty Gumbez

Marco Polo Sheep, Jarty Gumbez, Pamir, Tajikistan, Adventures of Nicole

Jarty Gumbez is particularly great place to spot Marco Polo sheep, which are hunted in the surrounding mountains during part of the year. Ibex and numerous bird species can also be seen in the area, while the wider Eastern Pamirs are snow leopard habitat

Jarty Gumbez Travel Tips

Permits: If traveling through the Zorkul Nature Reserve, ensure you have the necessary permits, as the area is sensitive and regulated. Apply for your Zorkul Permit here.
Accommodation: Try to arrange your stay in Jarty Gumbez in advance, especially during the tourist season, as accommodations are limited. Local operators and the PECTA office in Khorog can help you do this.
Weather: The region experiences extreme weather conditions; pack accordingly and be prepared for sudden changes.
Guides: Hiring a local guide is recommended for navigation and to enrich your understanding of the area’s cultural and historical context.

Jarty Gumbez Highlights

Hot Springs: Soak in the natural sulfurous springs amidst the rugged landscape.
Archaeological Sites: Discover nearby ancient kurgans and petroglyphs that tell the story of past civilizations.
Scenic Vistas: Capture the breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountains’ most remote locations and surrounding valleys.

What Makes Jarty Gumbez Worth Visiting?

From Jarty Gumbez’s natural hot springs and nearby ancient archaeological sites to the warm hospitality of its inhabitants, Jarty Gumbez offers a unique glimpse into life in the High Pamir. For travelers seeking adventure and solitude in Central Asia, Jarty Gumbez is a must-visit location and a great detour from the Pamir Highway.