10-Day Pamir Highway Itinerary: Dushanbe to Osh (Including Wakhan Valley) – Updated End of 2025
The Pamir Highway (M41) offers one of the world’s most epic road trips through Tajikistan’s rugged Pamirs and into Kyrgyzstan. This 10-day itinerary balances highlights like the scenic Wakhan Valley detour, Bartang side trip, and high-altitude Eastern Pamir plateaus. Roads remain rough—potholed asphalt, gravel, landslides common—but passable in summer/fall with a 4WD. As of late 2025, the Kyzyl Art border is fully open without special permits.
Key Updates (2025):
- No special Kyrgyz permit needed for Kyzyl Art/Bor Dobo crossing (open since July 2025).
- GBAO permit still required—apply with e-visa or separately.
- Dushanbe-Khorog section improved but expect delays from occasional works/landslides.
- Best time: June-September (high passes clear).
Day 1: Dushanbe → Qala i Khumb (370 km, 9-10 hrs)
Start early from Tajikistan’s capital. Route passes Nurek Reservoir, Kulob (lunch stop), and Shurubod Pass (first GBAO checkpoint). Scenic Panj River views into Afghanistan begin here. Overnight in Qala i Khumb (homestays or Karon Palace).
Day 2: Qala i Khumb → Bartang Valley → Jizeu Trek (200 km drive + 11 km round-trip hike)
Drive to Rushan, enter Bartang Valley. Cross cable bridge for ~5.5 km hike (500m gain) to stunning Jizeu village. Overnight in homestay (highly recommended—rustic but welcoming).
Day 3: Jizeu → Khorog (95 km, 3 hrs)
Hike back down, drive to Khorog (GBAO capital). Explore botanical gardens, central park, bazaar.
Day 4: Khorog → Ishkashim (110 km, 3 hrs)
Enter Wakhan Valley. Stop at Garm Chashma hot springs. Overnight Ishkashim.
Day 5: Ishkashim → Langar (150 km, 4-5 hrs)
Wakhan highlights: Khaakha Fortress (Namadgut), Yamchun Fortress, Bibi Fatima hot springs. Stunning Hindu Kush views across Afghanistan border.
Day 6: Langar → Alichur (125 km, 6 hrs)
Over Khargush Pass (lunar landscapes). Side trip to Bulunkul/Yashilkul lakes. Kyrgyz yurts, yaks. Overnight Alichur homestay.
Day 7-9: Alichur → Eastern Pamir (Jarty Gumbez/Shaimak detours optional) → Karakul
High plateau: Ak Balyk spring, Shakhty petroglyphs, Marco Polo sheep spotting. Murghab for supplies. Overnight remote camps or Karakul village beside massive lake.
Day 10: Karakul → Osh (283 km, 10 hrs)
Climb Ak Baital Pass (4,655m—highest point), cross Kyzyl Art into Kyrgyzstan (stunning no-man’s-land). Descend via Taldyk Pass to Osh.
Transport Options:
- Private 4WD (recommended): ~$150-180/day solo, $50-60 shared among 4.
- Shared taxis/hitchhiking: Cheaper (~$25-50 total) but slower, less flexible—challenging in remote sections.
Budget Estimate (per person):
- Private 4WD solo: $150-200/day (incl. driver, fuel, homestays/meals).
- Shared among 4: $40-60/day.
- Public/shared: $20-40/day + food.
Essentials:
- GBAO permit: Include with e-visa or get separately (~$20-50).
- Altitude prep: Acclimatize slowly—headaches common above 3,500m.
- Cash: Few ATMs beyond Khorog/Murghab.
- Best via 4WD; shared taxis possible but patience required.
This route delivers raw adventure—hospitality unmatched, landscapes unforgettable. Questions? Ask below!