TOUR
The Pamir Expedition
A 15-day journey from Dushanbe into the heart of the Pamirs, through mountain roads and glaciers, Khorog and the Bartang Valley, alpine lakes, hot springs and remote Pamiri villages. The route combines overland travel with hiking and nights in local guesthouses and tents.
About This Tour
This 15-day journey is designed to explore the Pamirs beyond the main road. From Dushanbe, the route travels through Kalai Khum and the Vanj Valley towards the Kasholaya and Medvezhiy glaciers before continuing through Khorog into some of the more remote valleys of Gorno-Badakhshan.
Long overland sections are balanced by days on foot. The itinerary includes glacier hikes, alpine lakes, the Roshtkala and Bartang valleys, natural hot springs and several days far from the region's larger settlements.
Time spent with local communities is an essential part of the journey. Accommodation ranges from hotels to small guesthouses, traditional Pamiri homes and tents, with visits to local shrines, bazaars and mountain villages along the way.
The journey begins and ends in Dushanbe, moving gradually from the capital and the historic south of Tajikistan into the more remote landscapes of the Pamirs.
Tour Itinerary
1Dushanbe
Arrive in Dushanbe and transfer to the hotel. After breakfast, explore the capital, including the National Museum, ethnographic collections, the Ismoil Somoni Monument and Rudaki Park. Later, travel approximately 30 km outside the city to visit Hisor Fortress before returning to Dushanbe.
2Dushanbe → Kalai Khum
Approx. 380 km Leave Dushanbe after breakfast and begin the journey towards the Pamirs. Stop at Hulbuk, an important medieval archaeological site associated with the historic region of Khuttal. Continue to Kalai Khum after lunch.
3Kalai Khum → Poi Mazor
Approx. 200 km Travel into the Vanj Valley and continue towards Poi Mazor, the last village in the upper valley before the high mountains. As the route moves deeper into the Pamirs, the landscape is accompanied by changes in local languages, traditions and ways of life.
4Kasholaya & Medvezhiy Glaciers
Trekking day Set out on foot towards the Kasholaya and Medvezhiy glaciers. Stop for a picnic during the hike before returning to Poi Mazor in the evening.
5Poi Mazor → Khorog
Approx. 240 km Travel to Khorog along the Panj River, following the mountain road beside the Afghan border. On arrival, explore Khorog, the administrative centre of Gorno-Badakhshan. Visit the museum, bazaar and Pamir Botanical Garden.
6Khorog → Roshtkala Valley → Sejd
Approx. 70 km Travel into the Roshtkala Valley, stopping at local sacred sites and the Shohbyron Mausoleum, places connected with the religious history of the region. Continue through Roshtkala to the village of Sejd. In the evening, share a traditional Pamiri meal in a local home.
7Sejd → Dirom Lake
Approx. 5 km on foot Hike through the mountains towards Dirom Lake. Spend the rest of the day walking around the lake and exploring the surrounding landscape.
8Dirom Lake → Kyg Hot Spring
5 km on foot + approx. 25 km by road Hike back to Sejd before continuing by road to Kyg Hot Spring. Along the way, there is an optional visit to a site associated with a local tradition concerning Hazrat Ali.
9Kyg → Jafshangoz → Teromtaykul Lake
Travel via Jafshangoz, stopping at a hot spring along the way. After lunch, continue towards Teromtaykul Lake. Spend some time exploring the lakeshore after arrival.
10Teromtaykul Lake
Trekking day Spend the first half of the day hiking in the surrounding mountains. Lunch by the lake, followed by free time in the afternoon.
11Teromtaykul → Jelondi
Approx. 40 km Drive to Jelondi and spend some time relaxing at the hot spring.
12Jelondi → Khorog → Bartang Valley
Travel via Khorog towards the Bartang Valley, stopping for lunch in Khorog before continuing into the mountains.
13Bartang Valley → Jizev
Approx. 8 km on foot Hike through the Jizev Valley to a small remote settlement. According to the original itinerary, the village has around 12 houses and relies on solar power for electricity. After lunch, there is an additional walk towards a mountain lake.
14Jizev → Kalai Khum → Dushanbe
Hike back to the main road and begin the return journey via Kalai Khum. Continue towards Dushanbe through the Tavildara Valley and the Rogun area.
15Dushanbe
Breakfast followed by transfer to the airport.
What to Bring
- Clothing: lightweight clothes for daytime hiking, warm layers for higher elevations and evenings, plus a waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Footwear: broken-in hiking boots with good grip and a lightweight second pair for guesthouses and camp.
- Sun protection: a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Personal medication: any medication you regularly use, plasters and a small personal first-aid kit.
- Trekking gear: a comfortable daypack, reusable water bottle and trekking poles if you use them.
- Tech: a phone or camera, power bank, chargers and spare batteries, as access to electricity may be limited in remote areas.
- Cash: enough cash for personal expenses, particularly while travelling through smaller Pamiri villages.
Price
On request
Price depends on group size and dates.
Ready to set off?
Get in touch — we'll answer your questions and help you prepare.