Osh To Dushanbe Pamir Highway Trip (9 days)

The Pamir Highway is a legendary high-altitude road (officially the M41 highway) that traverses the Pamir Mountains through Tajikistan and a portion of Kyrgyzstan. Although the origins of the Pamir Highway are ancient trading routes, construction of the road began in the late 19th century by the British with most of it built by the Soviet Union in the 1930s. Today, the Pamir Highway is one of the world’s most epic road trips for its dramatic mountain scenery, high altitudes and sense of adventure.

The classic Pamir Highway route runs from Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan to Khorog and then on to Dushanbe in Tajikistan, covering over 1,200 km of rugged terrain. The M41 Highway crosses high altitude mountain passes like the Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655 m, skirts the border of Afghanistan through the Wakhan Valley, and passes by turquoise alpine lakes and small remote villages.

The term “highway” is a bit misleading as much of the Pamir Highway is unpaved or broken road, which is why a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended.  The dramatic scenery more than makes up for the bumps, and in fact the rough road becomes part of the adventure. You’ll see snow-covered peaks including Lenin and Engels Peaks, each over 6,500 m, high plateau landscapes where yaks graze, and experience the unique Pamiri and Kyrgyz cultures of the region.

Our Pamir Highway tours allow you to experience this unique and epic road trip safely with an expert driver-guide, comfortable 4×4 transport, stops at all the breathtaking viewpoints and homestays with local families. We offer different lengths of Pamir Highway tours and departure cities — Osh, Dushanbe, Khorog, Bishkek or Samarkand — to best suit your schedule and itinerary. And you can choose a private tour or group Pamir Highway trip.

The Pamir Highway is a journey through “The Roof of the World,” as the Pamirs are often called.

The length and duration of a Pamir Highway road trip depends on the route you choose and how much you want to see. The total distance of the Pamir Highway or M41 Highway is 1,200 km with the main portion from Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog or Dushanbe, Tajikistan, but many people choose to do just a portion of this. A direct drive from Osh to Dushanbe along the main Pamir Highway (M41) could be done in as little as 3-4 long days with almost non-stop driving, but that would be rushing and you’d miss a lot.

Our Pamir Highway tours range from 5 days up to 15 days, depending upon the starting/end points and activities along the way. Most of our tours include time for exploring the Whakhan Valley, visits to ancient sites like the Ishkashim Fortress, and Yamchun Fortress, an opportunity to relax at the Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, and stops to enjoy views of Lenin Peak and other iconic peaks of the Pamir Mountains. You also have the option to include different day hikes in the Pamir Mountains along the way or incorporate a Afghan Market Tour.

One of our most popular Pamir Highway trips is from Dushanbe to Osh or Osh to Dushanbe that takes 7 days and allows time for side trips into the Wakhan Valley and overnight stops in places like Karakul Lake, Langar, and Khorog. Those with a shorter amount of time might want to focus on the high mountain part of the Pamir Highway between Osh and Khorog (5 days) or the opposite direction from Khorog to Osh. There is also the option to start (or end) your Pamir Highway trip in Bishkek which includes stops at the iconic Song Kul Lake, Silk Road site of Tash Rabat and other highlights in Kyrgyzstan in addition to all the Pamir Highway stops.

We recommend giving yourself as much time as you can for the Pamir Highway, ideally one week or more to go at a comfortable pace.  The distances aren’t huge in terms of kilometers, but the roads are rough and you’ll enjoy it more if you can take it leisurely, say 4-6 hours of driving per day max, with plenty of stops for photos, tea, and day hikes. In addition, longer trips help with acclimatizing to high altitude gradually.

The best time to take a Pamir Highway road trip is during the summer months (June-early September), when the weather is the warmest and the roads are generally free of snow and ice. July and August are the warmest and most popular months – the weather is mostly dry, with long daylight hours. High-altitude nights are still cold, but days are pleasantly warm in the sun. In addition, summer is the best time for the Afghan Market in Ishkashim, Tajikistan as the borders are open and weather is good.

Our Pamir Highway Tours run from May to October which provides more flexibility, but temperatures will be colder, especially at night, in May and October. However, you will be rewarded for this with wild flowers in the springtime and colorful leaves in the autumn. And fewer people on the road.

It is important to note that weather conditions in the Pamir Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so it is always a good idea to be prepared with additional layers, jackets and waterproof and/or windproof gear.

The summer months are the best time to journey on the Pamir Highway. Generally, June through September is ideal.

Yes, traveling the Pamir Highway involves crossing from Kyrgyzstan into Tajikistan (or vice versa) so you’ll need to have the appropriate visas and permits for both countries. Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality, the length of stay, and the purpose of the visit. It is important to research visa requirements well in advance of travel and to obtain the necessary visas before departure.

For Kyrgyzstan,  many nationalities are visa-free for 60 days (e.g., EU, UK, US, Australia, etc.) so in most cases no advance visa is needed to start or end your trip in Kyrgyzstan. If your nationality requires a visa for Kyrgyzstan, you can apply for a Kyrgyz e-visa here.

For Tajikistan, you need both a Tajik visa and GBAO permit for the Pamir Highway. Be sure to print out and carry your GBAO permit with you to show at border crossings and to security officials. Visitors from over 70 countries, including EU, UK, U.S., and many Asian countries) can enter Tajikistan without a visa for 30 days. Many other nationalities not on the visa-free list can easily apply online for a Tajik e-visa, which costs around $89 (paid by credit card) and can be obtained in 5-6 days. The advantage of an e-visa is that it comes with an option to add the GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) permit and you are not required to do OVIR registration.

Even if you are eligible to enter Tajikistan on a visa-free status, you are still required to obtain a GBAO permit and do OVIR (Office of Visas and Registration) registration to visit Pamir region. We can assist you with the GBAO permit and registration.

In a word: adventurous. The Pamir Highway or M41 Highway and its side roads are some of the roughest “highways” you’ll encounter.

While portions of the Pamir Highway near major towns are paved, much of the route is unpaved or broken asphalt, with potholes, gravel, and occasional stream crossings. The terrain is mountainous, so expect many switchbacks and sections hugging cliff sides. This just adds to the adventure. Some passes are on loose gravel which can get muddy after rain or snowmelt.

Don’t worry. Our experienced drivers are used to these conditions and this is why we use special 4×4 vehicles built for it. We maintain our vehicles well with spare tires, tool kits, etc. on board. Our drivers are trained to handle small fixes and minor issues like a flat. We take it slow and steady for safety and comfort.

The high passes like Ak-Baital (4655m) can have snow or ice even in summer, so caution is needed. In the Wakhan Valley stretch, the road can be dusty and narrow in places, but the trade-off is incredible views with views of Afghanistan just across the river. Landslides or rockfalls occasionally occur, but local road crews usually clear them quickly and we check on road conditions ahead via our network. River crossings have bridges for the main route, but side trips might involve fording shallow streams.

Part of the Pamir Highway’s allure is exactly this wild road quality and sense of adventure. We build enough flexibility into the schedule of our Pamir Highway tours to handle the unexpected (like taking a bit longer on a rough stretch or a surprise construction delay). We prioritize safety, which means no reckless driving and we do not drive after dark in the mountains.

So while the roads can be challenging and bumpy, they are very navigable with the right vehicle and skill of the driver. And the Pamir Highway does truly lead to and through some of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes in the world.

Accommodation on the Pamir Highway is a highlight and experience in itself as you’ll stay in authentic local guesthouses and homestays in remote towns and villages along the way. These accommodations usually have basic services (e.g., toilets might be outside) and are in a local family home, but they are clean and comfortable. They also offer a unique opportunity to experience local Pamiri and Kyrgyz culture, hospitality and traditional cuisine.

Accommodation options along the Pamir Highway mainly include guesthouses and home stays in the small towns and villages along the way.

On our Pamir Highway tours the driver will book accommodation in the villages, but you have the option to book your own accommodation in the cities of Khorog or Dushanbe (e.g., on Booking.com). Accommodation in villages with dinner and breakfast usually costs around $20-$30/person per day.

Here are some typical overnight stops along the Pamir Highway and their accommodations, but please check your itinerary for specific details.

• Tulparkol Lake (Kyrgyzstan): Stay in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp at 3,500 meters after a hike up to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 meters). Alternative accommodation is a homestay in Sary Mogul village.
• Karakul Lake (Tajikistan): A small village where we stay in traditional yurts. No running water (outhouse toilet), but lots of blankets and a hearty meal by a stove.
• Murghab: A high plain town where accommodation is usually a family homestay, usually with twin or shared rooms (up to 4 people). Shared facilities, usually outdoors.  Rooms might be private or shared twins, some with shared bath.
• Langar (Wakhan Valley): Homestay or village guesthouse, often Pamiri style house (distinctive design with pillars). Cozy sleeping arrangements on mats or beds, shared facilities.
• Khorog: This is the main town in the Pamir Region and it has small guesthouses or hotels, sometimes with en-suite facilities. Electricity and wifi is usually available.
• Jizeu: This small, remote village has simple homestays with shared rooms and facilities.
• Kalaikhum: Comfortable guesthouse with shared facilities and rooms.

In summary, you’ll be staying with local families and hosts each night, which means that your trip is supporting the local communities and economy in addition to being a memorable experience.

Food along the Pamir Highway will be simple, hearty, and shaped by the local Pamiri and Kyrgyz cuisine. Expect a lot of home-cooked meals at the homestays as they usually offer breakfast and dinner. A typical day’s eating might be:

• Breakfast: Often this is tea, bread with butter/jam or porridge. It’s basic fuel to start the day.
• Lunch: We usually stop in a village or at a roadside chaihana (tea house). Lunch could be a bowl of laghman (noodle soup with veggies and maybe meat) or another local specialty. Sometimes the driver/guide will arrange a picnic style lunch if there’s a scenic spot and no cafe – like bread, cheese, canned meats, cucumbers, etc., on the go.
• Dinner: Dinners at homestays might include a soup or stew (like shorpo, a mutton soup with potatoes) and side dishes like boiled potatoes and salads of tomato and cucumber (in summer). You’ll also get endless pot of tea (green or black) and bread (the round Central Asian naan bread). Pamiri homes may serve dairy products like fresh yogurt. Meat is a precious protein in these remote regions so don’t expect big portions of it.

Vegetables and fruits are scarce at the highest altitudes as they have difficulties growing, but in lower towns (e.g., Khorog) you’ll see more greens and maybe even fruits in season (apples, apricots). We encourage you to try local specialties like pamir “butter tea” or “sheer chai” is tea with butter and salt). It’s an acquired taste but part of the experience.

We also encourage you to bring snacks like biscuits, chocolate, or nuts so you won’t go hungry between stops. Many guests enjoy the unique experience of dining by candle or solar lamp, sharing a meal with a host, and experiencing the regional flavors that few people have an opportunity to taste.

If you are vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, let us know in advance so we can make arrangements with the hosts. You’ll be served more eggs, dairy and vegetables, when possible.

We are often asked the question: Is it really safe to travel along the Pamir Highway given its proximity to Afghanistan and remote location?

We understand the concerns given its location, but traveling the Pamir Highway with an experienced operator is generally very safe.

The region’s remoteness means you won’t encounter much crime as the the small communities you pass through respect and value guests. Our drivers/guides are familiar with the route, the different communities, the vehicle, and emergency procedures. We use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles use to this terrain, carry basic first aid and communications, and we always register or inform local authorities when required. In addition, we do not drive at night or in dangerous weather. We monitor any advisories closely.

As for being near Afghanistan: along the Wakhan Valley, the road runs parallel to the Afghan border for a day or two (separated by the Panj River). This Afghan region is known as the Wakhan Corridor and is a peaceful, isolated part of Afghanistan. There’s no active conflict anywhere near the Pamir Highway route. Both the Tajik and Afghan governments maintain a stable situation in that border zone because it’s important for local trade. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have resolved earlier border closures and the Pamir Highway border crossings and route is fully open and safe for foreigners.

We stay on the Tajik side for the entire journey and there is no crossing into Afghanistan except the optional Afghan Market in Ishkashim which is held on a neutral place between the two countries.

The Pamir Highway is in a remote and somewhat wild place, which adds to its allure and adventure. But when you travel on our Pamir Highway tours you’ll be in good hands with experienced drivers/guides and hosts. Thousands of adventure travelers safely do a Pamir Highway road trip each year and we hope you will join them!

Some of the must-see highlights and activities along the Pamir Highway include the following.

• Karakul Lake (Tajikistan): A breathtaking alpine lake at 3,960 m formed by a meteor impact, with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Sunrise here is unforgettable.
• Ak-Baital Pass: The highest pass on the highway (4,655 m). Standing at this roof-of-the-world point is an achievement – and the views of barren mountains go on forever.
• Murghab Plateau: A stark, high-altitude desert where you might spot Marco Polo sheep. The remote and red landscapes feel almost like Mars. The town of Murghab gives a glimpse of hardy life on the plateau.
• Wakhan Valley: Where you drive alongside the Panj River as the border with Afghanistan. Highlights in the Wakhan Valley include the Yamchun Fortress (an ancient silk road fort perched on a cliff overlooking the Afghan Hindu Kush), the Bibi Fatima hot springs (a natural hot spring bath in a cave that is said to have holy properties), and Langar village with its petroglyphs (rock carvings) depicting ibex and ancient scenes.
• Pamir Villages: Places like Langar, Yamg, Ishkashim are small and welcoming, where you can see traditional Pamiri houses with their six wooden pillars symbolizing spiritual elements and stroll through fields of wheat and apricot orchards (in summer).
• Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lakes: A short detour off the main road leads to these alpine lakes. Bulunkul is known as one of the coldest inhabited places in Central Asia. The reflections of the mountains on Yashilkul’s lake surface are like a mirror.
• Khorog: This historic town is the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan. It is an oasis of poplar trees with the lively Panj river on one side. Check out the Khorog City Park, interesting regional museum or botanical gardens. With a selection of restaurants, cafes and shops, it feels like civilization again after the remote Pamir tracks.
• Garmchashma: A hot spring with terrace-like mineral deposits, not far from Khorog. A soak here can rejuvenate you.
• Kalaikhum/Vanj Valley views: The road along the Panj River north of Khorog is dramatic with the river gorge cutting between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
• Pamiri People and Culture: A huge highlight of visiting the Pamir Highway is the interaction with local people – having tea with a Pamiri family, maybe catching an impromptu festival, and learning about local life and traditions. If timing allows, the Saturday Afghan Market in Ishkashim (when open) is a unique cultural experience to meet Afghan traders without formal border crossing.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife during your drives and hikes as these mountains are home to eagles, vultures, and marmots scurrying by the road. You may encounter herds of yaks and if you are lucky, maybe a Marco Polo sheep on a distant ridge through binoculars.

All of these sites offer the stunning scenery of the Pamir Mountains and Wakhan Valley and unique Pamiri and Kyrgyz cultural experiences, as well as opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities along the Pamir Highway. We ensure our Pamir Highway Tour itineraries include these highlights and we’re always open to stopping for spontaneous “wow” moments, whether it’s a particularly stunning viewpoint or a friendly game of football with locals in a village at 3,500 m elevation.

Yes, we organize group tours for the Pamir Highway which solo travelers or small parties can join. Joining a group tour is a great way to share costs of traveling along the Pamir Highway since the vehicle and driver costs are split between the group. It’s also a great way to meet other adventurous travelers from around the world.

Our group departures typically run most in the peak season (late June, July, August) when weather is best. Group size is usually maximum of 4 people as this is the capacity of the 4×4 vehicle. If it is a particularly big group traveling together, we can increase the group size and use a couple of 4×4 vehicles traveling caravan-style.

We list upcoming group departure dates on our website under the Pamir Highway Group Tours page), but you can also inquire if you have specific dates that are not listed. We might be able to form a new group and find others to join you. The itinerary for group trips is typically fixed in order to keep everyone on the same page, but it covers all the main highlights and includes the same services (driver/guide, organizing homestays, etc.) as a private tour. As always, we take care of all the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

Definitely. The Pamir Highway is stunning in both directions, and we offer tours going either way.  You can start in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and end in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, or vice versa. Logistically, it’s the same route, just reversed.

Some travelers prefer starting in Dushanbe because it lets you gain altitude more gradually (Dushanbe is at ~700 m, Khorog ~2,100 m, then up to the high Pamir; whereas starting in Osh you jump to high altitude faster). Others prefer starting in Osh because you get the highest, most remote section done first and then “coast” to lower elevations. We can advise based on your entire Central Asia plan (for instance, if you’re coming overland from Uzbekistan, Osh is convenient; if flying into Tajikistan, Dushanbe start makes sense). All the permit and visa requirements apply regardless of direction. One thing to note: if you go Dushanbe -> Osh, you’ll need a multi-entry Tajik visa or two separate e-visas if you plan to dip into the Wakhan Valley and return to the main M41 (because that route exits and re-enters GBAO zone). We can help with this nuance. But for a standard one-way trip along M41 and Wakhan, a single entry visa + GBAO is fine either way. We arrange the vehicle to be where you need it – we have trusted drivers based in both Osh and Dushanbe.

In summary, yes, you can go either direction, and the experience in terms of sights is virtually the same. We might tweak overnight stops slightly depending on start point timing, but you won’t miss anything crucial. When you inquire, just let us know your preferred start city. Many of our clients actually start in Osh and finish in Dushanbe, then fly home from there or continue to Uzbekistan – but we’re totally flexible. The Pamirs welcome you either way!

We use 4×4 SUVs (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol) with experienced local drivers who have safely navigated the Pamir Highway for years. They know the terrain, high-altitude passes, and road conditions intimately. Our drivers are also trained in basic vehicle repairs for remote areas.

A Pamir Highway tour is a guided tour that takes travelers along the Pamir Highway, typically in a 4×4 vehicle and with an experienced driver of these rugged roads and terrain.

Our Pamir Highway tours are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Pamir Mountains, as well as the local culture of the local Pamiri and Kyrgyz communities you’ll meet along the way through home stays or village stops. Our Pamir Highway itineraries also include visits to historical sites, local markets, and traditional villages, as well as opportunities for day hikes to explore nearby alpine lakes or mountain vistas.

Yes, we offer the option of a 15-day Pamir Highway tour that starts in Samarkand, Uzbekistan and ends in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. This is an epic journey that provides an opportunity to enjoy Silk Road sites in Samarkand, hike in the Fann Mountains, travel along the Pamir Highway and go on a trek in the Pamir-Alay Mountains. It is the perfect way to visit three countries in Central Asia – Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan — in a seamless loop where we handle all the logistics, border crossings, transportation and more.

If you don’t have a full 15 days to do the full tour, let us know and we can work together to create an itinerary that includes all the most important highlights and hiking opportunities.

Traveling from Samarkand, Uzbekistan >>> to Dushanbe, Tajikistan by road offers a scenic journey with a mix of border-crossing adventure and cultural discovery. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, transport options, and practical advice to help you plan your trip effectively. With efficient border crossings and affordable taxis, this is one of the best routes to explore Central Asia. The border crossing connecting Uzbekistan (Samarkand) and Tajikistan (Panjakent) is called Jartepa.

Step 1: Travel from Samarkand to the Jartepa Border Crossing

The Jartepa border lies about 46 km from Samarkand, and there are a couple of easy ways to reach it from Samarkand.

• Yandex Taxi: 100,000–120,000 UZS (USD 8-10)
  Travel Time: 1 hour
  Convenience: Yandex taxis offer direct service to the border, avoiding the hassle of shared transportation.
• Marshrutka (Minibus): 45,000 UZS (USD 3.70)
  Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
  Availability: Departs from Kaftarkhona Terminal but only leaves once full. Expect a few stops along the way.

Step 2: Border Crossing at Jartepa

The Jartepa-Panjakent border crossing is generally smooth and efficient with minimal paperwork and waiting times.
Be prepared to show hotel registration slips upon request, although not all officials will ask for them.
Money exchange services are available—negotiating rates helps. Expect approximately 530 TJS per USD 50​
On the Tajik side, most travelers report a quick and friendly immigration process, with minimal or no questions asked.
Border crossing time usually takes 20-30 minutes, though it can vary depending on traffic​

Step 3: Traveling from Jartepa to Dushanbe

Once across the border, you’ll need a ride from Jartepa to Dushanbe. Here are your best options:

• Shared Taxi: 100-150 TJS (USD 10-15) per seat. Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours.
  Note: Shared taxis depart only when all seats are filled, so you might have to wait for other passengers.
• Private Taxi: 600 TJS (USD 50-60).
  Convenience: If you don’t want to wait, hiring a private taxi ensures a faster and more comfortable trip. This scenic drive passes through mountain tunnels, small villages, and valleys, making it an enjoyable part of the trip.

Step 4: Arriving in Dushanbe

Once in Dushanbe, you can either get dropped off at a central station or negotiate a hotel drop-off for an extra fee. It’s advisable to use ATMs upon arrival, as some drivers may not accept foreign currency. Carry Tajik somoni (TJS) for local expenses.

Tips for a Smooth Journey from Samarkand to Dushanbe

• Start Early: Early departures help avoid long border queues and ensure shared taxis fill up quickly.
• Carry Multiple Currencies: Bring USD, Uzbek som, and Tajik somoni to handle transport and border fees efficiently.
• Prepare to Bargain: Negotiating taxi fares is standard practice—agree on prices upfront to avoid confusion.
• Pack Light: Space may be limited in shared taxis, so keep luggage manageable. Large bags may need to be strapped to the roof rack.

The price of our Pamir Highway tours includes an English-speaking driver/guide, transportation (4×4 vehicle and fuel), the driver’s accommodation and meals, and included activities (e.g., day hikes).

The cost of accommodation, meals and entry tickets for attractions is not included in the price of our Pamir Highway Tours.

You can estimate around $20-$30/person per day for a homestay with dinner and breakfast included.

Travelers to the Pamir Highway should pack layers for a variety of weather conditions as temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and altitude. It can get quite warm during the daytime, but drop down at night as these are high desert environments. Packing essentials include:

• warm clothing: think layers since temperatures will go up and down throughout the day
• wind and waterproof gear
• comfortable hiking shoes
• sun protection: a hat and sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen as the sun is strong at these high altitudes.

The Pamir Highway goes through a remote mountain region so it is important to bring a sufficient supply of any necessary medications, as pharmacies can be scarce.
 All of our Pamir Highway tours include a basic first aid kit in the vehicle.