Explore the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s most epic road trips and high altitude adventures. Stretching for more than 1,200km through the rugged terrain connecting Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe in Tajikistan, the Pamir Highway is a world-famous road trip that offers stunning views of some of the most beautiful mountains and nature in Central Asia. A Pamir Highway tour promises to be a journey you’ll never forget.
The Pamir Highway offers adventurers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, high desert landscapes, mountain passes higher than 4,000 meters / 13,120 feet and traditional villages nestled into the rugged landscape. This remote region is likely inhabited by more snow leopards and spiral-horned Marco Polo sheep than humans. But don’t worry, the Pamir Highway offers many opportunities to meet local people and learn about their unique culture, traditions and way of life.
All of our Pamir Highway tours and itineraries below are designed with short hikes included in order to explore the most scenic mountains landscapes and panoramic views of the Pamir Mountains. Our tours also focus on engaging and staying with local people to experience Pamiri culture and cuisine, something very unique to this beautiful corner of the world.
When you book one of our Pamir Highway tours, you will have an experienced local English-speaking driver who not only provides transportation and the different experiences, but will also serve as translator if you want to ask additional questions of your local host. Our 4×4 vehicles are sturdy and strong enough to handle the difficult terrain and roads, but also comfortable.
All of our Pamir Highway tours are available from Bishkek or Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Khorog or Dushanbe, Tajikistan or in the opposite direction from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan. We offer different length tours from 5 to 13 days to fit your schedule. You can choose a private Pamir Highway tour with your own driver (read a firsthand account of this experience) or you can join a group departure.
So why not book a Pamir Highway tour today? With an expert local driver, stunning scenery, connection to local people, and endless opportunities for adventure, a Pamir Highway road trip is a bucket list experience that you won’t want to miss.
Learn more about our different Pamir Highway tours below and to arrange any of them, just get in touch with us. We’ve provided more information about the Pamir Highway and what to expect in the FAQ below. We can also help you arrange transport and transfers around both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Our Top Pamir Highway Tours
Day Hikes to Add to Your Itinerary
Multi-Day Treks in Tajikistan
FAQ on the Pamir Highway
If you’re traveling along the Pamir Highway, make sure to stop by the Afghan market in Tajikistan. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this market is an incredible place to experience a blend of Afghan and Central Asian cultures. Held primarily as a Saturday Market in the town of Ishkashim, it attracts locals, tourists, and traders from both countries. From handcrafted Afghan rugs to spices and street food, the Afghan market offers a unique cultural experience that’s not to be missed.
Where to Find the Afghan Market Along the Pamir Highway
The Afghan Saturday Market takes place in Ishkashim, a small town in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), which lies along the scenic Pamir Highway. Another popular market is found in Khorog, the region’s capital, which also serves as a gateway to cross-border trade with Afghanistan. The Ishkashim market is held on a neutral island in the Panj River, accessible to both Afghan and Tajik traders. Travelers often pass through this region on their way along the Pamir Highway, making the market a perfect weekend stop.
What to Expect at the Afghan Saturday Market
Handcrafted Rugs and Traditional Textiles
Browse through a variety of Afghan carpets, handwoven rugs, and embroidered clothing. Many visitors take home these one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the rich craftsmanship of Afghan artisans.
Spices, Dried Fruits, and Fresh Produce
The market offers an abundance of Afghan spices like saffron, cumin, and cardamom, along with dried fruits, almonds, and fresh produce. It’s the perfect place to stock up on local snacks for your trip along the Pamir Highway.
Tea Houses and Local Cuisine
Enjoy authentic dishes at a local tea house in the market. Sample mantou (steamed dumplings) or enjoy plov and shashlik, popular across both Afghanistan and Tajikistan. A cup of green tea paired with fresh naan bread is the perfect way to relax while exploring.
Cultural Exchange in a Lively Atmosphere
The Saturday Market is not only a shopping destination but also a place where Afghan and Tajik traders share their stories and traditions. It’s a lively and welcoming environment where visitors can engage with locals and enjoy the hospitality of Central Asia.
Tips for Visiting the Afghan Market on the Pamir Highway
Timing: The Ishkashim market is held on Saturdays. Be sure to confirm in advance, as the market’s schedule may vary due to local conditions.
Currency: Both Tajik somoni and US dollars are widely accepted.
Permits: Travelers along the Pamir Highway will need a GBAO permit for this region. Ensure you have all the required documents before starting your journey.
Safety: Stay updated on the latest travel advisories, especially for border areas, to ensure a smooth visit.
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 Pamir Highway is a high-altitude mountain road called M-41 that runs through the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, connecting Kyrgyzstan with Tajikistan. It runs along the border with China and Afghanistan and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, high-desert scenery, and rugged road conditions.
The Pamir Highway is considered one of the world’s most epic road trips and is a bucket list item for many travelers and adventurers.
Our Pamir Highway tours – either private or in small groups — provide travelers with a comfortable and sturdy 4×4 vehicle, an experienced English-speaking driver to navigate the roads and border crossings, day hikes to explore nearby nature, and the opportunity to stay in local villages with families along the way. Our tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Pamir Mountains without the worry of challenging driving, breaking down, or wondering where to eat or sleep.
The best time to take a Pamir Highway road trip is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is the warmest and the roads are generally free of snow and ice. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Driving the Pamir Highway can take anywhere from 3-13 days, depending on the starting and ending points, the route and the pace of travel. It is important to plan for extra time in case of unexpected delays, such as road closures or bad weather.
In order to travel the Pamir Highway you must have valid visas for both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. 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 Tajikistan, many nationalities can get a Tajik e-visa here. The advantage of an e-visa is that it comes with a GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) permit and you are not required to do OVIR registration.
Kyrgyzstan offers visa free entry for up to 60 days for visitors from almost 60 countries. If necessary, you can apply for a Kyrgyz e-visa here.
Accommodation options along the Pamir Highway mainly include guesthouses and home stays in the small towns and villages along the way. These accommodations usually have basic services 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.
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.
The Pamir Highway is a high altitude road and reaches elevations of over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in some areas, which can cause altitude sickness in some travelers. In fact, the border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Kyzyl Art Pass is at 4,280 meters (14,000 feet).
Therefore, it is very important for travelers to acclimatize slowly and to stay well-hydrated to minimize the effects of altitude. We recommend walking slowly at altitude and drinking lots and lots of water to try and prevent altitude sickness.
Some of the must-see attractions along the Pamir Highway include the Langar and the Wakhan Valley on the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, Yamchun Fort, Bibi Fatima Springs, Karakul and Bulunkul Lakes, and the historic town of Khorog, Tajikistan. 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.
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. Packing essentials include warm clothing, wind and waterproof gear, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen as the sun is strong at altitude.
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.