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
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, 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.