Visit the most gorgeous hiking destination, “the Jizeu Valley” in Bartang Valley. Explore the way how locals live here without much infrastructure as electricity and roads. Enjoy the scenic landscapes with turquoise lakes formed by glaciers waters. It has been #1 highlight of the Pamir Highway Road Trip. Get it on your Tajikistan travel plan.
Category: trekking
Duration: day hike (better to do in two days)
Distance: 22, 8
Max elevation: 2731 m
Min elevation: 2083 m
Total Gain/Loss: 737m + / 197m –
Season: May – September
Starting Point: N37° 59.936′ E71° 45.171′
Hike to Jiseu Valley
Jizeu valley is right at the entrance of Bartang valley, which is the most wildest and gorgeous valleys in the western Pamirs. Jizeu has only about 12 to 14 households cut off electricity and other facilities which make it Wild Life Community, totally independent of government support.
So, take your time to visit the most gorgeous hiking destination, “the Jizeu Valley”. Cross the bridge off the road and walk up two hours along the stream up to the seasonally over-flowing, tree-lined river lakes. Arrive in the village and offer lunch in one of the guesthouses. First lake is at the beginning of the village, and the second one is about 2,3km beyond the last guesthouse. And 10 km beyond the second lake, there are two more lakes and a horizon of high peaks that needs one more overnight to do it. Bring your food or things you need since there is no shop. You can use spring water if it is Ok for you.
Transportation:
Usually, travelers visit Jiseu Valley as a side trip with one overnight in Jiseu on their Pamir Highway Trip. However, you can visit it independently by taking private transport either from Khorog or Rushan villages. A private transport from Khorog to the bridge where you start the hike up the village is USD 70 to 150. It is about 30 USD from Rushan to the bridge.
Accommodation in a shared room at a homestay with dinner and breakfast is about 15 USD per person per night.
One of the homestays offers local guide service. Local guides in Tajikistan is about 30 to 40 USD per day.
It is difficult to booka homestay in advance. Locals in Jiseu often go to the upper mountains to get a mobile connection during summer. It is possible to send an sms about your booking.
The only homestay that speaks English and accepts your booking is Gulshat Homestay. His homestay comes first when you enter the village. It has two rooms. Women and men can be separated. Here is his mobile tell number for booking: 00 9929000067204.
Enjoy your stay.