The Pamir Highway is the second highest highway in the world. It was originally built by the Russians between 1931 and 1934 in order to move supplies, goods and military personnel during the war.
Today, the Pamir Highway is known as the ultimate road trip for the adventurous traveler. With towering mountains, secluded villages, ample opportunities for trekking, and warm hospitality, it's the perfect place for the intrepid explorer.
The recommended route to take is from Osh in Kyrgyzstan, to Dushanbe in Tajikistan. Many people choose to hitchhike, while others choose to cycle or rent a taxi. Hiring a driver and 4x4 vehicle is the best way to enjoy the journey a bit more comfortably.
Starting in Osh, your first experience will be visiting the village of Sary Moghul, with a trip out to the 7,134m high Pik Lenin mountain. The village is incredibly photogenic, while the mountain provides great opportunities for hardcore trekkers, or those wanting to do some light hiking.
Within a couple of hours of leaving Sary Moghul, you'll find yourself crossing the Kyzyl-Art Pass at 4,282m. Driving a bit further, you'll arrive at the border crossing into Tajikistan!
Your first lake will be up next. Kara-Kul Lake, which sits at 3,914m, was created around 10 million years ago by a meteor! The village here is very small, traditional and offers spectacular views over the lake.
Kara-Kul is just one of the many high-altitude bodies of water you'll encounter on this epic journey.
From the lake, your next major stop will be the town of Murgab. But first, you'll drive over the highest point on the highway, the Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655m, which is also known by locals as "The Roof Of The World." The views from the pass are incredible.
Murgab and its surrounding areas offer many opportunities to veer off into valleys, soak in hot springs, visit various lakes and see cave paintings. Rang Kul Lake, the Pshart Valley and the Madiyan hot springs are highly recommended.
The lone yurt which represents the "village" of Keng Shiber is quite a surreal stop on the Pamir Highway. From here you can hike for five hours up to a 4,600m pass for spectacular views of the Great Pamir Range in Afghanistan and Zor-Kul Lake, which is right on the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Bulunkul Lake, Yashilkul Lake, The Road of Fallen Soldiers, The Wakhan Valley, Langar Village, Yamchun Village, the Bibi fatima Hotsprings and Ishkashim village are all incredible highlights along the Pamir Highway.
When you finally reach Khorog, the last main village in the mountains, you'll have the choice between flying in a very small plane to the capital of Dushanbe, or enduring a 20-plus-hour bus ride. We recommend the plane, or better yet, the helicopter. Oftentimes, a helicopter will make the journey rather than the plane - what an experience!
No matter which way you choose to travel along this highway, you'll be impressed and blown away by the sights, lakes, valleys, ruins and of course, the inquisitive people. This area of the world is underdeveloped, non-touristed (for now) and the opportunities for exploration are endless. Get there quick!
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
