Trek Across the Pamir Mountains and High Lakes of Tajikistan

Dushanbe

Arrive early in Dushanbe and meet your group at the airport. A group arrival transfer is provided for those arriving in the early hours, ensuring a smooth transition to the hotel. You’ll be taken to a comfortable four-star hotel to rest and freshen up. After breakfast, go out with your guide for a half-day city tour. Visit local sights and try first Tajik food at several restaurants. It’s a relaxing and informative introduction to the capital. In the evening, back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready for the exciting days ahead as you start your journey deeper into the beautiful and remote Pamir region.

Dushanbe

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Dushanbe’s cultural and historical landmarks. Visit the Antiquities Museum with Central Asia’s tallest Buddha statue, then the Gurminj Museum with traditional instruments. Walk through Dushanbe’s botanical garden and stop by Somoni Place, the main square. Throughout the day your guide will tell you about Tajik history and culture. After a full day of sightseeing and local food, back to the hotel. Tonight is your last night in the capital before heading east to Qal’ai Khumb and the stunning landscapes of the Pamir Mountains.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Qal'ai Khumb

Breakfast, then drive to Qal’ai Khumb via Kulyab. Kulyab is 3,937 feet above sea level and makes a nice stop for lunch. After the break, 230 miles of winding mountain roads await. The journey continues along rough roads through the mountains, adding to the sense of adventure. As you drive, enjoy the changing landscapes and peaceful valleys. Upon arrival in Qal’ai Khumb, check in to the hotel and have traditional Tajik dinner. Spend the evening relaxing and getting used to the new surroundings. This quiet mountain town is your gateway to the Pamirs and the adventure ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Qal'ai Khumb

Khorog

Today drive from Qal’ai Khumb to Khorog, 161 miles. Along the way stop in the village of Rushan for a simple lunch at a roadside café. The road offers stunning views of mountains, canyons and the Panj River. Along the river, you’ll see steep rock walls with narrow, perilous-looking paths cut into them—these are often the only connections between remote villages, highlighting the isolation and ruggedness of the terrain. In the afternoon arrive in Khorog, a peaceful town surrounded by high peaks. Check in to the guesthouse and enjoy the mountain air. You are now in the Pamirs where the remoteness and beauty of the landscape starts to open up. Tomorrow your trekking adventure begins as you head higher up and into local village life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

BACHOR VILLAGE

After breakfast start your journey deeper into the mountains. Drive through the Gunt Canyon to Bachor village, 10,400 feet. On arrival take some time to rest and acclimatize. Go for a short walk around the village to explore the area. You will see stone houses, animals and local people going about their daily life. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse, where you will stay with a local family in a local homestay. This offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Pamiri life, learn about local customs, and enjoy authentic hospitality as part of your journey. Bachor is a peaceful place to slow down, stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air before entering more remote areas.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KAVCH SPRING

Wake up in Bachor and get ready for your first day of trekking. After breakfast hike through beautiful landscapes of high cliffs, wide valleys and mountain streams. The trek takes 5-6 hours and ends at Kavch Spring, 11,811 feet. This area is full of natural beauty and quiet. Set up camp at this scenic camping spot in the heart of the Pamirs, have dinner and gather around the campfire. As night falls look up at the starry sky. Sleep in tents tonight, far from modern life and deep in the heart of the Pamirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHASHIN LAKE

Breakfast at camp and start the day with a 7 hour trek to Chashin Lake. You will climb to 13,779 feet, through wild terrain and alpine meadows. The lake is a calm, glassy body of water surrounded by mountains. On arrival relax by the lake, enjoy a picnic lunch by the water, and take in the scenery. As the sun sets the sky turns pink and gold over the water. Tonight camp by the lake, where the air is fresh and the silence is complete. A perfect place to rest and reflect after the long hike.

Meals Included: Breakfast

ZAROSHKKUL LAKE

Today’s trek takes you through high altitude terrain with views of mountains above 16,000 feet. Trek for 4-5 hours to Zaroshkkul Lake, 14,822 feet. Few people ever visit this remote lake, so it’s a special and quiet place. Set up camp by the shore and relax in the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and then settle in for the night. The lake’s deep blue water reflects the sky and the spectacular surrounding mountains, creating a magical scene. One of the most beautiful and untouched parts of the Pamirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KULEN LAKE

Leave Zaroshkkul Lake and trek through more stunning landscapes to Kulen Lake, 14,107 feet. The path winds through wide valleys and rocky trails with views in every direction. On arrival rest by the lake, where the reflections of mountains and sky create a perfect mirror. In the evening have a hot meal cooked over the fire and relax in the fresh air. Camp here tonight, wrapped in silence and cool mountain breezes. A peaceful lakeside setting to recharge after another full day of walking.

Meals Included: Breakfast

YECHKUL LAKE

Breakfast by the lake and start the day with a 7 hour trek to Yechkul Lake. The path goes through Zaurbek pasture, a seasonal grazing area with wildflowers and occasional herders. The route is scenic and quiet with views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The final stretch to Yechkul Lake takes a few hours through scenic terrain. Yechkul Lake is remote and peaceful with rocky shores and clear water. Dinner by the lake and then camp tonight. As the sun sets listen to the silence of the mountains. This final lake stop is the raw beauty of Tajikistan’s wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHAPDARKUL LAKE

After breakfast, start 5 hour trek to Langar Pass, following steep rocky trails with big mountain views. Along the route, you'll be surrounded by the dramatic jagged peaks of the Pamirs, their sharp, irregular formations creating a striking and wild landscape. Reach Chapdarkul Lake, the highest point of your tour at 14,858 feet. The lake is in a peaceful setting with vast sky and no signs of modern life. After setting up camp, enjoy hot meal as the sun sets over the Pamirs. The clear cold air and stunning views make this one of the most memorable nights of the trip. Tonight you’ll sleep in tents again, high above the world and far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

BACHOR PASTURE

Leave the high mountains behind and start your descent. Trek through remote passes near Langar, with big views and interesting rock formations. Arrive at Bachor pasture, still at 13,123 feet but lower than your camp the night before. The peaceful surroundings are full of wildflowers, fresh mountain air and silence. As this is your last night camping, take a moment to reflect on the past week. Enjoy warm meal under the stars and say goodbye to the Pamir wilderness, with one final night surrounded by its raw beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes

After breakfast start the final day of trekking. Reach Yashilkul Lake, known for its blue water and rich underwater life. At these high elevations, travelers should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness, as the trek reaches heights above 3,500 meters. Depending on weather and conditions cross the lake by boat or jeep, with a unique view of the lake’s tranquillity. From here travel to Bulunkul, a remote village at 12,000 feet. It’s one of the coldest inhabited places in Tajikistan. Here you’ll stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy a home-cooked dinner. This simple and warm hospitality will give you a glimpse into life in the Pamirs and mark a gentle return to village life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes

Langar

Leave Bulunkul and cross the Khargush Pass, with big views of snow-capped peaks and Wakhan Valley below. Stop at Varkhan Canyon and then reach Langar for lunch. In the afternoon take a guided walk to see Langar petroglyphs – ancient rock carvings left by travelers and herders over centuries. These markings tell stories of life and beliefs from the past. Back to your guesthouse for dinner and rest. Langar is a peaceful place and an opportunity to reconnect with the long human history of this remote but fascinating part of Tajikistan.

Meals Included: Breakfast

RIN

After breakfast drive to Rin village, an area rich in history and culture. Along the way visit a site with a rare Buddhist statue and stop at the museum of Sufi Muborak Kadam, known for his work in astronomy and spiritual teaching. You’ll also visit the remains of the Yamchun Fortress, once a stronghold above the Wakhan Valley and stop at the nearby Bibi Fatima Zahra hot springs. Enjoy a warm soak before continuing to Rin. Here check into a local guesthouse, have a traditional dinner and learn more about life in this high-altitude village community.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khorog

Breakfast in Rin and then visit Garm Chashma, a well-known mineral spring and health resort. From there continue to Ishkashim, a border town located on the Afghan border, across the river from Afghanistan. This area is known for its cross-cultural significance, connecting communities on both sides. If it’s Saturday you may visit the Afghan market (subject to availability), a special chance to see local crafts and cross-cultural exchange. In the afternoon continue to Khorog. Check into your guesthouse and enjoy a hearty dinner. After the high-altitude treks and remote mountain passes Khorog is a comfortable place to rest and reconnect with more developed parts of the region.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Khorog

Qal'ai Khumb

After breakfast in Khorog start your return journey west. Today’s drive to Qal’ai Khumb takes about 7 hours, following the mighty Panj River and winding mountain roads. It’s a day to relax, look back on your experiences and take in the ever-changing scenery one last time. Along the way stop to stretch, take photos or simply breathe in the fresh air. Arrive in Qal’ai Khumb in the evening and settle back into your hotel. Enjoy a warm dinner and reflect on how far you’ve travelled, both physically and emotionally, through Tajikistan’s high mountains and cultural heartlands.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dushanbe

Start early and drive back to Dushanbe. Today’s journey takes about 8 hours with a stop in Kulyab for lunch or a break. It’s a scenic route with lush valleys and steep ridges. By late afternoon arrive in the capital and check into your comfortable four-star hotel. After all the wilderness, the city will feel luxurious. Enjoy your last dinner with the group and think about all you’ve seen – high mountains, hidden lakes, ancient ruins and friendly people. This is your last night in Tajikistan.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DUSHANBE - DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will be transferred to Dushanbe International Airport for your departure. You have crossed the Pamirs, mountains, lakes and centuries of history. You have experienced physical challenge and cultural richness. As you fly home, take the spirit of Tajikistan with you – its wildness, quietness and hospitality will stay with you for a long time.

Meals Included: Breakfast