Foreign Office travel advice
Before booking, please familiarise yourself with the UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We monitor all local situations closely to ensure safe travel.

A 16-day crossing of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan along the Pamir Highway, linking ancient Silk Road fortresses, high-altitude passes, and nomadic lake camps.
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The Pamir Mountains have long been known as ‘the roof of the world’, a region of utterly breathtaking scenery and home to a fascinating melange of cultures. Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and pilgrims, and Victorian explorers in discovering a region largely isolated from the world beyond, a land where each village speaks its own different dialect and local traditions have been maintained for centuries.
Traversing the legendary Pamir Highway, this trip starts in the Tajik capital Dushanbe but quickly leaves the modern world behind as you wind your way along difficult mountain roads and high passes, in the shadow of some of the highest mountains on our planet. We visit ruined forts from the days of the old Silk Road, and pass gem mines mentioned by Marco Polo. Spending many nights in homestays in small communities, we are able to gain a great insight into what it means to live in this harsh but majestic region.
From Tajikistan we cross into Kyrgyzstan and the ancient city of Osh, and then head to Chichkan where we can meet local shepherds or hike in the surrounding countryside. We also visit Issyk Kul, the largest lake in Central Asia, and have time to explore Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This trip ventures to a remote and enchanting land that has remained hidden to the rest of the world, a land of towering peaks, turbulent rivers and fascinating people. Travel with us on one of the most amazing journeys you are ever likely to make.


Along the Pamir Highway Tour
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

A 6–7 hour trek from the Bartang River near Bhagoo village ascends approximately 14km to three alpine lakes. The route passes through abundant vegetation, gnarled trees, and multiple lakes alongside the dynamic Bartang River. Geisev village provides a lunch stop midway through the walk.
The drive into the Tajik section of the Wakhan Valley passes regional gem mines referenced by Marco Polo, notably the Koh-i-Lal ruby mine. The valley is shared with Afghanistan and represents one of the most historically layered corridors in Central Asia. The stop at Garm Chasma hot springs on the approach offers optional bathing.
Namadguti village holds Khahkha Fortress, a 3rd-century Kushan-era structure rising from a natural rock platform. Yamchun fort is regarded as particularly impressive among the ancient fortresses of the region. The same day includes a stop at Bibi Fatima hot springs, named for the Prophet Mohammed's sister, where local women traditionally seek fertility blessings.
As the route transitions from the lush Wakhan Valley to the rocky Pamir plateau, a stop reveals Neolithic rock art in Shakhty cave dating back approximately 8,000 years. The surrounding landscape shifts to Tibetan plateau-style terrain along a route completed in 1931. This marks the passage into the high, largely barren drama of the central Pamirs.
The crossing of Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655 metres is the highest road section in the former Soviet Union. Below lies Karakul Lake at 3,915 metres, Central Asia's highest lake — too elevated to support aquatic life, yet turquoise blue in warmer seasons. The northern lakeshore provides access to geoglyphs and Saka graves dating from 5000–3000 BC approximately 500 metres from a westbound track.
Song Kol Lake sits at 3,016 metres above sea level and is among the world's highest alpine lakes. The overnight stay is in traditional yurt accommodation, set in the high-altitude grasslands surrounding the lake. This is one of the most remote and visually striking camps on the full route.
Key moments for Along the Pamir Highway Tour
Full itinerary · 16 days
Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Aug 2026 | 30 Aug 2026 | Guaranteed | £3,085 | +£365 | Contact for availability |
| 5 Jun 2027 | 20 Jun 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,085 | +£365 | Book now |
| 3 Jul 2027 | 18 Jul 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,085 | +£365 | Book now |
| 14 Aug 2027 | 29 Aug 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,085 | +£365 | Book now |
Every one of our Kyrgyzstan journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
Before booking, please familiarise yourself with the UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We monitor all local situations closely to ensure safe travel.
Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Along the Pamir Highway Tour. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.
Make Along the Pamir Highway Tour your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Kyrgyzstan specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
The next available departures are 15 August 2026; 5 June 2027; 3 July 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
This tour visits Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
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