Beauty & The East feat. YAK RIDER | Pamir to Wakhan, Tajikistan + Kyrgyzstan

The Pamir Mountains, called “The Roof of the World,” stretch across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Towering peaks, ancient cultures, and wild, open spaces define this stunning corner of Central Asia. This journey winds through the heart of the Tajik Pamirs along Afghanistan border across areas of unspoken beauty and a crossover of unique cultures.

The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, was originally part of the ancient Silk Road network, used by traders and caravans crossing Central Asia. During the Soviet era in the 1930s, it was rebuilt as a military and strategic route to secure access through the remote and mountainous regions of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Built by forced labor in harsh conditions, the road is a feat of engineering, cutting through high-altitude passes and unstable terrain. It became a crucial supply line for Soviet troops and served as a link between scattered mountain communities. Today, the Pamir Highway stands as one of the world’s most dramatic and remote road trips, rich in both history and resilience.

We’ll travel alongside the Afghan border through the Wakhan Corridor, a region filled with ancient forts, Zoroastrian shrines, Buddhist stupas, and villages that haven’t changed much in centuries. This route once echoed with Silk Road caravans—and still carries whispers of that past in every step and stone. Expect massive peaks, alpine lakes, steaming hot springs, and warm welcomes in remote mountain homes.

Not many travelers ever set foot on the trail to Jizev, your soon-to-be favorite hidden village tucked deep in the Pamirs — or take a dip in the healing hot springs of Garmchashma and Bibi Fatima, long cherished by locals.

On this journey, you'll ride a yak across the high plains of Alichur, sip a tea with Kyrgyz shepherds in windswept valleys, and feel the vastness of the landscape press pause on everything else. We’ll drive across Ak-Baital Pass (4,656m), the highest stretch of the legendary Pamir Highway, then bed down in yurts near Tulpar-Kul Lake, right beneath the shadow of towering Lenin Peak (7,134m).

Once we enter Kyrgyzstan, the road takes us over the unforgettable Taldyk Pass, with sweeping views that will make you pause in awe. From there, we descend into the lush valleys of the Alay Range, a striking contrast to the high-altitude desert behind us. Our journey winds down in the ancient city of Osh, one of the oldest in Central Asia, full of history and character.

You’re heading into the heart of Central Asia’s wildest frontier—a journey through the legendary beauty of the most breathtaking mountains in the former Soviet Union. This is where travelers’ dreams of raw, little-visited lands become reality. You’ll cross towering high-altitude passes, walk along the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes, stand face-to-face with the dramatic cliffs of the Hindu Kush, and gaze up at the mighty Lenin Peak, one of the true giants of the Pamirs.

https://vimeo.com/277931501

Are you ready? Lets go!

Day 0 // Departure (Friday evening)

Meeting at 9pm at Terminal 2 for a direct flight to Dushanbe.

Day 1 // Dushanbe to Qal'ai Khumb - Vamar

We begin our journey eastward from Dushanbe, heading deep into the Pamir Mountains. Our first stop is Nurek Lake, an enormous reservoir framed by steep, red hills—a peaceful and scenic place formed by one of the highest dams in the world. Continuing through the town of Kulob, one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan, we’ll glimpse local markets and daily life in this historic Persian-influenced town. Continue along the border towards Qal'ai Khumb with stunning landscape of Afghanistan villages, photo stop & get to Vanj valley, after lunch we reach Rushan, Overnight in Vamar Inn.

Day 2 // Vamar - Jizev hike

Today we take a detour from Vamar into the stunning Bartang Valley, one of the most remote and raw regions of the Pamirs. We'll stop at the Jizev junction, cross a narrow suspension bridge over the river, and start our hike towards Jizev village. It’s an easy-to-moderate 8 km walk through peaceful mountain terrain, with alpine lakes along the way and total silence - just you, the trail, and the sound of springs.
Jizev is a real hidden treasure, completely cut off from roads. Locals call it the "Garden of God", and you’ll quickly understand why - it's like stepping into a postcard, surrounded by blooming flowers, snow-capped peaks, and glassy lakes. Overnight in local homestay at 2500m.

Day 3 // Jizev - Khorog

After Pamir breakfast in Jizev, we hike back down the same trail to the suspension bridge, where our cars are waiting. We head to Khorog, the laid-back capital of the Pamirs. Check into the hotel, grab lunch, and explore the town.
We’ll start with a visit to the Botanical Garden, one of the highest in the world, offering amazing views over the valley. Continue to Pamir Highway monument and the lively central market, where locals sell everything from fresh produce to colourful fabrics. We'll also wander through Chorbogh Garden, a peaceful green space with old trees and shaded paths — perfect for a relaxed stroll. In the evening dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Khorog at 2,100m.

Day 4 // Into Wakhan

From Khorog, we head south toward Ishkashim, but first, we take a short detour to the famous Garmchashma hot spring. Here, we hike to the natural mineral pools where steaming water flows over colorful calcium deposits - great for a short soak or just to admire the natural formations.
Then it's back on the road to Ishkashim, where we stop for lunch before continuing into the Wakhan Valley. Along the way, we’ll visit the dramatic Qahqaha Fortress, perched high above the valley with sweeping views, and stop at a nearby Zoroastrian fire temple, one of the few remaining traces of this ancient belief system in the region.

As we reach the mid-point of the valley, we’ll take another detour uphill to explore the iconic Yamchun Fortress, a massive stone structure overlooking the Wakhan and Afghanistan beyond. Just a bit further is the Bibi Fatima hot spring, named after the Prophet’s daughter and believed to have healing properties. We'll end the day in the peaceful village of Yamg or Yamaha. Overnight at local guesthouse, 2700m.

Day 5 // Wakhan-Bulunkul village

From Yamg, we’ll continue deeper into the upper Wakhan Valley, with our first stop at the Vrang Buddhist Stupa—a quiet, ancient site perched on a hillside that reflects the valley’s spiritual past. We continue along the Panj into the heart of the Wakhan Corridor, where the Hindu Kush mountains rise sharply. In a dramatic viewpoint, you can literally see Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in a single selfie - you have reached one of the most remote triple border areas on Earth.

After soaking in the views, we turn north and head into the wild Khargush Gorge, a rugged and remote stretch of road that climbs steadily toward the Khargush Pass at 4,344m. The scenery here is raw and breathtaking: vast plateaus, jagged peaks, and wandering yaks.
Crossing the pass, we officially rejoin the Pamir Highway to Bulunkul village, known as the coldest inhabited place in Tajikistan. Despite the chill, the area is beautiful, with surreal landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and wide-open silence. We'll settle in for the night at a simple but welcoming local guesthouse in the village. Overnight in Bulunkul, 3,720m.

Day 6 // Bulunkul village - Qarakul

Start the day with a visit to the nearby Bulunkul Lake, known for its still, mirror-like surface and dramatic mountain backdrop. Then we’ll follow the Alichur River, winding through wide, open valleys with stunning views all around. Along the way, we’ll stop at a small geyser, a bubbling, otherworldly spot in the middle of the highland wilderness—perfect for a quick photo and a stretch.

As we reach Alichur, we’ll visit a group of local shepherds for a short cultural stop. Here we will try yak riding, and learn a bit about nomadic life in this remote region.

Afterwards, we continue on to Murghab, the highest town in Tajikistan, for lunch and a quick look around the local bazaar, a central spot where Kyrgyz, Pamiris, and traders from China often pass through.

From Murghab, we climb steadily toward the Ak-Baital Pass (4,656m) the highest point on the Pamir Highway. The views are vast and surreal, with towering peaks and endless skies. By evening, we arrive at Qarakul lake, a high-altitude gem surrounded by jagged mountains.Overnight in a local homestay at 3,960m.

Day 7 // Qarakul - Kyrgyzstan-Tulpurkul lake

From Karakul village, we begin our final stretch through Tajikistan, heading toward the Kyzylart Pass (4,350m). The road climbs through stark, wind-swept terrain as we make our way to the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. At the crossing point, we’ll meet the Kyrgyz crew, say our goodbyes to the Tajik team, and continue the journey into Kyrgyzstan.

Once across the border, we descend into the wide, dramatic landscape of the Alay Valley, surrounded by yet another set of towering peaks and endless grasslands. We’ll take a scenic detour to the remote Sary-Mogol village, a peaceful Kyrgyz settlement. From there, we head to Tulpar-Kul Lake, nestled at the foot of the Lenin Peak massif (7,134m).

We’ll check into a traditional yurt camp, and spend the evening exploring the area on foot — soaking in the fresh air, wide horizons, and nomadic vibes. Overnight in a yurt.

Day 8 // Tulpurkul-Osh-Bishkek

From Tulpar-Kul Lake, we begin our journey back by retracing the route to Sary-Mogol, then continue through the wide Alay Valley toward Sary-Tash, a key crossroads of Central Asia. The road takes us over the legendary Taldyk Pass, a must stop for photos at the top.
From there, we descend into greener valleys, reaching Gulcha town, a quiet village surrounded by forested hills. We continue on to Osh, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, where we head straight to the airport. Here, we’ll say our farewells to the Kyrgyz crew before catching our flight to Bishkek.

Upon arrival in Bishkek, transfer to hotel to relax and settle in for the night.

Day 9 // Return home

Early morning flight back to Dubai. Bye bye Pamirs!

Level of difficulty: Easy, available for everyone.
Activities: trekking, off-roading, swimming (hot springs), yak riding, cultural immersion.
Accommodation & meals: hotels, guesthouses, yurts - sharing. Restaurant meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks.

Cost: 7690 AED incl. flights until JULY 10th.

Specifically excluded: visas, restaurant meals.
Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sports electrolytes, power banks, towel, warm clothes, rain protection, head lamp, sleeping bag if you're hygiene sensitive.

Visa:
Tajikistan - Visa free or e-visa. Visa support available.
Kyrgyzstan - Visa free or e-visa. Visa free entry for UAE residents, holders of passports such as Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan.

See yah in Pamir x

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