Dushanbe’s Cultural Treasures
Wander through the Museum of Antiquities, Hissar Fortress and the lively Mehrgon bazaar in the capital.
Tajikistan: Along the Pamir Highway
A high-altitude journey through Tajikistan’s mountains, markets and Silk Road past…
This 11-day journey through Tajikistan follows the dramatic Pamir Highway from Dushanbe to the remote Wakhan Corridor, crossing high mountain passes and showcasing the country’s striking landscapes and diverse peoples.
More than a scenic drive, it’s a cultural exploration through a little-known but deeply rich part of Central Asia. Ancient fortresses, sacred springs, characterful bazaars and Buddhist relics are found along winding mountain and riverside roads—some of which make for long days, but add to the adventure and immersion in this extraordinary region.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Fortresses of the Pamirs
Explore Castle Karon and Yamchun Fortress – ancient strongholds marking the Silk Road’s highland routes.
The Roof of the World
Cross Akbaital Pass at 4,655 metres and dine at Alichur, Tajikistan’s highest village at 4,100 metres.
4
Springs and Steppe Life
Visit sacred thermal springs and encounter Kyrgyz nomads in remote high-altitude lake settlements.
Why Steppes?
Rated Excellent
on Trustpilot
One of the World's
Top Travel Specialists
Transparent and
Accountable
-
Day 1
Arrive Dushanbe
-
Day 2
Dushanbe - Kalai-Khumb
-
Day 3
Kalai-Khumb - Khorog
-
Day 4
Khorog - Langar
-
Day 5
Langar
-
Day 6
Langar - Murgab
-
Day 7
Murgab – Karakul - Murgab
-
Day 8
Murgab - Khorog
-
Day 9
Khorog – Kalai-Khumb
-
Day 10
Kalai-Khumb - Dushanbe
-
Day 11
Depart Dushanbe
Day 1
Arrive Dushanbe
Arrive in Dushanbe. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, meet with your guide and visit the Museum of Antiquities, Hissar Fortress and the Madrassa Kuhna before taking a stroll in the Mehrgon bazaar and central square.
Day 2
Dushanbe - Kalai-Khumb
Journey overland to Kalai-Khumb, pausing for some lunch and site visited in Kulyab. Kalai-Khumb is also Darvaz, which in Tajik means ‘entry door’. – the city is located on the Panj River which forms the border with Afghanistan.
Day 3
Kalai-Khumb - Khorog
This morning continue to Khorog, capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous district. On the way visit the remarkable ruins of Castle Karon, rediscovered in 2012 and nicknamed the ‘Machu Picchu of Tajikistan’.
Day 4
Khorog - Langar
Stroll through the Khorog bazaar, visit the small museum and see the botanical garden. Later drive to the famous thermal spring Garm-Chashma before departing for Langar, a small town at the mouth of the Wakhan corridor. On the way stop to see the Kakh-Kakha fortress.
Day 5
Langar
Visit the sacred thermal springs of Bibi Fatima and Zahra, ruins of Yamchun fortress (IV-III B.C.) that once guarded the Pamir branch of the Great Silk Road and the foundation of the Buddhist Stupa in Vrang.
Day 6
Langar - Murgab
Travel to Murgab via the high passes of Khargushi Pass (4,344m) and Naizatosh Pass (4,137m). On the way you will see numerous small lakes. Stop for lunch at the highest village in Tajikistan, Alichur, at an altitude of 4,100m.
Day 7
Murgab – Karakul - Murgab
Travel to Karakul with breathtaking mountain views. Cross Akbaital Pass (4,655m), the highest pass in the former USSR deserving its nickname ‘The roof of the world’. Take a short visit to Karakul Lake before driving back to Murgab.
Day 8
Murgab - Khorog
Drive back to Dushanbe via the Pamir Highway, road M41 to Khorog. Enroute stop at the small village of Bulunkul and Yashilkul Lake home to Kyrgyz nomads in their yurt camps. Continue to Khorog via a short visit at Jelondy thermal spring.
Day 9
Khorog – Kalai-Khumb
Visit the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, a place where people can meet, contemplate and make a contribution to civic society, then depart for Kalai-Khumb.
Day 10
Kalai-Khumb - Dushanbe
A full day’s drive to Dushanbe via the picturesque Tavildara valley. Arrive in Dushanbe in the early evening.
Day 11
Depart Dushanbe
Transfer to the airport for onward travel.
More Details
Karon Castle
Lost Citadel of the Pamirs
Once swallowed by time and rumour, the ruins of Karon Castle were only rediscovered in 2012. Perched high above the Panj River, this ancient site is sometimes referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Tajikistan” for its commanding location and archaeological significance. Thought to date back over 2,500 years, the fortress complex includes temples, towers and even an ancient observatory. With few visitors and minimal excavation, Karon offers an extraordinary window into a civilisation still largely shrouded in mystery.
We're waiting to help you
It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
A note on price
This Itinerary
Price
From £2,985 Per person
When to travel
Tajikistan in January
November to March is low season, as the country is bitterly cold, especially in the mountains. We would not recommend travel at this time as a result.
Tajikistan in February
November to March is low season, as the country is bitterly cold, especially in the mountains. We would not recommend travel at this time as a result.
Tajikistan in March
November to March is low season, as the country is bitterly cold, especially in the mountains. We would not recommend travel at this time as a result.
Tajikistan in April
April and May is a good time to mix exploring the cities with some time in the mountains. The high Pamirs will still be inaccessible, but the cities won’t be like a furnace. Spring rains bring life and lush greenery to the landscapes, which are normally parched and arid.
Tajikistan in May
April and May is a good time to mix exploring the cities with some time in the mountains. The high Pamirs will still be inaccessible, but the cities won’t be like a furnace. Spring rains bring life and lush greenery to the landscapes, which are normally parched and arid. However, there is also a risk of landslides which could restrict travel.
Tajikistan in June
June to September is the best time to explore the high Pamirs of Tajikstan. Dushanbe swelters in the summer heat, but it is perfect for trekking as the snow melts. Days are long and warm, but you will still need layers at night if you are at altitude.
Tajikistan in July
June to September is the best time to explore the high Pamirs of Tajikstan. Dushanbe swelters in the summer heat, but it is perfect for trekking as the snow melts. Days are long and warm, but you will still need layers at night if you are at altitude.
Tajikistan in August
June to September is the best time to explore the high Pamirs of Tajikstan. Dushanbe swelters in the summer heat, but it is perfect for trekking as the snow melts. Days are long and warm, but you will still need layers at night if you are at altitude.
Tajikistan in September
June to September is the best time to explore the high Pamirs of Tajikstan. Dushanbe swelters in the summer heat, but it is perfect for trekking as the snow melts. Days are long and warm, but you will still need layers at night if you are at altitude.
Tajikistan in October
October is a great time to explore Dushanbe, as the searing summer heat dissipates and visitor numbers drop. Glacial melt is high, making it a popular time to enjoy kayaking or rafting. Many high roads will begin to become blocked as the snow and ice increases.
Tajikistan in November
November to March is low season, as the country is bitterly cold, especially in the mountains. We would not recommend travel at this time as a result.
Tajikistan in December
November to March is low season, as the country is bitterly cold, especially in the mountains. We would not recommend travel at this time as a result.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?