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Tajikistan is one of the most beautiful countries in Central Asia. It is a mountainous, lush green, and landlocked country that is bordered by China (east), Afghanistan (south), Uzbekistan (west), and Kyrgyzstan (north).
According to the World-o-Meters’ data, Tajikistan’s population is 9,758,901 as of June 28, 2021. Moreover, the locals are well-known for being friendly and very hospitable!
The country’s landscape is 93% mountainous, including the world-famous Pamir Mountains, Zeravshan Range, Shokhdara Mountains, Aktau Range, making it a hotspot for tourists who love natural surroundings.
Even though Tajikistan is not the most popular country among international tourists, still many people visit it. The main reason travelers do visit Tajikistan is to take a ride through the infamous Pamir Highway.
If you’re also planning a trip to the Pamir Highway, make sure to read on to get an ultimate guide!
Do I need a visa to travel through the Pamir Highway?
As of now, most foreign travelers do need a visa to cross the Tajikistan border, including driving through the Pamir Highway. Luckily, the government of Tajikistan introduced the e-Visa system in 2016.
This new electronic system streamlines the process of handling tourist and business visas. The whole visa application process has been moved online.
e-Visa allows an individual to enter the country for two months and stays valid for three months. Tajikistan e-Visa serves perfectly for all international travelers visiting the country for business, medical, transit, and tourism purposes.
Moreover, the Tajikistan e-Visa has been issued in two types, a single-entry, and a multiple-entry permit. You can get all the essential e-Visa related information on https://visatajikistan.com/ and submit your application following a quick and intuitive application process.
Use any working device and apply within minutes from home! The approved document will reach you via email in the form of a PDF file.
TIP! If you want to access the GBAO area in Tajikistan as well, don’t forget to apply for an additional electronic entry permit dedicated specifically for entering that region.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Uzbekistan
More About The Pamir Highway
Undoubtedly, the Pamir Highway is the most beautiful part of Central Asia, offering a lifetime experience to its tourists. Traveling from Bishkek to Dushanbe provides a mesmerizing and dream-come-true experience.
You can admire the scenic mountain passes, picturesque landscapes, lush green hills, and alpine lakes.
The highway runs through beautiful, natural landscapes on the world’s roof, allowing tourists from different countries to take a step back and truly relax.
Thousands of tourists, including culture enthusiasts, cyclists, and mountain explorers take advantage of the e-Visa system to visit Tajikistan and experience the enthralling beauty of the Pamir Highway.
Which routes does the Pamir Highway comprise?
The Pamir highway is an integral part of the M41 highway, which starts in Kara Balta, North Kyrgyzstan, and ends in Mizar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.
The total length of the Pamir highway is 1, 250 kilometers and connects different countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
Another route starts in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and ends in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. What’s the most interesting about this particular route is the fact that it was constructed during the Soviet Union in the 19th century.
Here is everything you need to know about the Pamir highway routes. Keep on reading!
1. Osh to Murghab
The start and endpoints of the highway are Osh and Dushanbe, the capital cities of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, respectively. Bear in mind that these two points have a low altitude, as opposed to the high altitude during the rest of the road trip. Low points mean that when traveling in the summertime, the heat will be quite strong.
The road then climbs to a high altitude making the temperature drop quickly. The road from Osh leads towards Xinjiang, China. The high also turns south to the Kzzylart Pass, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The Pamir highway’s highest point (4,655 meters) is over the AK Baital Pass, which rolls into Murghab. Moreover, this is one of the best places for tourists who want to explore the local culture.
2. Murghab to Khorog
The road from Murghab goes into the Alichur Plain and ends in Khorog. It is the place where tourists explore and relish Rang Kul, the ancient mine in Bazar Dara. Most tourists prefer to take the Wakhan Valley by heading over the Kargush Pass.
Tourists take this route to experience the picturesque landscape and majestic mountains, explore the traditional local life, and take a stop at the Wakhan Corridor.
3. Khorog to Dushanbe
Khorog is the most beautiful place in Tajikistan. It is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan region, comprising fire temples, fortresses, holly springs, shrines, and petroglyphs.
The Pamir highway continues from the region and passes the Vanch and Bartang Valleys. The road breaks at Qalai-Khumb offering three different options, allowing people to travel to Dushanbe, the incredible capital of Tajikistan.
The road on the northern side crosses the Tavildara Pass and heads into the Rasht Valley. On the other hand, the route on the southern side crosses the Kahtion into the Kulob and Danghara, which are lowland areas and not attractive for tourists. However, if you want to travel fast in your car, we recommend taking the southern route.
Recommended Read: Uzbekistan Tour Packages
How much Time does it take to drive through the Pamir Highway?
Tourists can easily cover the highway between Dushanbe and Osh in four days if they travel by car. It is crucial to driving for about 8-10 hours a day to cover the distance in four days.
If you also want to travel through the Wakhan Valley, you will need to travel for an extra day.
However, if you are traveling with friends, you can drive for 16 hours to cover the distance in three days. There is little or no room for dealing with natural calamities, such as landslides, avalanches, and floods.
If you experience a blocked road, you won’t have any leeway. So, keep these things in mind and make an informed decision about traveling the Pamir highway.
If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Pamir highway, make sure you have set a budget for at least a week to be prepared for any circumstances.
On the other hand, if you have the time, it’s best to take the road trip slow and truly admire what’s on the way. That way you can properly explore the Pamir highway.
We recommend setting a budget for one month, allowing you to have enough time to visit side valleys, go hiking, explore local villages and enjoy local food.
Please note! If you decide to cycle, hike, or hitchhike through the route, a specific and much more extensive road plan should be crafted.
When to Explore The Pamir Highway?
The winter season in Tajikistan starts in November-December. However, these are the driest months, meaning the heavy snowfall begins in February and continues until March.
Driving the Pamir highway in the winter allows you to explore the region effectively because the road is less busy.
Spring comes with great opportunities for a smooth ride. However, it is not the best time for hikers. You will find blocked with snow passes and high valleys. It’s crucial to also remember about the avalanche danger that is quite likely in the high altitudes during springtime.
The summer brings a lot of heat to Tajikistan. While the rest of the country experiences heat, the Pamir remains pleasant, lovely, satisfying, and enjoyable.
Summer is the best time to enjoy the beauty of the Pamir highway and the valleys through which it passes. If you want to trek through the Pamirs, we recommend visiting the region in the summertime season.
Also Read: Things to Do in Uzbekistan
Driving Through The Pamir Highway – Costs
The distance between Osh and Dushanbe on the Pamir highway is more than a thousand kilometers. Research shows that the entire road trip may cost between $900 and $1,100.
However, if you are not driving yourself, you will have to pay $20 to $30 per day for a hired driver. The cheapest option is to cycle, hike, or hitchhike through the region. Yet that’s more time-consuming and much more challenging overall.
It will cost more if you plan to explore side valleys in the region. It is crucial to do your research and take enough money (even for emergency situations).
Remember to exchange your currency before you take on the trip to avoid the high exchange rates while already in Tajikistan.
Final Thoughts
The Pamir highway is one of the most unique roads at the top of the world. Not only is the Pamir highway safe, but it also enables you to explore the beauty of mountains, lush green, and desert landscapes.
Follow the tips and tricks above to make your journey as effortless and memorable as possible. Until next time!
