Kulob via Shurobod Pass

Drive on the A385 road towards Kulob. View the distant Nurek hydropower station, one of the highest in the world. Stop to visit the 11th-century Hulbuk Palace before reaching Kulob village. Continue to Shurobod pass, after which rocky valleys and mountains appear. Drive along the Panj River, passing many local villages. Arrive in Kalaikhum village for dinner and overnight in a homestay.

60 min

Khorog and Botanical Garden

After breakfast, travel to Khorog city. The route follows the Afghan border with scenic views and opens into the Vanj valley with mountain vistas along the river. Arrive in Khorog and check into a hotel. In the afternoon, take an evening hike in the Botanical Garden featuring various plants and trees.

780 min

Fortresses and Hot Springs near Langar

After breakfast, visit Khaaka fortress at Namadgut village shortly after leaving Ishkashim village; stop for about 10 minutes. Detour to Yamchun to see the 12th-century Yamchun Fortress on a natural rock platform. Walk to the fort's edge for views of the Wakhan valley. Nearby are the mineral-rich hot springs of Bibi Fatima. Return to the vehicle and proceed to Langar village.

840 min

Kargush Pass and Alpine Lakes

After breakfast, travel 2 hours to Kargush pass along the Pamir river, observing the Big Pamir region of Afghanistan and Afghan Kyrgyz nomads. At Kargush pass, start a 3-4 hour trek to Panorama Ridge at 4800 meters. On the ascent, two small roadside lakes appear behind. At the pass summit, view the Great Pamir mountains along the Afghan border. Return to the vehicle and take a side trip to see alpine lakes Bulunkul and Yashilkul. Drive 1 hour to Alichur village.

60 min

Observatory Hill and Karakul Lake

After breakfast, detour to Observatory Hill for a view of Muztagh Ata peak in China, weather permitting. Below the hill is a Soviet truck filled with Marco Polo sheep skulls from a former hunting camp. Return to the main road and proceed to Murgab village for lunch in a guesthouse or café. Continue 3 hours to Karakul lake via the Akbaital pass at 4655 meters, the highest pass in Tajikistan. Photograph glaciers at the pass. Overnight and dinner in a guesthouse at Karakul lake.

840 min

Lenin Peak Base Camp and Traveler’s Pass

After breakfast, drive 1 hour to the checkpoint. Cross the border and continue 3 hours to Lenin Peak Base Camp via Sarymogol village. Arrive at the yurt camp for lunch. Take a day hike from the camp to Traveler’s pass at 4130 meters, about 3 hours. Observe glaciers while ascending. Rest at the top to view glaciers descending from Lenin Peak. Return to the yurts in 2 hours. Overnight and dinner in a yurt.

900 min

Drive to Osh City

After breakfast, drive 5 hours to Osh city, passing numerous Kyrgyz villages and shepherds’ yurts scattered on mountain slopes. Arrive in Osh and check into a hotel. This marks the end of the trip.