The Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan have long been called the small country of Central Asia “the roof of the world”. Through these snow-capped dramatic peaks, you run the Pamir Highway, which is arguably the world’s greatest land journey.
Although the start and the endpoints are somewhat unclear, the primary route runs from Dushanbe, the capital, to Osh in Kyrgyzstan and with epic landscapes and a sense of distance, it is perfect for adventure travel.
Here are the top 10 points to keep in mind on the Pamir highway.
Dushanbe
The newly modernized capital of Tajikistan has seen a boom in new apartment buildings that have appeared alongside lush urban gardens. Old buildings are being torn down to make room for modernity and the landscape is likely to continue to change.
Dushanbe started life as a small village which is now the largest city in the country and records show archaeological evidence of a settlement here since the fifth century BC.
Nurek Dam & Reservoir
The Nurek Dam and Reservoir Dam is the second highest man-made dam in the world. Construction of the dam began in 1961 and was completed after 19 years, while Tajikistan was still under Soviet rule. The purpose of the dam is to generate hydroelectric power for factories and cities in Tajikistan, but the lake it created has become an ideal tourist site.
The busiest summer time when the weather in Dushanbe is unbearably hot, there is mass migration of locals to the lake shore: you can go on a boat, stay at night in the guesthouse, and enjoy a comfortable swim, all while surrounding you with a stunning mountain scenery.
Hulbuk
Traveling south from your light along the Pamir highway, not far from the town of Kulube, is a great and not to be missed roadside. The original structure at Hulbuk was destroyed by the Mughals, but the outer walls have recently been rebuilt around the central part untouched by the archaeological site.
On the other side of the road is the Hulbuk Museum of Luxurious Sculptures and Ceramics, as well as a 3D model to help you understand the size, layout and importance of the castle when it was in its infancy.
Castle Karon
Karon Castle. It is called “Machu Picchu in Tajikistan”. It can only be reached by driving along a steep, windy path that climbs high over the Pamir Highway. It is not for the faint heart. Karon is not just a castle, but an entire city where people live and work. The entertainment at the Polo Stadium was so great that it could accommodate 10,000 spectators.
Karon wanders a great experience but a little strange. From above you can look directly below the Bang river, which is the border with Afghanistan. How is it possible that this comprehensive site was not discovered earlier?
Khorog
Khorog is the largest settlement in Pamir and the cultural center of the region. Here you will find a campus of the prestigious University of Central Asia, a cross-border market frequented by Afghans and Tajiks alike, the world’s highest botanical garden, and a memorial to the first car crossing the Pammer Ferry.
The best curry house in Central Asia in Khorog! Delhi Darbar. Owned and operated by an Indian Tajik couple, the company has an audience of followers. Crunchy Bacoras, Fluffy Paratha, And Spicy Satisfying Dishes.
Garm-Chashma
Garm-Chashma means “hot springs”, and pamper’s geology is relatively common. The most impressive of these springs is in the side valley a short drive south of Khorog: look for the sign of Garm Chashma.
The hot spring is natural, and the white solid mineral deposits have created a structure that resembles a large solid cloud. There is a secluded pool, and as everyone is bathing naked, there are alternating sessions for men and women.
Make sure to apply white clay deposits to your skin as they make them soft and leave you looking shining.
Garm-Chashma Mountains are rugged, the river provides a cool new breeze and an easy walking experience. Although you did encounter some small unstable bridges they are actually quite safe. You’ll also pass some friendly donkeys down the road.
Langar Petroglyphs
Langar Village in Wakhan Corridor is famous for its rocky mountain slopes. The access road is windy and steep, and because of the height, you tire more quickly than usual. There are around 5,800 drawings here, but more are being recognized all the time.
Rock art starts from 2,700 meters, and the highest rock engravings are 3,500 meters. The first works date back to the seventh century, and although there are some modern frescoes alongside ancient rock inscriptions, they can be easily ignored and do not destroy the beauty of the original drawings.
Yamchun Fortress
The Washan Pass separates Afghanistan from Tajikistan, and along this valley the Silk Road travelers (including Marco Polo) went east to China and south to the Indian subcontinent. Keeping the trade route open was of strategic and economic importance, so many castles were built along the way.
The ruins of Yamchun Castle from the 3rd century are kept with parts of the towers and the wall in good condition. It stands on a single hill, and given that the area is vulnerable to earthquakes and landslides, it is in remarkably good condition. To get there, you must go down the strait before you can start going up but you will see panoramic views.
You can look both ways along the Wakhan Pass, as well as south to Afghanistan and the snowy mountains in Hindu Kush.
Zorkul Nature Reserve
Very few tourists go to the Zorkol Nature Reserve because it requires additional clearance and skips the Pamir highway, but if you have the time and can arrange paperwork, this makes for an incredible trip.
Zorkul has been a nature reserve since the 1970s and stretches over 1,610 square kilometers in East Pamir. The mountain lake that gives its name its sanctuary is on the migratory path of many bird species, including goose heads and red-faced rose clans, and for this reason, it has been recognized as an important bird area by BirdLife International. It is home to mammals such as badger animals, the famous Marco Polo sheep, the Apex, and even the snow leopard.
Karakul
Karakul is a crater lake at the northern end of the Pamir highway, on a desirable plateau. In fact, its 3,960m height means that it is one of the highest lakes in the world. The water, as you might imagine, is rather cold.
One of the weird things to know about Caracol is that it was the place of the sailing regatta on the roof of the world, and is the highest yacht race on Earth.
You don’t need a boat to enjoy Karakul, though. The scenery makes it worth the visit. You can stay a few days in a lake residence, hiking, canoeing (if you are brave), and in the evening view of the largest group of exceptional stars.