13-Day Pamir Adventure: Dushanbe to Osh in a Soviet UAZ Van

Arrive, meet your guide and crew, and explore at your own pace (National Museum, Somoni Palace, cafés) before the road takes over.

Drive into the mountains via Norak Reservoir and the Silk Road-era Hulbuk Fortress near Kulob, then trace the Afghan border to Kalai Khumb.

Follow the Panj River frontier, watching life unfold across the water, and finish with a traditional Pamiri dinner in Khorog.

Visit Khorog’s Botanical Garden and city sights, stop at Dinosaur Rock, then overnight in Ishkashim at the gateway to Wakhan.

Fortress, Bibi Fatima hot springs, and petroglyphs near Langar.

Leave the river valley, cross Khargush Pass (4,344m), and arrive in Bulunkul for a sky so clear it feels unreal.

Acclimatize in one of Central Asia’s coldest villages, easy lake walks or a longer hike to Yashilkul, plus time with local herders.

co Polo sheep and ibex; overnight in Jarty Gumbaz (hot springs).

Urbex the abandoned Shor-bulak Soviet Observatory, then roll into Murghab for its market and a warm guesthouse night.

Cross Ak-Baital Pass (4,655m), then descend to the glacial expanse of Karakul Lake for shoreline walks and big silence.

Exit Tajikistan via Kyzylart Pass (4,280m), return to Kyrgyzstan, and sleep in a yurt near Tulpar-Kul with Lenin Peak towering nearby.

Hike at Lenin Peak Base Camp, then cross Taldyk Pass (3,554m) and descend back to Osh.

Visit sacred Sulaiman-Too (UNESCO), wander markets and old streets, and transfer to the airport when it’s time.