Note that trekking potentially involves risks. Although the author tries to make the information as accurate as possible, he cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by using the information on this website.
Wakhan Corridor
-Afghanistan-
Important notes
1. the last place where you can buy food for camping is Ishkashim. Even better to get your supplies in Dushanbe (more choice).
2. Bring enough dollars, there are no cash machines...
3. I brought along an extra tent for the guide and yak man. That gave us more freedom to camp anywhere rather then having to go to a settlement.
4. Dress respectfully (no skin and women should cover up the hair)
Little Pamir Trek
Section 1
Sarhad-e-Broghil (3260m)-Baharaq (3510m)
16.5km
7 hours
↑ 1200m
↓ 950m
Towards the Dalriz Pass
Section 2
Baharaq (3510m) - Langar (3630m)
20km
7,5 hours
↑ 400 metres
↓ 280 metres
The easy way...
Section 3
Langar (3630m)-Khachigosh (4080m)
21km
6,5 hours
↑ 450 metres
↓ n/a
Approaching the Little Pamir Plateau
Section 4
Khachigosh (4080m) - Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m)
22km
Wading through icy rivers
Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m)
Great things to do around the like is visiting one of the Kyrgyz settlements. Long strolls along the shores of Chaqmatin is another thing to do. And what about exploring one of the side valleys to see the hanging glaciers from up close!
The stunning mountains of the Hindu Kush
Section 5
Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m) - Khachigosh (4080m)
22km
Section 6
Kachigosh (4080m) - Showr (4300m)
15km
4 hours
Our yak reluctant to venture the snowy conditions
Section 7
Showr (4300) - Barnoz (4400)
24km
Struggling up the 4880m high Varm Pass
Section 8
Barnoz (4400m) - Dara River (3985m)
14km
Crossing this river is not as easy for the yak...
11km
3,5 hours
Our yak man Safdar warming up
Section 10
Dara Bik (4600m) - Sarhad (3250m)
16,5km
5,5 hours
Dara Bik plateau
Fann Mountains
-Tajikistan-
Mura Pass Trek
Karatag River
The beckoning mountains that can be seen from Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe scream to be explored. From the hot plains south of the Hissar Range the trek follows the fertile banks of the Karatag River. The path follows the raging whitewater river through juniper woodland and alpine meadows. The higher up the Mura Pass you get, the more rugged the surroundings become.
Section 1
End of the tar road – Hakimi
15 km
5 hrs
↑ 460m
15 km
6 hrs
↑ 710m
↓ 150m
Camp before Mura Pass at 3100 metres
Section 3
Khojohasan – Foot of Mura Pass
6.5 km
4 hrs
↑ 955m
21 km
10 hrs
↑ 700m
↓ 1310m
View on the other side of the Mura Pass
Dukdon Pass Trek
The Dukdon Pass Trek is a more cultural trek, passing through numerous mountain villages and summer settlements. It's the best walk in this book to get a closer look into Tajik mountain life. After the Zurmech Pass you descend into a lively valley and you are likely to be invited in for a few cups of tea, yoghurt and bread. Once down this valley you will follow the Archamaiden river all the way up towards the foot of the Dukdon Pass. At times this wild river plunges through steep, narrow gorges while a few kilometres later it reveals breathtaking views of the glaciated peaks of the Dukdon Range. The approach to the Dukdon Pass is gentle, though partly covered in snow. The descent towards Sarytag is challenging, with steep scree sections. Arriving in Sarytag you will think back on the generousity of the locals with a big smile on your face.
Chukurak Lake enroute to Zurmech Pass
View from the Zurmech Pass towards the Archmaiden Valley
Locals having fun
Section 4
Camp spot with Dukdon Pass in the distance!
On the Dukdon Pass!! (3810m)
This is short, but possibly the most technical trek in the guidebook. And it has all to do with the north side of the Kaznok Pass. With 4040m it's quite high, but this is not the crux. The steep, icy slopes on the north side require crampons and maybe even an axe. The walk itself is a north-south traverse of the Fann Mountains. North of the Kaznok Pass you will camp at the brilliant Alaudin and Mutnyi Lakes. The rocky and dry landscape is high alpine terrain, surrounded by numerous 5000m+ peaks. The south side is green and lush with beautiful pastures and juniper forests.
The last sun rays of the day light up the Chimtarga summit
The approach to the Kaznok Pass (we were doing the route north bound, much more difficult!)
Distance: 54km
Total altitude difference: 3145 metres
Highest point: 3775 metres
Highest camp: 2850 metres
Section 1
Artush Village (1770m) – Kulikalon Lake (2850m)
14km
4 hours
↑ 1080m
Kulikalon Lake
Section 2
Kulikalon Lake (2850m) – Alaudin Lake (2780m) via Laudan Pass (3640m)
18km
7 hours
↑ 1070m
↓ 1140m
Camping at Alaudin Lake
Section 3
Alaudin Lake (2780m) – Artush Village (1770m) via Alaudin Pass (3775m)
22km
8 hours
↑ 995m
↓ 2005m
Donkeys struggling up Alaudin Pass
Zerafshan Range
1st day and what an approach!
Campfire and a single malt whisky, life is sweet
The Tabaspin Pass within reach
Crossing one of the side rivers
Overview of the Direct Route with left the Yagnob crossing
Crossing snowbridge, High Route
Chilling out at a fab campsite
View of the Zamin Karor Massif
Where a mucky river meets the Ghund River, Bachor
Getting higher!
Small tent, big mountains
5000m+ peaks all around
Picture perfect Uch Kul, including some local wildlife
Section 6
Awesome Zarojkul
The last translucent mountain lake before the final descent
The last hurdle: big moraines
The bridge, the gateway back to Bachor
Langar – Plateau at base Pik Engels
13km (one way)
5 hours (one way)
↑ 1150m
↓ 1150m
Approach Pik Engels
Admiring Pik Engels
-Afghanistan-
Important notes
1. the last place where you can buy food for camping is Ishkashim. Even better to get your supplies in Dushanbe (more choice).
2. Bring enough dollars, there are no cash machines...
3. I brought along an extra tent for the guide and yak man. That gave us more freedom to camp anywhere rather then having to go to a settlement.
4. Dress respectfully (no skin and women should cover up the hair)
Little Pamir Trek
- Distance: 182km
- Total altitude difference: 4750 metres
- Highest point: 4880 metres
- Highest camp: 4600 metres
Picture yourself on a vast windswept
plateau dotted with yurts. Looking south giant icy pinnacles jack up to heights
of over 6000m. In the north more gentle rolling mountains look slightly more inviting. You're in the Wakhan Corridor,
in the northeastern panhandle of Afghanistan where the Pamirs meet the Hindu
Kush. This legendary strip of land was once visited by famous explorers like Marco
Polo and Sven Hedin. And at the heart of Little Pamir, as this plateau is
called, lies Chaqmaqtin Lake. During this expedition you will cross several
very high mountain passes, though it never gets technical. Despite the language
barrier, the encounters with the locals are unforgettable. Whether it's a cup
of tea in a Kyrgyz yurt on the plateau or a bowl of yoghurt in a smoky Wakhi
mountain home, the people of the Wakhan Corridor are incredibly generous. This
is the other Afghanistan!
Section 1
Sarhad-e-Broghil (3260m)-Baharaq (3510m)
16.5km
7 hours
↑ 1200m
↓ 950m
Towards the Dalriz Pass
Section 2
Baharaq (3510m) - Langar (3630m)
20km
7,5 hours
↑ 400 metres
↓ 280 metres
The easy way...
Section 3
Langar (3630m)-Khachigosh (4080m)
21km
6,5 hours
↑ 450 metres
↓ n/a
Approaching the Little Pamir Plateau
Section 4
Khachigosh (4080m) - Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m)
22km
6 hours
↑ and ↓ 100 metres
Wading through icy rivers
Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m)
Great things to do around the like is visiting one of the Kyrgyz settlements. Long strolls along the shores of Chaqmatin is another thing to do. And what about exploring one of the side valleys to see the hanging glaciers from up close!
The stunning mountains of the Hindu Kush
Section 5
Chaqmaqtin Lake (4030m) - Khachigosh (4080m)
22km
5 hours
Section 6
Kachigosh (4080m) - Showr (4300m)
15km
4 hours
↑ 600 metres
↓ 200 metres
Our yak reluctant to venture the snowy conditions
Section 7
Showr (4300) - Barnoz (4400)
24km
8 hours
↑ 680 metres
↓ 580 metres
Struggling up the 4880m high Varm Pass
Section 8
Barnoz (4400m) - Dara River (3985m)
14km
5.5 hours
↑ 500 metres
↓ 900 metres
Crossing this river is not as easy for the yak...
Section 9
Dara River bank (3985m) - Dara Bik (4600m)11km
3,5 hours
↑ 600 metres
Our yak man Safdar warming up
Section 10
Dara Bik (4600m) - Sarhad (3250m)
16,5km
5,5 hours
↑ 250 metres
↓1650 metres
Dara Bik plateau
-Tajikistan-
Mura Pass Trek
- Distance: 58km
- Total altitude up: 2825m
- Total altitude down: 1460m
- Highest point: 3780m
- Highest camp: 3100m
Karatag River
The beckoning mountains that can be seen from Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe scream to be explored. From the hot plains south of the Hissar Range the trek follows the fertile banks of the Karatag River. The path follows the raging whitewater river through juniper woodland and alpine meadows. The higher up the Mura Pass you get, the more rugged the surroundings become.
The views on top of the Mura Pass are surreal.
The big steep walls in the heart of the Fann Mountains loom in the distance.
The walk on the other side takes you to the most famous mountain lake in
Tajikistan: the green-blue Iskander Kul surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
This trek is perfect for those with
limited time but still want to catch the essence of walking in Tajikistan through
the most accessible hike to Iskander Kul (from the Dushanbe region).
Section 1
End of the tar road – Hakimi
15 km
5 hrs
↑ 460m
Section 2
Hakimi – Khojohasan15 km
6 hrs
↑ 710m
↓ 150m
Camp before Mura Pass at 3100 metres
Section 3
6.5 km
4 hrs
↑ 955m
Section 4
Foot of Mura Pass – Mura Pass – Sarytag21 km
10 hrs
↑ 700m
↓ 1310m
View on the other side of the Mura Pass
Dukdon Pass Trek
• Distance: 68km
• Total altitude up: 3920m
• Total altitude down: 3300m
• Highest point: 3810m
• Highest camp: 3010m
The Dukdon Pass Trek is a more cultural trek, passing through numerous mountain villages and summer settlements. It's the best walk in this book to get a closer look into Tajik mountain life. After the Zurmech Pass you descend into a lively valley and you are likely to be invited in for a few cups of tea, yoghurt and bread. Once down this valley you will follow the Archamaiden river all the way up towards the foot of the Dukdon Pass. At times this wild river plunges through steep, narrow gorges while a few kilometres later it reveals breathtaking views of the glaciated peaks of the Dukdon Range. The approach to the Dukdon Pass is gentle, though partly covered in snow. The descent towards Sarytag is challenging, with steep scree sections. Arriving in Sarytag you will think back on the generousity of the locals with a big smile on your face.
Section 1
Artush Village (1770m) – Chukurak
Lake (2430m)
10km
3 hrs
↑ 660m
Chukurak Lake enroute to Zurmech Pass
Section 2
Chukurak Lake (2430m) -
Archmaiden/Sarymat Confluence (1870m) via Zurmech Pass (3250m)
23km
8 hrs
↑ 1160m
↓ 1720m
Section 3
Archmaiden/Sarymat
Confluence (1870m) – Foot of Dukdon Pass (3010m)
17km
6 hrs
↑ 1250m
↓ 110m
View from the Zurmech Pass towards the Archmaiden Valley
Locals having fun
Foot of Dukdon Pass (3010m)
– Sarytag (2390m) via Dukdon Pass (3810m)
18km
6 hrs
↑ 850m
↓ 1470m
Camp spot with Dukdon Pass in the distance!
On the Dukdon Pass!! (3810m)
Kaznok Pass Trek
• Distance: 30km
• Total altitude up: 1640m
• Total altitude down: 1850m
• Highest point: 4040m
• Highest camp: 3510m
This is short, but possibly the most technical trek in the guidebook. And it has all to do with the north side of the Kaznok Pass. With 4040m it's quite high, but this is not the crux. The steep, icy slopes on the north side require crampons and maybe even an axe. The walk itself is a north-south traverse of the Fann Mountains. North of the Kaznok Pass you will camp at the brilliant Alaudin and Mutnyi Lakes. The rocky and dry landscape is high alpine terrain, surrounded by numerous 5000m+ peaks. The south side is green and lush with beautiful pastures and juniper forests.
Section 1
Russian Climbing Camp
(2600m) – Mutnyi Lake (3510m)
8km
4 hrs
↑ 910m
Section 2
Mutnyi Lake (3510m) – Upper
Kaznok River (3040m) via Kaznok Pass (4040m)
8km
5 hrs
↑ 530m
↓ 1000m
Section 3
Upper Kaznok River (3040m)
– Sarytag (2390m)
14km
4 hrs
↑ 200m
↓ 850m
Lakes Loop – Kulikalon / Alaudin Lakes
Distance: 54km
Total altitude difference: 3145 metres
Highest point: 3775 metres
Highest camp: 2850 metres
This walk is probably the most popular
walk in Tajikistan. And for a reason! The breathtaking deep blue Kulikalon
lakes draw both foreign and Tajik nationals due to its relative proximity to a
motorable road. Having said that, it is easy to find a secluded spot on the
lake shores to pitch your tent. An easy pass gives you access to arguably the
most spectacular translucent mountain lake in the Fann Mountains: Alaudin.
Surrounded by juniper forest this azure blue gem will keep you in awe wherever
you look. The most prominent mountain visible is Chapdara, a 5050m granite
tower popular with Russian climbers. Another pass allows you back into the
Kulikalon area where hanging glaciers seem so close you could touch them. This
short but very rewarding trek is highly recommended.
Section 1
Artush Village (1770m) – Kulikalon Lake (2850m)
14km
4 hours
↑ 1080m
Kulikalon Lake
Section 2
Kulikalon Lake (2850m) – Alaudin Lake (2780m) via Laudan Pass (3640m)
18km
7 hours
↑ 1070m
↓ 1140m
Camping at Alaudin Lake
Section 3
Alaudin Lake (2780m) – Artush Village (1770m) via Alaudin Pass (3775m)
22km
8 hours
↑ 995m
↓ 2005m
Donkeys struggling up Alaudin Pass
Zerafshan Range
-Tajikistan-
Yagnob Valley Trek
• Distance: 111km
• Total altitude difference: 5500m
• Highest point: 4040m
• Highest camp: 3010m
The Yagnob Valley sparks the imagination
of the explorer. This remote, secluded and hardly visited valley has been
inhabited for thousands of years by the Yagnobi, thought to be the last
remaining people to speak the ancient Sogdian language. Only a few still live
in this virtually untouched part of the world.
This trek takes you over the spectacular snowbound Tabaspin Pass (4040m)
into the mysterious valley of the river Yagnob. You will partly follow the
course of the river, passing mountain slopes fringed with wild alpine flowers.
It is not a walk in the park however. The trek involves wading through numerous
river crossings. Route finding can get confusing with donkey trails all over
the place. And the lower Yagnob Valley is hot! But this 9-stage walk will feed
the inner explorer in you, with vistas of jagged alpine peaks and encounters
with incredibly hospitable people.
Section 1
Langar (2150m) - Mine Camp
(2700m)
17km
7 hrs
↑ 810m
↓ 260m
1st day and what an approach!
Section 2
Mine Camp (2700m) – Foot of
Tabaspin Pass (3010m)
6km
3 hrs
↑ 430m
↓ 120m
Campfire and a single malt whisky, life is sweet
Section 3
Foot Tabaspin Pass (3010m) –
Upper Yagnob (2860m) via Tabaspin Pass (4040m)
10km
9 hrs
↑ 1030m
↓ 1180m
The Tabaspin Pass within reach
Section 4
Upper Yagnob (2860m) - Wading
Spot (2780m)
11km
3.5 hrs
↑ 210m
↓ 290m
Crossing one of the side rivers
Section 5
Direct Route: Wading Spot
(2780m) – Kalontemir River (2670m) via true left of Yagnob
7km
3 hrs
↑ 250m
↓ 360m
Overview of the Direct Route with left the Yagnob crossing
High Route: Wading Spot
(2780m) - Kalontemir River (2670m) via true right of Yagnob
9.5km
5 hrs
↑ 380m
↓ 490m
Crossing snowbridge, High Route
Section 6
Kalontemir River (2670m) -
Khumar River (2600m)
14km
5 hrs
↑ 390m
↓ 460m
Chilling out at a fab campsite
Section 7
Khumar River (2600m) – Mushtif
River (2420m)
18km
8 hrs
↑ 430m
↓ 610m
Looking back at a fantastic gorge
Section 8
Mushtif (2420m) - Vostochniy
Pass View (2860m) via unnamed pass (3590m)
8km
6 hrs
↑ 1150m
↓ 690m
Section 9
Vostochniy Pass View (2860m)
– Margebi Poyon (2230m) via Tagrich Pass (3560m)
18km
7 hrs
↑ 670m
↓ 1300m
Enjoying the views from Tagrich Pass (3560m)
High Pamir
-Tajikistan-
Bachor Mountain Lakes Trek
• Distance: 106km
• Total altitude difference: 2700m
• Highest point: 4630m
• Highest camp: 4580m
This must be one of the
most spectacular high altitude treks in the world, hands down. And (so far)
without the crowds. Wobbly bridges scale the raging whitewater rivers, most of
the time... The route, as the name suggests, passes many incredibly blue and
turquoise lakes in all sizes and shapes. And throughout the trek, the landscape
remains open and wide, allowing for stunning views of glaciated mountains that
exceed the 6000m mark. Surprisingly enough the wild barren land is inhabited by
shepherd’s families, who reside here for the summer months. Hospitality is in
their DNA and you will be offered fresh bread, yoghurt and endless cups of tea.
On the higher passes, herds of yaks roam. After the highlight of the trek, one
of Pamirs most beautiful mountain lakes called Zarojkul, you'll descend back
towards Bachor. Don't forget to take a dip in the hotspring on the route down!
Section 0
Bachor (3300m) to the
trailhead and 2nd homestay (3350m)
2km
½ hrs
↑ 50m
Where a mucky river meets the Ghund River, Bachor
Section 1
Bachor (3350m) - Ghund
River/Bottom Langar Pass Valley (3660m)
18km
6 hrs
↑ 550m
↓ 240m
Section 2
Ghund River/Bottom Langar
Pass Valley (3660m) - Green Pasture (3960m)
10km
4 hrs
↑ 440m
↓ 80m
Getting higher!
Section 3
Green Pasture (3960m) - Foot
of Langar Pass (4320m)
6km
3 hrs
↑ 450m
↓ 90m
Small tent, big mountains
Section 4
Foot of Langar Pass (4320m) - High
mountain lake –nameless- (4580m) via Langar Pass (4650m)
7km
3.5 hrs
↑ 330m
↓ 70m
5000m+ peaks all around
Section 5
High mountain lake -nameless-
(4580m) – Uch Kul (4260m)
12km
3.5 hrs
↑ 80m
↓ 400m
Picture perfect Uch Kul, including some local wildlife
Section 6
Uch Kul (4260m) - High mountain lake
-nameless- 2 (4420m)
11km
4.5 hrs
↑ 330m
↓ 170m
Awesome Zarojkul
Section 7
High mountain lake -nameless- 2 (4420m)
– Turn off to Chapdar Lake (4310m)
13km
6 hrs
↑ 330m
↓ 440m
The last translucent mountain lake before the final descent
Section 8
Turn off to Chapdar Lake (4310m) -
Hot spring Camp (3750m)
10km
4 hrs
↑ 60m
↓ 620m
Section 9
Hot spring Camp (3750m) – Bachor
(3300)m
17km
4.5 hrs
↑ 80m
↓ 530m
Pik Engels Meadows Trek
Langar – Plateau at base Pik Engels
13km (one way)
5 hours (one way)
↑ 1150m
↓ 1150m
Approach Pik Engels
Admiring Pik Engels