Trekking in Tajikistan: Afghanistan's Northern Ranges, Pamirs and Wakhan Corridor
TajikistanWith its high snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and impressive high-altitude plateaus, it has spectacular scenery. Trekking here is also a rich cultural experience: as well as camping in the wilderness, many of the treks include the opportunity to experience the fascinating local culture and warm hospitality in a traditional homestay, meeting those who call this remote wilderness home.
Known as 'the Roof of the World', Tajikistan is one of the most mountainous countries on Earth, with 93% of its land mass considered mountainous territory. Although infrastructure is fragile and tourism is in its infancy, this Central Asian nation presents some exceptional opportunities for the adventurous trekker. This is where the mighty Himalayas meet the Tian Shan, Karakoram and Hindu Kush, and a centuries-old network of trails criss-crosses the remote terrain, linking isolated villages and shepherd camps.
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Practical guide
When to go?
Most of the hiking trails in the northern mountain ranges of Tajikistan are accessible from May to October, while the best time to hike the Pamirs is from June to mid-October.
Cities & Services
Penjikent is the starting point in the north of Tajikistan, while Sarytagthe village near Iskanderkulconnects several hiking trails. Khorog is the best centre from which to venture into the Pamirs. The capital, DushanbeThe programme also includes excursions in the vicinity.
Difficulty
Although most of the trails are clear, the solitude, river crossings, route finding, high altitude and wild terrain of the mountains pose varying degrees of challenge. Some routes may involve glacier progression, requiring the use of crampons.
Not to be missed
- Pristine alpine lakes including Lake Alaudin, Iskanderkul, Leilakul, Zarojkul and Sarez.
- Dukdon Pass.
- Ravmeddara Valley.
- The remote Pamiri villages of Bardara and Vezdara.
- Shakhdara Valley, with views of Pik Engels and Pik Karl Marx.
- Afghan Wakhan Corridor.
- Local hospitality.
- Wild and untamed nature.
The routes
Trekking areas range from the Fann Mountains, the Pamirs and the north-western ranges. There are also treks close to the capital, Dushanbe. In the Afghan Wakhan Corridor, there are also some treks.
- Excursions in Dushanbe // Leilakul / Gusgarf waterfall / Begar waterfall / Shirkent dinosaur tracks / Sioma valley /
- Fann Mountains // Mura Pass / Dukdon Pass / Fann Lakes / Kaznok Pass / Sarymat Pass / Chimtarga Pass and Bolshoi Allo Lake / Link: Sarymat River / Munora Pass /
- Zerafshan and Hissar Mountains and Yagnob Valley / Darg to Ziddi Valley / Yagnob Valley & Tabaspin Pass /
- Western and Central Pamir // Gardan-i-Kaftar Pass / Jizev Valley / Ravmeddara Valley / Pamir Lakes: From Bachor to Sarez Lake / Pamir Lakes: Yashilkul and Lazar Shtik Pass /
- Pamir South // Lake Turumtaikul / Oykul Lake / Vrang Pass / Darshaidavan Pass / Vezdara - Tusion / Pik Engels Meadow /
- Afghanistan // Afghan Wakhan Runner: Little Pamir /
