The trail info on this page is work in progress and will be updated regularly. Ultimately it should provide detailed trail information, including practicalities (transport, accommodation, guiding services) and maps with lots of geographical names and features.
-WARNING: TREKKERS ATTEMPTING TO HIKE THE PAMIR TRAIL DO THIS AT THEIR OWN RISK. MOUNTAIN TERRAIN AND WEATHER CHANGE ALL THE TIME AND TREKKERS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST CONDITIONS. IF IN DOUBT, TURN BACK IF YOU CAN-
THE PAMIR TRAIL
Start and end: Shing - Vrang
Distance: 1297 km
Elevation gain: 63,350 m
Stages: 79
GPX file for the full Pamir Trail
Video of the full length of the Pamir Trail in 3D
In 2024 we established the first full version of the Pamir Trail! This means it is possible to hike the entire length the route, nearly 1300 kilometres in total with an elevation gain of 63,350 metres. But we keep looking for alternative routes, as the state of the terrain changes all the time. The current complete version of the Pamir Trail is shown on the map below. It gives you a sense which mountain ranges the trail passes across Tajikistan. It also shows the 9 different colour coded sections of the route.
SECTION 1: FANN MOUNTAINS
Shing - Sarytag * 145.5km * 11 stages * highest point Chimtarga Pass 4750m * overview map
* tour operators * GPX file *
Marguzor Lake, near Padrud - pic: J. Bakker
Tavasang Pass, 3305m - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 2: Padrud - Tavasang - map
Distance: 16.5km
Ascent: 1600m
Descent: 970m
Trail: moderate - dirt road and clear trail
Looking into the Archaimaidan Valley - pic C. Oriol
Stage 3: Tavasang - Zimtud map
Distance: 24km
Ascent: 60m
Descent: 970m
Trail: easy/moderate - dirt road and clear trail
Shepherd summer settlement near Igrok Pass
Stage 4: Zimtud- Artush Hut - map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 1190m
Descent: 610m
Trail: easy/moderate - dirt road and clear trail
Twisted juniper tree with Mirali Peak - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 5: Artush Hut - Kulikalon - map
Distance: 6km
Ascent: 720m
Descent: 20m
Trail: moderate - clear trail
The upper lake of the Alaudin Lakes - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 6: Kulikalon - Alaudin map
Distance: 9km
Ascent: 930m
Descent: 1000m
Trail: hard - clear and faded trails
The summit of Chimatarga, 5489m - pic: J. Bakker
The top of Chimatarga Pass at 4700m pic: C. Oriol
Stage 8: Mutnyi - Bolshoi - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 1240m
Descent: 1390m
Trail: hard - clear and faded trails
The Dukdon Range - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 9: Bolshoi - Archamaidan- map
Distance: 10km
Ascent: 0m
Descent: 1540m
Trail: moderate - dirt road and clear/faded trails
The stunning Archamaidan Valley - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 10: Archamaidan - Dukdon - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 1250m
Descent: 110m
Trail: moderate - mostly clear trails
The top of Dukdon Pass at 3810m - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 11: Dukdon - Sarytag - map
Distance: 18km
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 1470m
Trail: moderate/hard - clear and rough trails
Iskanderkul - pic: Eurasia.travel
Side trip: Sarytag - Iskanderkul - map
Distance: 15km return
Ascent: 580m
Descent: 580m
Trail: easy - dirt road and clear path
SECTION 2: HISSAR TRAVERSE
Iskanderkul - Margheb * 180km * 13 stages * highest point Akhbakul Pass 3915m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
Green lush meadows towards Mura - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 12: Sarytag - Mura - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 790m
Descent: 120m
Trail: moderate - mostly clear trails
The top of Mura Pass at 3780m - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 13: Mura - Karatag - map
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 800m
Descent: 1620m
Trail: moderate/hard - clear and rough/no trails
Karatag Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 14: Karatag - Payron - map
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 970m
Descent: 450m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear path, some exposure
View of Payron Valley from Khanaka - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 15: Payron - Khanaka - map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 1260m
Descent: 820m
Trail: hard - vague or no trails across pass
The Khanaka Valley is spiky! - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 16: Khanaka - Luchob - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 840m
Descent: 1740m
Trail: moderate/hard - clear and rough/no trails
Semi-wild horses on the Luchob pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 17: Luchob - Hoji Obi Garm map
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 810m
Descent: 1120m
Trail: easy - clear path
Crossing the Darai Kalul River - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 18: Hoji Obi Garm - Darai Kalul - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 620m
Descent: 670m
Trail: easy/moderate - road and clear/rough trails
The upper Darai Kalul Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 19: Darai Kalul - Soghdiana - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 1570m
Descent: 540m
Trail: hard - rough steep trails
Approach of the Dushokha Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 20: Soghdiana - Ganchdara - map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 1540m
Descent: 1520m
Trail: very hard - rough, steep trails
Lailakul Lakes - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 21: Ganchdara - Leilakul - map
Distance: 16km
Ascent: 1230m
Descent: 610m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear and some vague trails
The Takobikul Valley - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 22: Leilakul - Tagobikul - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 390m
Descent: 1330m
Trail: moderate - snow fields and variable trail
Sheep shearing near Qul Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 23: Tagobikul - Tagrich - map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 1100m
Descent: 650m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear trail
Chilling out on the Tagrich Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 24: Tagrich - Margheb - map
Distance: 15km
Ascent: 710m
Descent: 1510m
Trail: easy - clear trails and dirt track
SECTION 3: YAGNOB AND ZERAFSHAN
Margheb - Langar * 113.5km * 7 stages * highest point Ghuzn Pass 4020m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
The north side of Zamin Karor - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 25: Margheb - Bidev - map
Distance: 20.5km
Ascent: 960m
Descent: 690m
Trail: easy - dirt track and clear trail
Abandoned Niva, Pskon village - pic: J. Bakker
The glorious Yagnob Valley- pic: J. Bakker
Stage 27: Pskon - Navobod - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 640m
Descent: 510m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
A glacier on the Ghuzn Pass - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 28: Navobod - Jaya Bolo - map
Distance: 10km
Ascent: 1405m
Descent: 980m
Trail: hard - rough trails
On top of a 3885m Pass to Rivut - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 29: Jaya Bolo Marghashak map
Distance: 18km
Ascent: 950m
Descent: 935m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear track and trail
The upper part of the Rivut Valley- pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 30: Marghashak-Sangighul map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 815m
Descent: 1305m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
The lower Rivut Valley - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 31: Sangighul - Langar - map
Distance: 24km
Ascent: 640m
Descent: 1150m
Trail: easy - clear track and trail
SECTION 4: EAST ZERAFSHAN AND RASHT
Langar - Deha-i Khoja Ali * 122km * 7 stages * highest point Beob Pass 4030m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
The Zerafshan Valley - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 32: Langar - Pakshif - map
Distance: 36km
Ascent: 1000m
Descent: 720m
Trail: easy - track and clear trails
Pakshif Gorge - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 33: Pakshif - Pakshif Gorge map
Distance: 9km
Ascent: 550m
Descent: 0m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear trail
Ghorif Village - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 34: Pakshif Gorge - Ghorif - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 790m
Descent: 1635m
Trail: moderate - clear and vague trails
Namnarud ruines - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 35: Ghorif - Namnarud - map
Distance: 8km
Ascent: 195m
Descent: 375m
Trail: hard - vague overgrown trails
Looking north from Beob Pass - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 36: Namnarud - Beob - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 2095m
Descent: 305m
Trail: very hard - no trail, overgrown terrain
Darai Mazor - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage 37: Beob - Navobod - map
Distance: 23km
Ascent: 180m
Descent: 2635m
Trail: moderate - clear and vague trails, track
Sangikar River - pic: C. Bleuer
Stage X1: Navobod - Khoja Ali - map
Distance: 18km
Ascent: 260m
Descent: 210m
Trail: easy - Track and road
SECTION 5: KAROTEGIN TRAVERSE
Deha-i Khoja Ali - Jirgotol * 107km * 6 stages * highest point Pildon Pass 3654m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
Praying Mantis in the Kamarob Valley - pic: J. Bigé
Stage 38: Khoja Ali - Subaday - map
Distance: 23km
Ascent: 1000m
Descent: 375m
Trail: easy - clear track
A Soviet era snow measuring device - pic: J. Bigé
Stage 39: Subaday - Mingbuloq - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 1080m
Descent: 170m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear to vague trail
View from the Dashtikhirsun Pass - pic: J. Bigé
Stage 40: Mingbuloq - Safedob - map
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 710m
Descent: 1560m
Trail: moderate/hard - variable to no trails
A bridge near Hoit - pic: J. Bigé
High plateau around Pildon Jailoo - pic: J. Bigé
Shepherd house near Pildon Pass - pic: J. Bigé
Stage 43: Pildon - Jirgotol - map
Distance: 20km
Ascent: 420m
Descent: 2060m
Trail: moderate - variable trails and clear track
SECTION 6A: RASHT AND DARVOZ - LOW ROUTE
Jirgotol - Kaleikhum * 147km * 8 stages * highest point Psoda Pass 3850m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
Looking back to the Rasht Valley - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 44: Jirgotol - Jelondy - map
Distance: 14.5km
Ascent: 715m
Descent: 135m
Trail: easy - road, clear track
Along the red Karashura River - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 45: Jelondy - Vaisirek - map
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 815m
Descent: 355m
Trail: easy - clear track and trails
Landmine sign, check stage info! - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 46: Vaisirek - Pulisangin - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 665m
Descent: 620m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
Approach to Gardan-i-Kaftar Pass - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 47: Pulisangin - Langar - map
Distance: 22km
Ascent: 995m
Descent: 1790m
Trail: hard - variable trails
Psoda Lake - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 48A: Langar - Psoda - map
Distance: 19.5km
Ascent: 1190m
Descent: 270m
Trail: moderate - road and clear trails
More stage info
Looking back from Psoda Pass - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 49A: Psoda - Siyohdara - map
Distance: 10km
Ascent: 895m
Descent: 650m
Trail: hard - vague or no trails
More stage info
Along the Siyohdara river - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 50A: Siyohdara - Gshun - map
Distance: 18km
Ascent: 370m
Descent: 1220m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
More stage info
Back in habitation - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 51A: Gshun - K’khum - map
Distance: 25.5km
Ascent: 105m
Descent: 1215m
Trail: easy - dirt road
More stage info
———————————————————————————-
Section 6A is designed to be an easier, safer and lower route between the Rasht and Darvoz Districts across the 3850m high Psoda Pass. For now it ends in Kaleikhum but the Pamir Trail team is working on the extension between Kaleikhum and Vanj. For now, the only feasible way to reach Vanj and continue the Pamir Trail is to get transport between the places. If you’re a purist you could hike the roughly 100km but it is very unpleasant and with the traffic sometimes even dangerous. We’re trying to find an efficient way to help you finding a car, as shared taxis and mini-busses are unreliable on this stretch of the Pamir Highway. Get in touch for advice.
———————————————————————————-
SECTION 6B: RASHT AND DARVOZ - HIGH ROUTE
Jirgotol - Vanj * 208km * 12 stages * highest point Starghi Pass 4473m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
Looking back to the Rasht Valley - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 44: Jirgotol - Jelondy - map
Distance: 14.5km
Ascent: 715m
Descent: 135m
Trail: easy - road, clear track
Along the red Karashura River - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 45: Jelondy - Vaisirek - map
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 815m
Descent: 355m
Trail: easy - clear track and trails
Landmine sign, check stage info! - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 46: Vaisirek - Pulisangin - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 665m
Descent: 620m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
Approach to Gardan-i-Kaftar Pass - pic: C. Oriol
Stage 47: Pulisangin - Langar - map
Distance: 22km
Ascent: 995m
Descent: 1790m
Trail: hard - variable trails
Small stretch of road near Langar - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 48B: Langar - Sangoba - map
Distance: 12.5km
Ascent: 1180m
Descent: 130m
Trail: moderate - clear trails
Satellite image Vereshkay Pass 3970m - pic: FATMAP
Stage 49B: Sangoba - Rhoga - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 830m
Descent: 1515m
Trail: hard - vague or no trails
-WARNING: STAGES 50 - 54 HAVE BEEN TESTED, BUT IT PROVED TO BE VERY HARD. EXPECT ROUTE SECTIONS WITHOUT TRAIL, OVERGROWN TERRAIN AND DEEP FAST-FLOWING RIVERS. WE ADVICE TO DO THIS PART OF THE PAMIR TRAIL FROM THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER, NOT EARLIER AS SOME RIVERS ARE LIKELY TO BE IMPASSABLE. WE AIM TO IMPROVE / ADD INFRASTRUCTURE TO OVERCOME THESE NATURAL BOUNDARIES.-
Upper Obikhinob Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 50B: Rogha - Bijou - map
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 310m
Descent: 220m
Trail: easy/moderate - clear track and vague trails
Looking back to Batrud / Obikhinob - pic: Lottie GD
Stage 51B: Bijou - Rovak - map
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 420m*
Descent: 200m*
Trail: hard - clear, vague and sometimes no trails
View across Dashti Burs - pic: Lottie GD
Stage 52B: Rovak - Sagdar - map
Distance: 13km
Ascent: 690m*
Descent: 300m*
Trail: very hard - no trails
The Obistarghi Valley - pic: Lottie GD
Stage 53B: Sagdar - Obistarghi - map
Distance: 8km
Ascent: 750m*
Descent: 200m*
Trail: very hard - no trails
Crossing the Starghi Pass - pic: Lottie GD
Stage 54B: Obistarghi - Stargh - map
Distance: 15km
Ascent: 775m
Descent: 2315m
Trail: very hard - glacier, various or no trails
Aerial view into the Vanj Valley - pic: J. Bakker
SECTION 7: VANJ AND YAZGULEM
Vanj - Nisur * 212km * 9 stages * highest point Odudi Pass 4450m * GPX file *
Below the Gushkhun Pass - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 56: Vanj - Gushkhun - map
Distance: 10.5km
Ascent: 2155m
Descent: 35m
Trail: moderate/hard - variable trails
Tricky descent to Zhumag- pic: M. Merisi
Stage 57: Gushkhun - Zhumag - map
Distance: 10.5km
Ascent: 495m
Descent: 2395m
Trail: very hard - variable and no trails
Easy road hike in Yazgulem Valley - pic: M. Merisi
Stage 58: Zhumag - Motravn - map
Distance: 17.5km
Ascent: 245m
Descent: 505m
Trail: easy - track / road
Crossing the river Darai Motravn - pic: D. Hardwick
Stage 59: Motravn - Khanil - map
Distance: 11.5km
Ascent: 1265m
Descent: 0m
Trail: easy / moderate - clear trails
Crossing the Odudi Pass 4450m - pic: E. Huisman
Stage 60: Khanil - Vomardara - map
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 1545m
Descent: 875m
Trail: hard - variable and no trails
Amazing descent to Rushan - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 61: Vomardara - Rushan - map
Distance: 13.5km
Ascent: 20m
Descent: 1620m
Trail: easy - clear trail
Hiking along the Bartang river - pic: J. Bakker
Easy hiking in the Bartang Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Not bad for a road hike! - pic: J. Bakker
SECTION 8: RUSHAN
Nisur - Bachor * 91km * 6 stages * highest point Zarojkul 4510m * overview map * tour operators * GPX file
Barchidev from above - pic: J. Bakker
Crossing the Murghab River - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 66: Barchidev - Sarez - map
Distance: 19.5km
Ascent: 1580m
Descent: 940m
Trail: moderate/hard - variable trails
Hiking up the Langar Valley - pic: J. Bakker
The splendid Zaroshkul - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 68: Langar - Zaroshkul - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 810m
Descent: 75m
Trail: moderate - clear trails
Approaching the turquoise Taxinkul - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 69: Zaroshkul - Kauk - map
Distance: 16km
Ascent: 270m
Descent: 1090m
Trail: moderate/hard - variable trails
Heading down to Bachor - pic: J. Bakker
SECTION 9: SHUGNAN AND SHAKHDARA
Bachor - Vrang * 118km * 8 stages * highest point Vrang Pass 5010m * overview map 1 * overview map 2 * tour operators * GPX file
The Ghunt Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 71: Bachor - Duzakhdara - map
Distance: 26.5km
Ascent: 230m
Descent: 340m
Trail: easy - clear track and road
Hiking up the Duzakhdara Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 72: Duzakhdara - Valley - map
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 885m
Descent: 95m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
Views from the Duzakhdara Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 73: Valley - South D’dara - map
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 400m
Descent: 415m
Trail: easy - mostly clear trails
The valley towards Shakhdara - pic: J. Bakker
A gorge near Rubot village - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 75: Rubot - Valley - map
Distance: 13km
Ascent: 660m
Descent: 45m
Trail: easy - clear track and trails
View towards the Vrang Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 76: Valley - Vrang Lakes - map
Distance: 6km
Ascent: 395m
Descent: 15m
Trail: moderate - variable trails
Steep descent after the Vrang Pass - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 77: Vrang Lakes - Vnukut - map
Distance: 17km
Ascent: 710m
Descent: 1140m
Trail: very hard - vague or no trail, exposed terrain
Exposed terrain, lower Vnukut Valley - pic: J. Bakker
Stage 78: Vnukut - Vrang - map
Distance: 10.5km
Ascent: 160m
Descent: 1250m
Trail: hard - variable trails, exposed terrain
