The Treks

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

  • 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

Fann Mountains
-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 – Khojohasan
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

Section 4
Foot of Mura Pass – Mura Pass – Sarytag
21 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

Section 4
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



















The last sun rays of the day light up the Chimtarga summit

Section 2
Mutnyi Lake (3510m) – Upper Kaznok River (3040m) via Kaznok Pass (4040m)
8km
5 hrs
530m
1000m



















The approach to the Kaznok Pass (we were doing the route north bound, much more difficult!)

Section 3
Upper Kaznok River (3040m) – Sarytag (2390m)
14km
4 hrs
200m
850m



















Along Kaznok River

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















View of the Zamin Karor Massif

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


















The last hurdle: big moraines

Section 9
Hot spring Camp (3750m) – Bachor (3300)m
17km
4.5 hrs
80m
 530m


















The bridge, the gateway back to Bachor

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