trekking
Cross Border Mountain Trekking
Follow mountain trails across changing terrain.
Flexible lengthDifficulty on requestAny group size
From €1,434View journey
trekking
Grand Pamir Lakes Traverse: Sarez to Zaroshkul
A 23-day traverse through the heart of the Pamirs: Lake Sarez by boat, the Langar and Uchkul lakes, the golden Zaroshkul and the 4,840 m Shtik Lazar Pass, higher than any summit in the Alps.
Days23
DistanceOn request
Max altitude4,840 m (Shtik Lazar Pass)
DifficultyHard expedition trek
SeasonOn request
Group sizeUp to 14 + tour leader
Price€1,707
Overview
The Pamirs hold the world's longest glacier outside the polar regions, the 77 km Fedchenko, and three peaks over 7,000 m, yet they remain among the least visited of Asia's great ranges. This hard expedition traverses the heart of the range: stay in Pamiri homes, camp beside shimmering alpine lakes and near centuries-old caravanserais, cross Lake Sarez by boat, visit the shepherd Zaurbek's high camp, rest in Bachor, then trek north past Tsakhinkul and Zaroshkul, the 'golden lake' with its hanging glacier, and cross the 4,840 m Shtik Lazar Pass with views of Peak Revolution (6,940 m) before descending the Bardara Valley.
Photographs
Day-by-day itinerary
Timings can shift with road, weather and border conditions; your guide adjusts the plan on the way.
Early-morning arrival and a few hours' rest at the hotel. In the afternoon, explore Dushanbe and do last shopping at the bazaar. Overnight: Hotel in Dushanbe
A free day in Dushanbe to rest and prepare. Overnight: Hotel in Dushanbe
Onto the Pamir Highway. After the good first stretch, 'highway' mostly refers to the altitude: the road follows the roaring Panj along the Afghan border, past mountain walls and over steep slopes. Overnight: Guesthouse in Kalai Khumb
One of the most beautiful drives in Central Asia: along the Pamir Highway, then into the remote Bartang Valley, with friendly villages under glaciated peaks. Overnight: Homestay in Barchidiv
Meet the local crew and load the donkeys. Follow the Murgab River, born in the Afghan Wakhan, among six-thousand-metre peaks. An easy first day to adjust; camp past the 'Tea House', a shepherds' shelter under a huge boulder. About 5 hours, +550 m / −375 m. Overnight: Tent camp
Climb to the top of the natural dam created by a giant landslide over a century ago, with sapphire-blue Lake Sarez behind it. Camp by the guard post that watches for earthquakes. 5–6 hours, +800 m / −225 m. Overnight: Tent camp
With a special permit, cross Lake Sarez by boat (0.5–1.5 h) to the weather station. Then up the wide, U-shaped Langar Valley through one of the last original forests of the Pamirs, a river ford and scree slopes to camp by the Safedxats glacier stream. 5–5.5 hours, +550 m. Overnight: Tent camp
An early start to ford the river at low water. Climb to the large high camp of the legendary shepherd Zaurbek for a rare look at shepherd life at altitude, then continue to camp north of the second Uchkul lake. About 9.5 km plus 5 km, +700 m. Overnight: Tent camp
Past the fork to the Langar Pass (4,630 m) to the dramatic Chapdarkul lake (4,530 m) for lunch on the shore, then down to a high meadow. 7–8 hours. Overnight: Tent camp
Along a classic glacier-carved valley of summer pastures (aylaqs) where shepherds graze large herds of fat-tailed sheep and goats, down towards the Ghund River. 4–6 hours. Overnight: Tent camp
An easy walk along the Ghund River, partly through what locals call a forest, back to Bachor village. Overnight: Homestay in Bachor (3,320 m)
Rest, walk around the village and get to know the daily life, traditions and culture of the Pamiri people. Overnight: Homestay in Bachor
Load the donkeys and head north into the deserted, rugged Pamirs to camp near Kavk, surrounded by 5,000 m peaks. 7–8 hours, +520 m. Overnight: Tent camp (about 3,700 m)
As far from civilisation as it gets: a hearty breakfast, then six hours up to Lake Tsakhin with snow-capped views. +600 m. Overnight: Tent camp
Over old moraines, either via the Tsakhin Pass (4,520 m) with pack animals or along the rocky stream, to Zaroshkul, the 'golden lake' with its hanging glacier and one of the most photogenic lakes in Central Asia. It gets very cold after sunset. 4–5 hours. Overnight: Tent camp
The highest point of the trek: a tough climb to the glaciated pass over rocky moraine, with views of Peak Revolution (6,940 m), then a 1,100 m descent to the junction with the Bardara Valley. About 7 hours. Overnight: Tent camp at Shosh (3,720 m)
Down the warmer Bardara Valley to Gulzor for lunch, then on to the Ilga summer pasture. About 6 hours. Overnight: Tent camp (3,520 m)
A long but easy descent as trees return and the valley becomes cultivated, through a small gorge to Bardara, one of the most beautiful villages of the Pamirs. Carry plenty of water. 6–7 hours. Overnight: Homestay in Bardara (2,850 m)
Eat, sleep and explore Pamiri village life at a very slow pace. Overnight: Homestay in Bardara
The drivers pick you up for the drive down the Bartang Valley and along the Panj to Kalai Khumb. Overnight: Guesthouse in Kalai Khumb
An early start to reach Dushanbe for the afternoon and a farewell dinner at a restaurant. Overnight: Hotel in Dushanbe
A buffer day to relax and recover, or to absorb weather delays on the trek. Overnight: Hotel in Dushanbe
Transfer to the airport and flight home.
Route map
Included
- 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser transfers with driver
- All accommodation and all meals with soft drinks and water
- Local English-speaking guide
- Donkeys with handlers, gas for cooking, dining tent
- Boat across Lake Sarez with fuel
- GBAO permit, registration and hotel transfers
Not included
- International flights
- National Park permit
- Museum and site entrance fees
- Alcohol and personal expenses
Safety and support
Before departure the team goes through the route, altitude, road and weather conditions and emergency contacts with you. Ask for these details in writing with your quote.
Frequently asked questions
From USD 1,905 per person (7 travellers + tour leader); USD 1,905–2,120 depending on group size. The final quote depends on your dates and group size.
For experienced trekkers: long days above 4,000 m, river fords, moraine and a glaciated 4,840 m pass.
Hotels in Dushanbe, homestays in the villages and about 12 nights in tents.
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