Short description
A winter journey to the Murghab district, one of Tajikistan's highest mountain regions, offers a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the snow-covered Pamir highlands while immersing yourself in the local people's life, hospitality, traditions, and customs.
Our tour begins in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, where we'll stay for 3 nights upon arrival and 2 more nights before returning thome. In Osh, we'll explore the famous Zhaima Bazaar (one of Central Asia's largest markets), the Mosque of Ravat Abdullakhan (the oldest mosque in Osh), and the sacred Sulaiman Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We'll also participate in a master class on preparing authentic Osh plov.
We will travel approximately 410 km on the Pamir Highway from Osh, Kyrgyzstan (963 m) to Murghab, Tajikistan (3,600 m).
The Murghab district is one of Tajikistan's most elevated regions, with most of its territory situated above 3,600 meters. It borders China, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. The population is primarily Kyrgyz and Tajik, who maintain traditional livelihoods through cattle and yak herding. During our stay, we can observe large herds of yaks grazing across the vast steppes.
During the tour, we will have the opportunity to:
- Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Pamir Mountains, with peaks towering over 7,000 meters high;
- Spot rare wildlife native to the Pamir Mountains like Marco Polo sheep, Ibis and more;
- Visit the Snow Leopard Rehabilitation & Nursery Center;
- Discover the daily lives of people in the high-mountain villages of Central Asia;
- Join in cultural events featuring traditional music and dance;
- Experience the legendary hospitality of Central Asian people and savor authentic national dishes;
- Sleep in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.
…and much more
Before joining this tour, please read carefully:
- Road Conditions: Be aware that weather on the Pamir Highway can change rapidly, and travel disruptions due to extreme weather are possible even during the regular traveling season.
- Homestays: Expect basic accommodations in homestays.
- Pamiri food: Sample local dishes such as qurutob, apricot soup, and yak milk, which are traditional to the Pamiri region.
- Harsh conditions: Winter brings extremely cold temperatures to the Pamirs, with temperatures dropping to -20°C or lower at high altitudes.
This program presents the main elements of the trip and is far from exhaustive. Please write to us so that we can offer concrete solutions for your case and circumstances. We can arrange flight tickets from anywhere in the world to the trip's starting point. We also can arrange hotel transfers, take care of particular documents or advise on Covid-related travel requirements. We will help at every stage of the organization. Please get in touch with us!
Basic Information
Travel period: Winter;
Dates: February 17-25, 2026; If you are a group of at least 5 or 6, we can arrange this trip for dates that are convenient for you.
Duration: 8 nights/9 days;
Group: 7 people;
Program price in Tajikistan without included airfare: 1,330 euros/person (group of 7 people);
The price includes:
Guides: Company English speaking guide and local guides;
Transfers: All transportation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, including high-clearance jeeps;
Accommodation: 5 nights in a quality hotel in Osh (Kaganat Boutique Hotel or similar) in double rooms and 3 nights in Murghab guesthouses with basic amenities (1 night may be in a traditional yurt);
Meals: All meals in Tajikistan plus all breakfasts in Osh;
Other: GBAO Permit and traditional plov cooking class with a Kyrgyz family.
The price does not include: international flights; entrance tickets to attractions (minimal in number), lunches and dinners in Osh, travel insurance, transportation in Osh on the last day (airport transfer is included), tips, and personal expenses.
(1) Flights with Pegasus Airlines via Istanbul Sabiha Airport
Note: The group will travel from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (Turkey) to Osh in Kyrgyzstan and back. We can arrange air tickets from your home country to Kyrgyzstan via Istanbul so we can meet at the Istanbul airport, or we can offer alternative itineraries. If you're flying separately from the group, we can arrange a hotel transfer in Osh. Please contact us to discuss available options.
Departure: Istanbul Sabiha 20:25 - Osh (Kyrgyzstan) 04:20 (+1) Return flight: Osh 05:40 - Istanbul Sabiha 08:15
(2) Visa: Citizens of the EU and USA can stay in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for up to 30 days without a visa.
The Program
Day 1: Flights to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Today we depart for Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
Day 2: Arrival in Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Upon arrival in Osh (04:20 AM), we'll check in at our hotel. Later, we'll explore the city's highlights—the famous Zhaima Bazaar (one of Central Asia's largest and most vibrant markets), the Mosque of Ravat Abdullakhan (the oldest mosque in Osh), and other notable sites.
After lunch, we'll participate in a master class on preparing authentic Osh plov at a local resident's home, learning how to select ingredients and cook this delicious traditional dish. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Osh—The Sacred Sulaiman Mountain
Today we will explore the sacred Sulaiman Mountain, considered the most complete example of a Central Asian sacred mountain and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain features a cave housing a museum with archaeological, geological, and historical finds, plus information about local flora and fauna. We'll also visit the compact Dom Babura Mosque/mausoleum tucked into the other end of the mountain. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: From Osh (Kyrgyzstan, 963 m) to Murghab (Tajikistan, 3,600 m)—410 km on Pamir Highway
Today we leave Kyrgyzstan for Tajikistan. The road climbs to the Ak Baytal pass at an altitude of 4,655 m, offering spectacular views of the Pamir Mountains. We'll descend along the Pamir Highway to Karakul village, located beside Lake Karakul, the largest lake in the Pamirs. After lunch at a homestay, we'll continue our journey to Murghab, situated at 3,600 meters. On the way, we can see Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Overnight at a homestay.
Day 5: Murghab Exploration
Today we'll explore Murghab, learning about local life, interacting with residents, and observing yaks. We'll also visit the Snow Leopard Rehabilitation & Nursery Center in Murghab, Tajikistan, opened in 2023, and offering care and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of returning them to the wild.
In the evening, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and cultural program featuring local dancers and musicians. We'll spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.
Day 6: Wildlife Expedition
Today we'll drive into the mountains to spot rare wildlife—ibex and Marco Polo sheep named after the famous explorer. We'll visit a hunting camp and relax in a hot spring. In the evening, we'll return to Murghab for overnight at a homestay.
Day 7: Return to Osh
Today we will return to Osh, driving back along the Pamir Highway. We'll spend the night at our hotel in Osh.
Day 8: Osh—Rest Day and Free Time
After the long trip back from Murghab, today we will relax at the hotel. We may also go shopping, do some sightseeing, walk around, or simply relax in cozy cafés and restaurants enjoying delicious local food.
Day 9: Departure from Kyrgyzstan
Early in the morning (at about 02:30), we will have a transfer from the hotel to the airport. We depart for Istanbul at 05:40 AM.
More information
The Pamir Highway
The M41, commonly known as the Pamir Highway, is a 1,200 km road that crosses the Pamir Mountains through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the only continuous route through the challenging mountain terrain and functions as the main supply line to Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. This historic route has been used for thousands of years, given the limited number of passable paths through the high Pamirs. It once formed part of the ancient Silk Road trading network. While M41 was its Soviet designation, today only Uzbekistan officially maintains this number, as confirmed by government decree. Both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have eliminated Soviet highway numbering in favor of their own national systems.
About the Eastern Pamirs and Murghab
The Murghab region encompasses the Eastern Pamirs' mountains and highlands—a plateau the size of Switzerland with a sparse population living at elevations of 3,500-7,500 meters. Once the battleground of the Russian-British "Great Game," this area remains politically sensitive, bordering five countries: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Founded as a Russian military outpost in the 1800s and later developed during Soviet times, Murghab is predominantly Russian-speaking, unlike most of rural Tajikistan. Though its population is largely Muslim, Russian influence has made alcohol consumption common in the area.
Situated centrally on the high Pamir plateau, Murghab provides routes to Osh (Kyrgyzstan) and to China's Karakoram Highway via Kulma Pass. On clear days, visitors can see China's Muztagh Ata peak (7,546m). The town features a unique bazaar with shops housed in cargo containers, a mosque, and operates on Kyrgyzstan time—one hour ahead of Dushanbe and Khorog.
The endangered Marco Polo sheep
First described by the explorer Marco Polo, these sheep possess the longest horns of any sheep species. The longest recorded horn measured 1.9 meters and weighed 27 kg, though they average about 140cm in length. Unfortunately, trophy hunters pay up to USD$40,000 to hunt them, valuing these magnificent horns as wall decorations. It's disheartening that some people show such disregard for endangered species. These sheep are easier to spot in winter when they descend from higher elevations to feed. However, they're extremely shy creatures, making close observation difficult.
How to join us
Please email us for more information about this trip or to sign up. We'll respond promptly and keep you updated on all organizational details. If you're a group of 5–8 people, we can discuss dates that suit you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. It's that simple!
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