Trekking in Pamir, Tajikistan is easily one of the most underrated delights in Central Asia. Whether you are looking for an easy day hike like the trek to Engels Meadow or a longer multiple-day hike around the Bachor region or a hike and hot spring in the Madian Valley, you will find a trekking route to suit you in the Pamirs of Tajikistan.
Trekking the Bachor region of Tajikistan
The Bachor region of Tajikistan is truly extraordinary. It offers much to entice Tajikistan trekkers to this relatively unexplored region of Central Asia. What route you take when trekking in Pamir depends on your personal preferences and fitness levels – you will find a hiking route to suit all in the Bachor area in Tajikistan. From the four peaks of the Siama crown to the many glorious alpine lakes, the scenery here is unforgettable.
Hiking in the Pamirs’ Bachor varies from route to route and the sights along the way are diverse. Options include soaking in the high-altitude hot springs of Garchashma and Kavch, exploring the thousand-year-old petroglyphs of Langar and camping under the stars in peaceful meadows surrounded by shepherd’s huts, snow-capped peaks, sheep, and yaks.
Trek the Pamir’s tallest mountains, pass through authentic mountain villages and climb challenging peaks like the Energiya Peak and Marx and Engels. Not to mention the amazing views of some of the world’s most picturesque alpine lakes such as Iskanderkul and Yashilkul can be found in the Tajikistan Pamirs too. As some of the routes are high-altitude treks, be aware that you may need to allow time to acclimatize first.
Day hike to Engels Meadow, Tajikistan
One of the best short hikes in Tajikistan is the day hike to Engels meadow. If you are starting off in Dirch in the Wakhan Valley, it will take you the better part of four hours to hike to the Engels Peak Meadows, located at 4,000 meters above sea level. The peak itself is located at an altitude of 6,510 meters, providing a challenge for trekking in Pamir.
The route from Zong to Dirch starts off very narrow and rocky and adds some extra time to your journey. The Langar and Zong villages are some of the more popular places to base yourself as they have more homestay accommodation to choose from.
Wherever you start, the route to the Engels Meadow in the Pamirs ascends fairly early on and you will have to clamber up a scree hill on pathways trodden by local shepherds. Once you have conquered the initial climb, the rest of the trek is relatively flat and easy, simply following the meandering of a manmade canal. You will pass a waterfall and a river and there is a lake on the other side of the meadow that makes for a great picnic spot once you have arrived.
The views across the Wakhan Valley and the Hindukush are phenomenal along the whole route and they do not stop when you arrive either. The Engels Peak can be viewed from just about anywhere. If you would like to enjoy an overnight hike to Engels Meadow in Tajikistan, you can. It is possible as a day hike with a five-hour journey up and four-hour hike down, but many prefer to camp overnight in the meadow to make the most out of their time here.
Trekking in the Madian Valley
Another popular route for trekking in the Pamirs is the day hike from Pshart to the Madian Valley. Many people trek the Madian Valley, also known as the Madyan Valley, in search of petroglyphs and remote hot springs. But there is so much more to this under-discovered part of Tajikistan if you take the time to explore.
Designed as the perfect day hike from Murghab or Pshart, the 17-kilometer Madian Valley in the Pamirs takes roughly four to six hours, depending on the weather conditions and time of year. May to September is the best time to trek the Pamirs as strong winds and snowstorms can be dangerous from October onwards. For those who would prefer to drive instead of trekking in Tajikistan, the route will take just an hour by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
While the route may not seem long for seasoned hikers used to Tajikistan trekking in Pamir, the trick is in the elevation. Starting at an altitude of 3,580 meters, the summit extends further to 4,748 meters above sea level so make sure you are ready for a climb.
When you reach them, the hot springs are remote and there is nobody there to man them. Yet they are pleasantly developed with hot pools, a café and a traditional yurt camp you can stay in. If you are lucky, you may find them completely to yourself.
Trekking in Pamir can be combined with a host of other exciting tours with Paramount Journey. If you are interested in Pamir trekking, reach out and we can provide you with tips on what to pack, where to go, and when to visit so you can get the most out of your Tajikistan adventure.
