The Kukjar Pass is an extraordinary drive that winds its way from Karakul Lake to the little village of Rushan through the Bartang Valley in Tajikistan. This part of the Pamir Highway is a tricky one to navigate as it is often made impassable by landslides that are very susceptible to changes in the weather. Having a Tajikistan road map is vital, but first-time visitors are recommended to book a jeep tour with a reputable local guide who understands that Pamir Highway safety is a big concern.
The risk of traveling along this section of highway is that the majority of it is single access only. If avalanches have caused part of the road to be obstructed by a massive boulder, there will not be enough space for you to turn around. Instead, you will have to be prepared to reverse all the way back until you find a space to turn around.
If you are attempting to drive yourself to the Kukjar Pass Tajikistan, then make sure that you have a car with four-wheel drive and very good brakes. Drive slowly in a low gear around the corners. Bear in mind that there is no cell phone reception in this part of Tajikistan and the roads are usually empty so if anything goes wrong, you are in trouble. This is when Paramount Journey’s experienced guides come in handy.
Rushan or Karakul is usually the starting or ending point for travelers exploring the Bartang Valley in Tajikistan. You can do it either way around and there are various villages, lakes, and viewpoints to stop at along the way. Starting at Karakul Lake Tajikistan is a lovely way to do the Bartang Highway. It is the largest lake in Tajikistan and a nearby village has great homestays to put you up for the night.
Heading onwards, your road trip will take you past Jalang, a stunning summer pasture belonging to the Kyrgyz nomads. Stopping at the Kukjar Pass is highly recommended as it offers an amazing view over the dramatic rocky landscape and meteor crater. This is one of the main reasons travelers risk this section of the valley – and when you see for yourself, you will understand why.
Other villages you will pass or take a detour to along the way include Ghudara, Rukhch, Savnob, Barchidev (for trekking to Sarez Lake), Basid with its local shrine, and Siponj, one of the larger villages in the valley.
If you feel up to it, you can stretch your legs with a short two-hour hike to Jizeu, a village that is only accessible on foot. Yemtz is the last village you will pass through before you reach Rushan. Located just off the Pamir Highway Tajikistan to the north of Khorog, the Tajik village of Rushan is a good stopping point even if only to fill up on petrol and road trip snacks. Those staying longer will find a great choice of homestays in the village.
Many Tajikistan travel blogs will give you advice on which way around to do the Bartang Highway, what attractions to visit along the way, and what to watch out for along the Tajikistan roads and the Pamir Highway. Or you can leave the planning to us and hop onto one of Paramount Journey’s already organized itineraries and tours. You won’t regret it!
