Hiking trails

Engels Meadows is a scenic area that can be visited on a full-day hike from the Wakhan Valley. Starting from the Panj River and climbing gradually into the southern Pamirs, the route leads to high mountain pastures below the steep rock walls of Engels Peak. Without technical difficulties but with wide views over the Wakhan Valley and dramatic mountain backdrops, this hike offers a good impression of the landscapes that make the Wakhan Valley such a special place to visit.

The Bel Ayrik hike in the high-altitudes of the eastern Pamir Mountains offers stunning views over the remote landscapes of the Zorkul area. At 4.800 meters, the pass provides a vantage point of Zorkul Lake without requiring a special permit, making it an accessible way to experience this beautiful region. Reaching the trailhead itself is already an adventure, with a long drive through the vast desert plains of the Gurumdy Valley. The hike itself follows a gentle valley ascent, with a steep...

The Nurek Reservoir, located on the Vakhsh River east of Dushanbe, is one of the largest reservoirs in Tajikistan. The immense lake is a striking landmark surrounded by rugged hills and mountain valleys. This article describes a hike to a crest on the south shore of the reservoir, with panoramic views over the lake, the Dashtimaidonsky Nature Refuge and the landscapes further south. Spring is a good time for this hike in particular, as the valley is dotted with bright purple Afghan redbud...

Southern Tajikistan remains largely overlooked by hikers, with most attention drawn to the country’s higher and more famous mountain ranges. Nevertheless, also the Khatlon Province offers a diverse landscape of ridges, valleys and isolated mountain groups that are well suited to rewarding day hikes. One nice option is a hike into the Takakamar mountain ridge in the deep southwest of Tajikistan. Takakamar has a special landscape on its top with rolling grassy hills and views reaching far...

Khatlon Province is one of the least visited regions of Tajikistan, often overshadowed by the country’s higher mountain ranges. The region does not offer extreme elevations, yet it contains a surprising variety of scenic and rewarding day hikes. This series showcases some of the most interesting hikes in southern Tajikistan. The first hike leads to Khoja Maston, a prominent local peak that offers wide views over the Khatlon plains and surrounding hills.

Whereas the Pamir and Fann Mountains attract most trekking adepts, Tajikistan hides countless other remote and beautiful corners that are also suited for hiking trips. One such area is the Sari Khosor National Park, nestled in the heart of the country. We set off on a three-day trek through this wild region in April. Our quest is to get from the village of Dara-Khurdak to the main Sari Khosor Valley. As can happen while trekking in spring, we are faced with a whole lot of rain and tough...

Hiking trails in the Tajik mountains remain very uncharted. Trekking routes typically consist of small shepherd trails leading through remote landscapes. In the most desolate regions, however, even such simple trails may be absent requiring you to navigate scree slopes and cross rivers. A lack of technical skills for hiking on rugged terrains can lead to a sub-optimal trekking experience, so selecting an appropriate route is essential. Given the challenging nature of the Tajik hiking trails...

Trekking through the high mountains of Tajikistan is a unique and unforgettable adventure. Traversing the breathtaking landscapes is something any trekking adept needs to experience. At the same time, trekking in extreme conditions through touristically under-developed regions comes with particular challenges. Trails are not indicated, public transport to the mountains is lacking and accommodation options are limited. Traveling to the end of the world under such circumstances requires a...