Tajikistan

Let’s be honest straight away. If you are thinking about a road trip in your life, it will definitely have to be the Pamir Highway. A route that takes you along some of the highest mountain peaks in the country (+ 5000m), desolate plains, snow peaks and deep valleys. Along the way you will also meet very friendly people. The route can only be done by 4×4 or by bicycle (excellent physical condition is required). You are also very tied to the period, the roads are only passable between June and October. The official starting point of the Pamir Highway is somewhat unclear, but most people travel from Dushanbe to Osh, in Kyrgyzstan.

Officially, the Pamir Highway is the M41 highway, but most people put their own spin on it. For example, many tourists choose the southern route along the Wakhan. This region is located on the border area between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The original Wakhan residents still live here with their own culture and customs. Time often seems to have stood still here, and usually there is limited running water and electricity. Meanwhile, you will pass through beautiful valleys and see across the river Afghanistan.

The largest city in the country is the capital Dushanbe. Here you can see the modern side of Tajikistan. In the big city, young people have exchanged their traditional clothes for hip designer clothes. The capital is also full of modern buildings and shopping centres. The contrast with the world outside Dushanbe is therefore stark.

One of the most beautiful places in Tajikistan is Lake Karakul. All the way to the northeast, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, you will find this bright blue lake at almost 4000m altitude. The lake was created by a meteorite impact and provides a picturesque reflection of the surrounding landscape. Around the lake you mainly see shepherds roaming the rugged landscape with their sheep. In the distance you can see the famous Lenin peak, a mountain of 7134 meters high.