Driving the Pamir Highway to Taldyk Pass

Taldyk Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.615m (11,860ft) above the sea level, located in the Alai Mountain Range of the Osh Province, eastern Tajikistan. The pass is traversed by the paved M41 highway (Pamir Highway). 

The pass is also known as Taldok Pass. The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. The road over the pass, linking Osh and Khorog was built in 1930-1932. There is a monument to the memory of the construction manager Yuri M.Grushko located at the pass. He was responsible for completing several impressive engineering projects in the area in the 1930’s. The pass is situated between Sary-Tash in the south and Ak-Bosogo in the north. In winter, the pass is one of the most dangerous mountain passes in the country. Every year there are several truck accidents, falling several hundred meters down the cliff. In spring you can still see some of them there. Taldyk pass is rare in that it's open year round despite its high altitude.

Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. Ascending from Arbosaba the climb is 25 km long and has an average gradient of 6.9%. The last seven kilometres are very tough reaching a gradient of almost 8%.
Pic: Arek Pawłowski