Tajikistan

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Tajikistan beckons adventurers with some of the most exhilarating and picturesque roads on the planet. This rugged and mountainous country boasts a network of roads that promise unforgettable journeys, despite the challenges they may present.

Surviving the Anzob Pass is a feat that will test your mettle. Known for its treacherous conditions, it's a route that demands both courage and skill. The journey through the Anzob Tunnel, ominously dubbed the "Tunnel of Fear" and the "Tunnel of Death," is an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you in awe of the determination of those who traverse it daily. But Tajikistan's allure doesn't end with the Anzob Pass. The Ak-Baital Pass, standing as the highest road pass in the former Soviet Union, is a high-altitude adventure that takes you through a landscape dominated by snow-capped giants and dramatic canyons. 

The iconic Pamir Highway, often called the second-highest international highway globally, unveils a majestic panorama of nature's grandeur. With its towering peaks, deep canyons, and winding roads, this route is a thrilling exploration of Tajikistan's untamed beauty. And then there's the enchanting Wakhan Corridor, a unique driving experience that threads through remote villages and past ancient fortresses on the Afghan-Tajik border. This road, rich in history and culture, is an immersion into the crossroads of civilizations.

 

Pamir Highway is the second highest altitude international highway in the world

The historical Pamir Highway (M41) is an excellent challenge for a 4x4 adventure travelers. Most of the road is paved (in very bad conditions) and stretches more than 1,200km between Osh (in Kyrgyzstan) and Dushanbe (in Tajikistan) through the Pamir Mountains. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches.

How to Survive and Journey through the Dangerous Anzob Pass in Tajikistan

Anzob Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.372m (11,062ft) above the sea level, located in the Sughd Region of Tajikistan.

Anzob Tunnel is known as the Tunnel of Fear and the Tunnel of Death

Located in the Sughd Region of Tajikistan, Anzob Tunnel is said to be the most dangerous tunnel in the world. Nicknamed the Tunnel of Fear and the Tunnel of Death by locals, it lacks proper lighting and ventilation, and breathing is hard and painful due to the thick mixture of exhaust gases.

Ak-Baital Pass is the highest road pass in the former Soviet Union

Ak-Baital Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.670m (15,321ft) above the sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. It’s the highest road pass in the former Soviet Union.

A road with dramatic views to Khargush Pass in Tajikistan

Pereval Khargush is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.319m (14,169ft) above the sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan.

Kulma Pass is a paved border road in the Pamir Mountains

Kulma Pass is an international high mountain pass, at an elevation of 4.362m (14,311ft) above the sea level, located across the Pamir Mountains, on the China–Tajikistan border.

Khaburabot Pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway

Khaburabot Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.852m (12,637ft) above the sea level, located on the Pamir Mountains, in Tajikistan. The pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway. Drive with care as this is an extreme mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous dropoffs.

The road to Murghab, one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth

Murghab is a high mountain town at an elevation of 3.618m (11,869ft) above the sea level, located on the Murghab Plateau in eastern Tajikistan (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast). It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth.

The road to Kök Jar Pass is not a Sunday Drive

Kök Jar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.807m (12,490ft) above the sea level, located in the Kūhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Region, in eastern Tajikistan. The road may be impassible at times even by 4×4 vehicles.

A memorable road trip to Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.900m (12,800ft) above the sea level, located in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan.

Travelling through the defiant Kulob-Qal'ai Khumb Road

Located in southern Tajikistan, the Kulob-Qal'ai Khumb road is a very challenging experience following the Afghan border closely along the Panj river. This road has humbled many egos. It’s not for the sissies and shouldn’t be attempted by novice drivers.

Pereval Koitezyak, a mountain pass on the Pamir Highway

Koitezyak Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.122m (13,523ft) above the sea level, located within the Badakhshan National Park, in the Pamir Mountains of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan.

A journey on the legendary Pamir Highway to Kyzylart Pass

Kyzylart Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.292m (14,081ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Driving through Pereval Nayzatash on the Pamir Highway

Pereval Nayzatash is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.134m (13,562ft) above the sea level, located within the Badakhshan National Park, in the Pamir Mountains of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan.

Crossing the Khudkham River bridge is not for the sissies

Located in southern Tajikistan, the Khudkham River bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. The bridge is 28m long.

The breathtaking road to Pereval Kuruk

Kurgush Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.083m (13,395ft) above the sea level, located within the Badakhshan National Park, in the Pamir Mountains of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan.

Pereval Tagarkaty

Pereval Tagarkaty is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.160m (13,648ft) above the sea level, located within the Badakhshan National Park, in the Pamir Mountains of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan.

A memorable road trip to Shakhristan Pass

Shakhristan Pass (Pereval Shakhristan) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.751m (9,025ft) above the sea level, located in the north west part of Tajikistan.

Iskanderkul

Lake Iskander-kul is an alpine lake of glacial origin at an elevation of 2.242m (7,355ft) above the sea level, located in Sughd province, in western Tajikistan.

Pereval Oburdon

Pereval Oburdon is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.902m (12,801ft) above the sea level located in Sughd Region, in the northwest of Tajikistan.

Yashikul Lake

Yashikul lake is a fresh-water alpine lake at an elevation of 3.976m (13,044ft) above the sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, in southeast Tajikistan.

Driving the M34 road is not a piece of cake

M34 is the name of a major highway of Tajikistan, running from Dushanbe, the capital of the country, and Khujand, the country's second largest city.

Bulun Kul Lake

Bulun Kul Lake is a fresh-water alpine lake at an elevation of 3.751m (12,306ft) above the sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, in southeast Tajikistan.

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Uy-Bulak Pass

Pereval Uy-Bulak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.264m (13,989ft) above the sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan.