Murghab - Alichur

We leave Murghab in the morning, following the road west through the wide and quiet Karasuu Valley. The landscape is open and dry, with scattered herds of yaks and the peaks of the Eastern Pamirs all around us. Along the way, we stop to visit the Shakty petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings that show animals and hunting scenes, a reminder of the region’s long history.

The road begins to climb toward the Naizatash Pass, at 4,314 meters, offering beautiful views of the high-altitude plateau. After crossing the pass, we descend into a wide valley and make a stop at Bash Gumbez, a small historic site with a domed tomb from the old caravan days of the Silk Road.

A little further on, we reach Ak-Balyk Lake, a peaceful spring-fed lake considered sacred by locals. Its clear waters and quiet setting make it a perfect place for a short break. From there, we continue along the Alichur River, driving between open plains and mountain slopes.

By late afternoon, we arrive in the small, remote village of Alichur, where we stay overnight in a friendly local guesthouse.