Murghab - Khorog

We begin the day in Murghab, setting out westward on the M41, also known as the Pamir Highway. Shortly after departure, we make a stop at the clear and peaceful waters of Ak-Balyk Lake, a sacred spring where locals often gather to pray or rest during long journeys. From there, we continue across one of the coldest and most desolate high plateaus of the former Soviet Union, where life is sparse and the wind constant.

Midday, we reach the strikingly beautiful Yashilkul Lake, a large alpine lake set against barren hills—an ideal place for a picnic lunch. After taking in the scenery, we begin our climb toward the Koj Tezek Pass, reaching an altitude of 4,271 meters. The pass marks the transition point between the high plateau and the descent into the Gunt Valley, where the landscape begins to shift dramatically.

As we descend, the dry, rocky terrain slowly gives way to alpine meadows and river-cut valleys, framed by the towering peaks of Patkhor (6,083 m) and Skalisty (5,707 m). We follow the Gunt River down to Jelondy, a small village known for its hot spring sanatorium, where a relaxing soak is a welcome option after hours on the road.

From Jelondy, the valley narrows and the vegetation grows greener with each turn, a refreshing contrast to the arid highlands of the morning. By late afternoon, we arrive in Khorog, the regional capital of Gorno-Badakhshan. Depending on the time, we visit the Botanical Garden, perched above the town with sweeping views and an impressive collection of high-altitude plants from around the world.