General
Little Pamir Trek (Kashch Goz High Route) 20 Days (2026-27)
The Little Pamir Trek (Kashch Goz High Route) is a tough but rewarding excursion through Afghanistan’s isolated Wakhan Corridor. This high-altitude path begins in Sarhad-e Broghil and passes via three beautiful passes — Daliz, Uween-e-Sar, and Aqbelis — before arriving at the Kyrgyz summer hamlet of Kashch Goz. Along the journey, hikers encounter Wakhi herders, centuries-old petroglyphs, alpine meadows, and glacier valleys, immersing themselves in the Afghan Pamirs’ untouched wildness and vibrant culture.
In addition to this trek, we offer the following adventure options in Afghanistan, as listed in the table below.
Dates & Cost – Little Pamir Trek
Summers are ideal for the trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Afghanistan. The months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in the Pamir region of Afghanistan. We have guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs for the trek are given below.
Holiday Information
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- All road transport in Afghanistan
- Hotel accommodation in Afghanistan (twin sharing rooms)
- Trekking accommodation in Afghanistan (twin sharing tents)
- Hotel meals in Afghanistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking meals in Afghanistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Afghanistan (supporting documents offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Highlights – Little Pamir Trek
The Little Pamir Trek has a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights:
- Cross the Daliz Pass (4,267 m) with panoramic Hindukush views.
- Camp in the birch-filled Shaur ravine beside a clear mountain stream.
- Walk across the rare Borak River wooden footbridge below the gorge.
- Explore Sang Nevishta petroglyphs carved with ibex and ancient hunters.
- Witness the seasonal kuch migration of Wakhi herders and their yaks.
- Trek over the Uween-e-Sar Pass (4,887 m) across glacial highlands.
- Descend into the Ghareen Valley, meeting Wakhi herders and families.
- Cross the flower-filled Aqbelis Pass (4,595 m) into the Little Pamir.
- Visit Kashch Goz Kyrgyz yurts and experience nomadic barter culture.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Chaqmaqtin Lake shining across the Little Pamir.
Itinerary – Little Pamir Trek
The itinerary for the Little Pamir Trek is given below.
Day 02: Travel in Faizabad
On this Day
Your adventure will begin in Kabul. From there, continue north, going through Gulbahar and entering the Hindukush mountains via the Salang Tunnel. After entering Baghlan, proceed east to Faizabad, Badakhshan's province capital. The day will conclude with an overnight stay at a reputable hotel in Faizabad.
Day 03: Faizabad to Ishkashim - Road to Wakhan
On this Day
The adventure continues as you travel from Faizabad to Ishkashim in the rural northeast. The drive takes you via breathtaking valleys and mountain roads to this small village, which serves as the Wakhan Corridor's gateway. Upon arrival, you will spend the night at a small guesthouse.
Day 04: Ishkashim to Qala-e Panja
On this Day
Following breakfast in Ishkashim, the journey continues along the ancient Wakhan Corridor to Qala-e Panja. The road follows a mythical route originally taken by Silk Road travelers such as Marco Polo and the Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang. Qala-e Panja, located at the confluence of the Pamir and Wakhan Rivers that create the Panj, has Sassanid roots. Overnight accommodations are in a small guesthouse.
Day 05: Journey to Sarhad e Broghil
On this Day
Continue your journey into the Corridor by jeep, this time along the less-traveled Little Pamir River valley. This rural route goes to Sarhad e Broghil, a village of about 500 Wakhi people. The overland vehicles are left behind, indicating that the Wakhan Valley Trek will continue on foot.
Day 06: Sarhad-e Broghil – Daliz Pass – Shaur Camp
On this Day
The hike begins with a difficult climb over Daliz Pass (4,267 m), leaving Sarhad-e Broghil behind. A large meadow of wildflowers opens out at the top, providing panoramic views north into the Hindukush. From here, the path drops into the narrow, birch-filled Shaur ravine, where a grassy campsite next to a clear stream provides welcome relaxation.
Day 07: Trek to Digarch
On this Day
The day begins with a climb out of the Shaur ravine across flat pastures, where you can see marmots and get a high-altitude perspective of the Borak and Wakhan River confluence. A descent through juniper-dotted slopes leads to a wooden footbridge that spans the azure waters of the Borak River. Beyond the bridge, the high path heads north, leaving the main Wakhan River behind and entering the Shpodkis ("rhubarb") Valley. You'll pass past the summer hamlet of Alimi before arriving at Digarch, a summer settlement for Wakhi shepherds, where you'll be welcomed with traditional hospitality and a cup of yogurt.
Day 08: Trek Along the Kuch Route to Barnoz
On this Day
As you set out, you will see the seasonal migration of animals and people known as kuch. The walk leads to Sang Nevishta, or "written on the rock," a historical landmark that covers more than one square kilometer. Ancient petroglyphs depicting ibex and bow hunters are engraved into the boulders. After a welcome stop for great bread and tea with your local hosts, you'll proceed into the broad, alpine Shpodkis Valley, which is alive with yellow potentillas and pale blue mint. The day closes at Barnoz, an unoccupied grazing area with a clear and chilly stream, ideal for pitching your tent.
Day 09: Crossing Uween-e-Sar to Ghareen
On this Day
Today marks the most difficult pass of the hike, Uween-e-Sar (4,887 m). The ascent takes you across grassy slopes and across a wide, snow-covered plateau dotted with cairns. Brown bears have been observed in marmot burrows here. The descent travels through glacial tarns and tiny glaciers before approaching the valley known as Ghorumeh (Kyrgyz) or Waramdih (Wakhi). The journey continues south to Ghareen, Nek Bakht Shah's pasture village, where local herders welcome visitors with a traditional bowl of yogurt.
Day 10: Crossing Aqbelis Pass - Kashch Goz
On this Day
The trail goes through the golden Aqbelis Valley, carpeted with potentillas, before crossing the moderate Aqbelis Pass (4,595 m). A pause at an alpine lake for tea and bread provides a rest before descending into the enormous Little Pamir. Chaqmaqtin Lake glitters in the distance. The day concludes at Kashch Goz, a Kyrgyz summer camp with yurts, where you are greeted by the headman, Jan Boi, and witness barter transaction amongst Wakhi herders, Kyrgyz nomads, and Jalalabadi traders.
Day 11: Exploration at Kashch Goz and the Surroundings
On this Day
Spend the day immersed in the Kyrgyz nomads' distinctive lifestyle at Kashch Goz. Visit traditional felt yurts, meet families that still live a centuries-old pastoral lifestyle, and learn about their rituals, cuisine, and hospitality. Observe the barter trade between Wakhi herders, Kyrgyz nomads, and Afghan traders for animals, grain, and other necessities. With Chaqmaqtin Lake glimmering in the distance and yak herds grazing the meadows, this day offers a rare look into the Little Pamir's cultural crossroads. The evening is spent at the camp, sharing tea, stories, and the rhythms of nomadic life.
Day 12: Trek Back to Ghareen
On this Day
Begin your return by retracing your ways to Aqbelis Pass. The pass offers one last panoramic vista of the vast Little Pamir before descending into the Aqbelis Valley. The day closes at Ghareen, a familiar pasture camp where you may reconnect with Wakhi herders and enjoy their hospitality.
Day 13: Re-crossing Uween-e-Sar to Barnoz
On this Day
Another difficult day as you pass Uween-e-Sar (4,887 m). The ascent provides one more opportunity to appreciate the rocky beauty of the high plateau before descending past tarns and alpine meadows. The road continues to Barnoz, where you can camp once more by the cool, clear stream.
Day 14: Descending to Shaur
On this Day
Continue along the Shpodkis Valley, passing through Sang Nevishta with its carved petroglyphs and stopping at Digarch and Alimi. Cross the Borak River bridges and climb through the fields back to the Shaur ravine. You camp in familiar surroundings, among birch trees, streams, and grassy clearings.
Day 15: Cross Daliz Pass to Sarhad-e Broghil
On this Day
On the final trekking day, ascend out of Shaur ravine and re-cross Daliz Pass (4,267 m), taking in one more panorama of the Hindukush. Descend back into the Wakhan River valley, where your return to Sarhad-e Broghil marks the end of your difficult but wonderful journey across the Little Pamir's high mountains, valleys, and cultural crossroads.
Day 16: Sarhad-e-Broghil to Qila-e-Panja
On this Day
You will begin your journey to Qila-e-Panja by Jeep, along a difficult path that leads to the junction of the Little Pamir and Pamir Rivers. Overnight lodging will be available in a guesthouse in the Wakhi settlement of Qila-e-Panja.
Day 17: Travel to Ishkashim
On this Day
Drive back to Ishkashim via the Wakhan Corridor. River levels are low during this season, making road conditions easier. Upon arrival, say goodbye to the Wakhi guides. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 18: Ishkishim to Faizabad or Kunduz
On this Day
Depending on road conditions, travel out of the Wakhan mountains and back to the provincial city of Faizabad or beyond to Kunduz. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 19: Back to Kabul
On this Day
Travel across the Hindu Kush on a long drive back to Kabul, traveling through the Salang Pass and Salang Tunnel. Stay overnight in a Kabul hotel.
Day 20: Departure from Afghanistan
On this Day
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, which concludes your Little Pamir Trekking excursion.
Why Register Early?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Pamir and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Afghanistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Afghanistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Afghanistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Afghanistan.
As Featured In:
Map
Overview – Little Pamir Trek
The Little Pamir hike (Kashch Goz High Route) is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. The track begins at Sarhad-e Broghil and quickly ascends over Daliz Pass, following the high route east, passing through lonely valleys and high-altitude meadows until arriving at the Kyrgyz village of Kashch Goz in the Little Pamir. Trekkers will pass through three outstanding passes — Daliz (4,267 m), Uween-e-Sar (4,887 m), and Aqbelis (4,595 m) — while taking in floral meadows, glacial tarns, ancient petroglyphs, and breathtaking Hindukush views.
This hike is both a physical and cultural journey. Passing through the Wakhi settlements of Digarch and Alimi, and eventually encountering the nomadic Kyrgyz of the Little Pamir, provides unique insights into the customs, hospitality, and perseverance of these distant mountain people. With encounters ranging from frequent migrations of herders and their yaks to bustling barter trading at Kashch Goz, the high path brings to life a timeless way of life. The walk is demanding but remarkable, offering both natural beauty and a strong connection with the people of Afghanistan’s most remote frontier.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
