General
Big Pamir Trek (Kotal-e-Shaur) 19 Days (2026-27)
The Big Pamir Trek (Kotal-e-Shaur) is a high-altitude excursion through one of Afghanistan’s most inaccessible and breathtaking mountain ranges. This hard walk begins in Sarhad-e-Broghil in the Wakhan Corridor and covers three stunning passes Daliz, Kotal-e-Qarabel, and the glaciated Kotal-e-Shaur connecting the Upper Wakhan with the untamed landscapes of the Big Pamir. It is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for pure wildness, as it offers unrivaled panoramas, encounters with Kyrgyz herders, and the raw, undisturbed grandeur of the Afghan Pamir Mountains.
In addition to this trek, we offer the following adventure options in Afghanistan, as listed in the table below.
Dates & Cost – Big 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 – Big Pamir Trek
The Big Pamir Trek has a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights:
- The ascent over Daliz Pass reveals sweeping views of the Wakhan Valley.
- Cross the high and rugged Kotal-e-Qarabel Pass with vast alpine panoramas.
- Trek through barren high-altitude valleys dotted with nomadic Kyrgyz pastures.
- Explore Shaur Base Camp, one of the most scenic camps in the Pamir.
- Climb the icy Kotal-e-Shaur Pass for breathtaking views toward Tajikistan.
- Glimpse distant Lake Zor Kol, shimmering beyond snow-capped ridgelines.
- Experience the remote wilderness of the Big Pamir’s glacier-carved valleys.
- Encounter traditional Kyrgyz herders moving with their yaks and livestock.
- Complete a demanding round trek linking the Wakhan with the Big Pamir.
Itinerary – Big Pamir Trek
The itinerary for the Big Pamir Trek is given below.
Day 02: Travel to 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: Travel to Ishkashim
On this Day
Continue by road through the Baharak and Wardoj districts, where the scenery becomes more rocky and desolate. Complete procedures at the Ishkashim Tourist Office, browse through the colorful bazaar, and settle into a guesthouse near the corridor's entrance.
Day 04: Ishkashim to Qila-e Panja
On this Day
Following breakfast in Ishkashim, the journey continues along the ancient Wakhan Corridor to Qila-e Panja. The road follows a mythical route originally taken by Silk Road travelers such as Marco Polo and the Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang. Qila-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: Qila-e-Panja 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 – Borak
On this Day
The walk begins with a strenuous ascent away from the Panj River, which becomes too steep to continue. The road ascends toward the Daliz Pass (4,260 m), gaining over 1,000 meters in vertical elevation. From the summit, magnificent vistas reach across the Wakhan and the upper Pamirs before a difficult descent into the broad valley of Borak. This rural town, surrounded by grazing meadows, marks the end of a challenging first day.
Trekking: 7–8 hours | Altitude: ~3,800 m
Overnight: Tent camping or homestay in Borak
Day 07: Borak – Approach to Qarabel Pass Base
On this Day
The trail leaves Borak and enters a harsher valley dominated by glacier streams and scree slopes. The climb is gradual rather than steep, taking us to the base of the Kotal-e-Qarabel. This high camp, at roughly 4,200 meters, rests beneath jagged ridges and allows time for acclimatization before the next great ascent. Nights here are colder and calmer, with bright heavens that expose beautiful constellations.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Altitude: 4,200 m
Overnight: Tent camping at Qarabel Base
Day 08: Crossing Kotal-e-Qarabel Pass
On this Day
The trail climbs steeply toward the Kotal-e-Qarabel (4,820 m), the second of the trek's three major passes. The climb is strenuous, but the views across the Great Pamir are well worth it. Descending the far side, the path follows meltwater streams into a high valley with meadows that are perfect for camping. This camp, surrounded by alpine scenery and complete quiet, is one of the most magnificent along the trail.
Trekking: 7–8 hours | Altitude: ~4,200 m
Overnight: Tent camping in alpine valley
Day 09: Shaur Base Camp
On this Day
Today, the trail climbs steeply through a desolate landscape of moraine and ice-fed streams, leading to the base of Kotal-e-Shaur. The surrounding ridges become taller and more impressive until the trail reaches Shaur Base Camp at 4,400-4,500 metres. This is one of the most spectacular and remote campsites on the walk, nestled beneath glaciers and snow-covered walls, providing both beauty and exposure.
Trekking: 7 hours | Altitude: 4,500 m
Overnight: Tent camping at Shaur Base
Day 10: Crossing Kotal-e-Shaur Pass - Big Pamir Side
On this Day
The route begins at the base and climbs for two hours via the Shaur glacier to the summit of Kotal-e-Shaur (4,890 m), the highest point of the expedition. The route is a mix of glacier and rough rock, demanding careful steps, but the views are spectacular, spanning into Tajikistan and include Lake Zor Kol in the distance. The descent is long and steep, plunging into a lonely valley where camp is placed on the Big Pamir side.
Trekking: 8–9 hours | Altitude: ~4,300 m
Overnight: Tent camping beyond Shaur
Day 11: Trek to Saremokor and Zor Kol (Optional)
On this Day
If you want to go further, you can continue to Saremokor, the Kyrgyz town, and climb for another 1.5 hours to Lake Zor Kol. This extension provides cultural exchanges with nomadic herders as well as the opportunity to stand by one of the Pamirs' most picturesque lakes. Those who do not extend spend the day resting, touring the valley, or preparing to return over Shaur.
Trekking: Optional 4–6 hours
Overnight: Tent camping in valley near Shaur
Day 12: Return Crossing of Kotal-e-Shaur Pass
On this Day
Returning to the Wakhan, the route retraces the ascent via the Shaur glacier to the pass's crest. The ascent is once again difficult, but the vistas are just as breathtaking in reverse. The walk descends into the basin on the Wakhan side before returning to Shaur Base Camp, where the night is spent in the classic high-altitude amphitheater.
Trekking: 8–9 hours
Overnight: Tent camping at Shaur Base
Day 13: Crossing Kotal-e-Qarabel Pass – Descent to Borak
On this Day
The road climbs again over Kotal-e-Qarabel before dropping steadily into the lowlands that lead back to Borak. The alpine meadows and pastures are more pleasant after Shaur's harsh exposure, and returning to Borak brings a sense of comfort and success. The camp is located either near the settlement or in its surrounding countryside.
Trekking: 7 hours
Overnight: Tent camping or homestay in Borak
Day 14: Borak – Crossing Daliz Pass – Sarhad-e-Broghil
On this Day
The return from Borak to Sarhad-e-Broghil is one of the trek's longest days, as the path retraces the hard ascent to the Daliz Pass (4,267 m) before dropping to the Wakhan side. The ascent is strenuous after days in the high mountains, but the sweeping vistas from the peak are the ultimate reward. From the pass, the trail descends slowly into the valleys that lead back to Sarhad. The sight of cultivated fields, stone cottages, and the ribbon of the Panj River marks the conclusion of the wilderness adventure. By evening, the group arrives in Sarhad-e-Broghil, having completed the difficult circle through Daliz, Qarabel, and Shaur.
Trekking: 8–9 hours | Altitude: 3,300 m
Overnight: Local guesthouse or tented camp in Sarhad
Day 15: 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 16: Back 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.
Driving: 4–6 hours
Day 17: 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 18: 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 19: Departure from Afghanistan
On this Day
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, which concludes your Big 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 – Big Pamir Trek
The Big Pamir hike (Kotal-e-Shaur) is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. This 9-10 day circuit begins and ends in Sarhad-e-Broghil and crosses three daunting high-altitude passes: Daliz (4,267 m), Kotal-e-Qarabel (4,820 m), and the glaciated Kotal-e-Shaur (4,890 m). Each rise requires endurance and commitment, while each descent leads to lonely valleys of haunting beauty. The climax is at the peak of Kotal-e-Shaur, where hikers stand amid snow, ice, and rock, with breathtaking views of Tajikistan and the shimmering waters of Lake Zor Kol in the background.
This walk takes visitors into the untamed heart of the Big Pamir, a remote realm of glaciers, windswept grasslands, and rocky mountain slopes. Trekkers set up camps beside rivers and high plateaus, meeting Kyrgyz herders who embody the region’s rich cultural heritage. With its difficult passes, spectacular scenery, and sense of true discovery, the Big Pamir hike is an unrivaled journey across one of Central Asia’s most pristine environments.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
