General
Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek (Little Pamir Wakhan) 21 Days – Afghanistan (2026-27)
The Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek (Little Pamir Wakhan) takes trekkers deep into one of Afghanistan’s most remote and breathtaking areas. Starting in Sarhad-e-Broghil, the road travels over steep mountain passes and wide high-altitude plateaus to the fabled Chaqmaqtin Lake, the source of the Murghab River. Along the trip, trekkers meet Wakhi and Kyrgyz nomads, learn about traditional Pamiri life, and marvel at the untouched grandeur of the Little Pamir’s vast vistas.
In addition to this trek, we offer the following adventure options in Afghanistan, as listed in the table below.
Dates & Cost – Chaqmaqtin Lake 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 – Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek
The Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek has a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights:
- Trek over the Daliz Pass (4,260 m) with panoramic views of the Hindu Kush.
- Walk through Wakhi villages and experience authentic mountain hospitality.
- Camp in Langar, a traditional grazing area named for its “free buffet.”
- Meet nomadic Kyrgyz herders in Kashch Goz and Bozai Gumbaz settlements.
- Visit the ancient Kyrgyz tombs of Bozai Gumbaz, surrounded by high plains.
- Reach the spectacular Chaqmaqtin Lake, source of the Murghab River.
- Witness Bactrian camels and yak caravans crossing the open Pamir plateau.
- Enjoy a cultural exchange inside Kyrgyz yurts beside alpine meadows.
- Spot diverse high-altitude wildlife in the pristine Little Pamir wilderness.
- Explore side routes toward Tegermansu Valley and the Afghanistan-China border.
Itinerary – Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek
The itinerary for the Chaqmaqtin 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: Travel from 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: 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 – Borak
On this Day
The walk starts with one of the most difficult days, leaving behind the small Wakhan Corridor, where the river becomes too steep to follow. From Sarhad-e-Broghil, the trail ascends to the Daliz Pass at 4,260 meters, gaining approximately 1,000 meters in a short distance. This alpine route gives magnificent views of the rocky Hindu Kush ranges before dropping into the settlement of Borak, where we will spend the night surrounded by high mountains.
Trekking: 7 hours | Altitude: 3,450 m
Day 07: Trek to Langar
On this Day
Leaving Borak, the path takes us through the Wakhan River valley. This stretch is frequently alive with the seasonal movement of shepherds returning their sheep to the larger communities. The scenery widens up into alpine meadows, where yaks and sheep graze. Our destination is Langar, a typical grazing region whose name means "free buffet." The Wakhi's culture and pastoral life become clear here, providing insight into their long-standing interaction with the land.
Trekking: 6–7 hours | Altitude: 3,600 m
Day 08: Trek to Kashch Goz
On this Day
Today's trip takes us out of the steep-sided Wakhan Valley and into the Afghan Pamir plains. The terrain changes dramatically, with towering cliffs giving way to broad high-altitude grasslands. We arrive to Kashch Goz, the Kyrgyz community's lowest settlement, where travelers frequently switch Wakhi pack animals for Kyrgyz yaks or horses better adapted to the Pamir landscape. The night is spent at a camp near these dispersed Kyrgyz communities.
Trekking: 5–6 hours | Altitude: 3,800 m
Day 09: Trek from Kashch Goz to Bozai Gumbaz
On this Day
This day is a short hike to Bozai Gumbaz, the largest Kyrgyz town in the Little Pamir. Visitors can see a thriving nomadic community with yurt camps strewn throughout the plain. The area is noteworthy for its ancient Kyrgyz tombs, which serve as a reminder of the community's long history in Afghanistan's Pamir. The afternoon is free for exploration or relaxation, with plenty of time to observe the rhythms of daily life in this distant village.
Trekking: 2–3 hours | Altitude: 3,900 m
Day 10: Trek to Chaqmaqtin Lake
On this Day
The journey continues over broad meadows and mild terrain to Chaqmaqtin Lake, one of the Pamir's most famous features. This sparkling alpine lake, 9 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, sits at 4,050 meters and is the source of the Murghab (Aksu) River. Bactrian camels, grazing yaks, and Kyrgyz herders are frequently seen going between camps. Approaching the lake seems like entering the heart of the Afghan Pamir.
Trekking: 4–5 hours | Altitude: 4,050 m
Day 11: Explore Chaqmaqtin Lake
On this Day
This day is set aside for immersion in the culture and natural beauty of Chaqmaqtin Lake. Visitors can connect with Kyrgyz nomads, obtaining a unique perspective on their customs, lifestyle, and perseverance in one of the world's most remote places. The turquoise waters of the lake, the backdrop of lofty peaks, and the kindness of the Kyrgyz make this a memorable stop on the walk. It is a day of rest and cultural interchange, with the opportunity to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
Day 12: Return trek Bozai Gumbaz
On this Day
Retracing our steps, we return over the vast plains to Bozai Gumbaz. The return journey allows us to experience the land in a different light, possibly revisiting the graves or spending more time observing Kyrgyz daily life. Camping near the settlement offers another opportunity for cultural exchange before starting the journey.
Day 13: Trek back to Kashch Goz
On this Day
The trail returns to Kashch Goz, where the towns indicate the start of the descent into the Wakhan Valley. The walk decreases in altitude and distance, providing an opportunity to ponder on the high plateaus left behind. The camp is located near the Kyrgyz animal pastures, with views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 14: Trek to Langar
On this Day
We continue down the valley till we reach Langar. The high plains give way to river valleys and pastureland, bringing us back to familiar vistas. With a long history as a grazing ground and summer hub for the Wakhi people, the village is an ideal halting spot.
Day 15: Trek from Langar to Borak
On this Day
From Langar, we follow the river back to Borak. The descent is smooth and picturesque, offering panoramic vistas of the valley as it narrows. Borak once again acts as a resting spot, connecting the Pamir's alpine heights to the lower Wakhan lowlands.
Day 16: Borak - Daliz Pass - Sarhad-e-Broghil
On this Day
The last day retraces the dramatic rise and descent over Daliz Pass, but in reverse. The ascent is strenuous, but the reward is the breathtaking view of the Wakhan Corridor and the relief of reaching Sarhad-e-Broghil, where the walk ends. The expedition concludes where it began, completing the experience through one of Afghanistan's most desolate and renowned environments.
Day 17: 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 18: Return 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 19: Drive back 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 20: 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 21: Departure from Afghanistan
On this Day
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, which concludes your Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek (Little Pamir Wakhan) 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.
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Map
Overview – Chaqmaqtin Lake Trek
The Chaqmaqtin Lake hike (Little Pamir Wakhan) is one of the most difficult but rewarding treks in Afghanistan’s far northeast. Beginning at Sarhad-e-Broghil, the trail soon ascends high mountain ranges before emerging into the vast expanses of the Afghan Pamir. Trekkers traverse through Wakhi towns and alpine meadows before arriving at the Kyrgyz camps of Kashch Goz and Bozai Gumbaz. The path is not only a journey through stunning scenery, but it also provides an opportunity to learn about the continuing traditions of the Wakhi and Kyrgyz communities that live in this remote area.
The trek’s centerpiece is Chaqmaqtin Lake, a magnificent alpine lake that stretches nine kilometers at an elevation of almost 4,000 meters. It is believed to be the source of the Murghab (Aksu) River and is located in a breathtaking natural amphitheater surrounded by peaks and grasslands inhabited by yaks and Bactrian camels. Spending time near the lake provides insight into Kyrgyz nomadic life, which includes yurts, herding activities, and centuries-old culture. This walk is demanding in effort but unparalleled in beauty, revealing the stark environment and cultural diversity of the Little Pamir, providing trekkers with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
