Pamir Highway (M41)
Tajikistan, asia
1,252 km
4,655 m
extreme
June to September
The Pamir Highway, officially known as the M41, is a 1,252-kilometer road connecting Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, to Osh in Kyrgyzstan via the autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan region. Built by the Soviets in the 1930s, it is one of the highest and most remote highways in the world, crossing passes above 4,000 meters including the Ak-Baital Pass at 4,655 meters, the highest point on the former Soviet road network.
The highway traverses the heart of the Pamir Mountains, often called the 'Roof of the World,' passing through vast, treeless high-altitude plateaus, turquoise lakes including Karakul and Yashilkul, ancient Silk Road caravanserais, and remote Pamiri villages where hospitality is legendary. The road surface ranges from decent tarmac near Dushanbe to deteriorated Soviet-era concrete slabs and unpaved gravel tracks in the most remote sections. It is considered one of the ultimate overlanding routes on Earth.
Where is it?
Pamir Highway (M41) is located in Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan (asia). Coordinates: 38.6000, 72.8000
Driving Tips
A GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region) permit is required in addition to a Tajik visa. Carry extra fuel as stations are scarce and unreliable. Allow 5-7 days minimum. Homestays are the primary accommodation. Bring cash as there are no ATMs outside Khorog. High-clearance 4WD recommended for the eastern section. Prepare for altitude sickness.
Road Surface
Mixed tarmac, concrete, and gravel
Road Details
- Country
- Tajikistan
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Gorno-Badakhshan
- Length
- 1,252 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,655 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Surface
- Mixed tarmac, concrete, and gravel
- Best Season
- June to September
- Coordinates
- 38.6000, 72.8000
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