The Roof of the World by road
The Pamir Highway runs through the Gorno-Badakhshan region of Tajikistan, climbing onto a high, stark plateau known as the Roof of the World. From Khorog, a detour through the Wakhan Valley follows the Panj river with the mountains of Afghanistan across the water and Hindu Kush peaks beyond. The road passes ancient fortresses, hot springs and villages of flat-roofed Pamiri houses before reaching Murghab and the high Ak-Baital Pass. A permit is required, and most travellers go by 4x4 or bicycle.