Khorog
Хоруғ
Capital of GBAO, nestled in a canyon where the Gunt and Panj rivers meet. It is the main supply and rest town along the middle stretch of the Pamir Highway.
Khorog sits at about 2,200 meters above sea level and is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province. It is also the largest town on the Pamir Highway, and most travelers stop here to rest, change vehicles, and stock up on cash and medicine. Highlights include the Pamir Botanical Garden at about 2,300 meters (founded in the Soviet era and considered one of the highest botanical gardens in the world, with views over the whole town), the riverside Central Park, the regional museum, and a lively bazaar. Most residents are Pamiris who follow Ismaili Islam and speak Pamiri languages. Traditional Pamiri houses, with five central pillars and a square skylight, can be visited through homestay family visits. Chartered cars from Dushanbe take about 12 to 16 hours. Small irregular flights also operate but are often canceled due to weather. Note: Khorog experienced unrest in 2022, so check the latest safety advisories before you set out. The town lies just across the river from Afghanistan, so do not photograph border installations along the riverbank.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Khorog City Park
- Khorog Regional Museum
- Pamir Botanical Garden (Khorog)
- Garm Chashma Hot Springs
- Ishkashim
- Darshai Gorge
- Kaakha (Qahqaha) Fortress
- Bibi Fatima Hot Springs