Ak-Baital Pass
Ағбаи Акбайтал
At 4,655 meters, the highest point on the Pamir Highway and one of the highest mountain passes on any former Soviet road, surrounded by colorful gravel slopes.
Ak-Baital Pass (the name means "white horse" in Kyrgyz) lies between Karakul Lake and Murghab. At about 4,655 meters, it is the highest point on the Pamir Highway (M41). The area is covered in red, gray, and ochre gravel slopes and patches of snow, with a wild and sweeping landscape. A roadside marker makes it a must-stop photo spot for travelers. The road here is mostly gravel and broken asphalt. It takes about 2 hours by car south from the village of Karakul. Don't linger too long, and move slowly to avoid severe altitude sickness. Weather changes quickly, and it can snow even in summer, so bring a down jacket.
Opening hours
All day (subject to road conditions)
Nearby sights
- Karakul Lake Salt Shore
- Karakul Village
- Karakul Lake (Tajikistan)
- Markansu Valley
- Kyzyl-Art Pass
- Lenin Peak View