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Introducing Shokh Dara Valley
A 4WD road winds up the Shokh Dara Valley southeast of Khorog, offering a fine overnight excursion from Khorog or, with your own transport, a loop route option, connecting with the Pamir Hwy and returning to Khorog via the Gunt Valley or the Wakhan.
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About 34km from Khorog (7km before Roshtqala) you’ll see an alluvial plain onthe right that until 2002 was the village of Dasht. The huge mud slide killed 24 and diverted the river. Due to the lack of arable land, most Pamiris live on such volatile alluvial plains.
The main town in the valley is Roshtqala (Red Fort), named after the ruined fort above the town. The village has daily transport from Khorog and homestay accommodation.
One potential detour is the day-long walk from Vrang to scenic Durum-Kul. Alternatively, drive part of the way and make it a half-day hike (90 minutes each way). Further up the valley look out for forts at Shashbuvad and Deruj.
Just before Javshanguz are dramatic views of peaks Engels (6507m) and Karla Marxa (6723m). One enticing trekking route follows an old 4WD track over the 4432m Mats Pass into the Pamir Valley.
From Javshanguz the scenery blurs from the jagged valleys of the western Pamirs to the plateau scenery of the eastern Pamirs, as the rough 4WD road runs to Turuntai-Kul, 29km away and 6km off the main road. From here the main road winds down to the Pamir Hwy just beyond Jelandy, but there is a difficult river crossing en route for which you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD. It’s generally easier to cross near the lake; ask herders for the best route.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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