What’s the highest pass of the Pamir Highway?

Ak-Baital Pass! This epic mountain crossing in Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region clocks in at a whopping 4,670m (15,321ft). Hold onto your hats, folks, because that makes it the highest pass in the entire former Soviet Union!

You'll find it along the legendary Pamir Highway (M41), the gateway to Murgab through the Muzkul Mountains. This stretch was built back in Soviet times, and let's just say maintenance has been a little...patchy since then.

Expect a mix of pavement and seriously rough unpaved sections. Even in a 4x4, this climb is a beast. The altitude will hit you hard – think headaches and shortness of breath. Dust and wind are your constant companions, so pack accordingly. Landslides, erosion, and the occasional earthquake have all left their mark.

But oh, the views! The landscape is unbelievably barren, almost lunar, yet dotted with stunning, jewel-like lakes. The hauntingly beautiful Lake Karakul is a definite highlight. Seriously, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet – the scale is just immense, the colors are intense, and the sky stretches on forever. Keep an eye out for yaks wandering alongside the road – they’re the ultimate Pamir road trip companions.