How to Get to Murghab, One of the Highest Towns Accessible by Car on Earth
Murghab is a high mountain town at an elevation of 3,618m (11,869ft) above sea level, located in the Murghob District of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, in Tajikistan. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth.
Where is Murghab?
Murghab is located south of Ak-Baital Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,670m (15,321ft) above sea level, on the Murghab Plateau in eastern Tajikistan. Founded by the Russians as Pamirsky Post in 1893, it was their most advanced military outpost in Central Asia. Today, it is a remote crossroads between the fading Soviet empire and the emerging power of China.
Was Murghab the Highest Town in the Former Soviet Union?
Yes, at this elevation, Murghab is the highest town in Tajikistan and of the former Soviet Union. It is a crucial stop for travelers, as there is no other populated settlement for hundreds of kilometers where people can stay in relatively comfortable conditions. The town is also known as Murgab. One of the local sights is a Lenin monument from Soviet times. With a population of 4,000, Murghab is the only significant town the eastern half of Gorno-Badakhshan.
How to Get to Murghab, the Highest Town in Tajikistan?
The road to Murghab is the historical Pamir Highway, officially known as M41. It’s mostly paved, except in the mountain passes, and is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. The road is about 300km (186 miles) long, running north-south from Kyzylart Pass, an international high mountain pass at 4,292m (14,081ft) above sea level on the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border, to Rabat Sasök-Kul'.
What’s the Weather Like in Murghab?
Murghab, set high in the Pamir Mountains, is exposed to strong winds and rapid weather changes. Winters last from mid-September to late May, with temperatures reaching as low as -50°C (-60°F). Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching +40°C (105°F) in July and August. The region is a high desert with little rainfall, though sudden downpours do occur. Strong winds blow year-round, and severe storms can appear suddenly. Snow can fall any day of the year, even in the valleys.
Pic: Ahror Kosimov