After several days traveling the epic and demanding Pamir Highway, with its remote villages, desolate landscapes, and hospitable people, it was time for a hike through this unique region. So, before leaving the Pamirs for good, I decided to do one last trek to the Jizev Valley.
Located near the village of Rushon, Jizev Valley is one of those places that doesn't always appear in popular guidebooks, but is often recommended by travelers who have traveled extensively through Tajikistan. A simple trek, without the need for a guide, takes you to a small valley hidden among mountains, crossing rivers, hanging bridges, and turquoise lakes.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Technical details of Trekking in Jizev Valley
| Start |
| Suspension bridge crossing the Bartang River |
| Final |
| Chadin – Suspension Bridge |
| Duration |
| 1 day |
| Distance |
| 12 km round trip |
| Estimated time in hours |
| 4 hours |
| Max. Altitude |
| 2500m |
| Difficulty |
| Easy |
| Signaling |
| None, but well-marked trails |
| Water/food |
| None |
🚗 How to get to the start of the Jizev Valley trek
The Jizev Valley trek starts from a suspension bridge crossing the Bartang River, located about 27 km north of Rushon center, just above the main road connecting Khorog with Dushanbe.
The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi from Rushon, which can drop you off directly at the bridge entrance. There is no marked stop or signs, but local drivers know exactly where the trailhead is. It's also possible to arrange a shared taxi from Khorog and ask to be dropped off there, though this will depend on the willingness of the driver and other passengers.
Another option is hitchhiking from Rushon or Khorog, which is very common in the area, especially if you travel quickly and have plenty of time. Once at the starting point, you just have to cross the suspension bridge and you'll be in the valley, where the trail that goes into the mountains begins.
In my case, to get to and from the Jizev Valley, I traveled with Tino, a German man traveling in his own camper. We had agreed to do it together in Khorog, so the logistics weren't a problem for me. But if I had had to pay a lot of money for a private taxi, I honestly would have thought twice before coming.
🏡 Rushon: a strategic point for exploring Jizev Valley
Rushon is a small town strategically located on the main route of the Pamir Highway, between Khorog and Dushanbe. Thanks to this location, getting there is very easy, whether you are coming from the east (Khorog) or the west (Dushanbe), whether by shared taxi, private vehicle, or hitchhiking.
Although it doesn't have many tourist attractions, Rushon is a quiet place, perfect for a base if you're planning to explore the Jizev Valley or rest for a night before or after continuing your Pamir Trek. There are simple family accommodations where the local hospitality is evident, and it's a good place to get transportation or basic food before continuing on your way.
Also, being so close to the start of the Jizev trek, many travelers choose to sleep here and leave early the next day to make the most of the day's trek.
I stayed at Rushon Inn Guesthouse, another very welcoming homestay. It had good facilities and a very friendly lady who prepared the food.
🛖 Where to sleep during trekking in Jizev Valley?
One of the most special things about trekking to Jizev Valley is that, although it is a remote and little-traveled valley, along the way there are small settlements where it is possible to spend the night. Depending on how far you go, you can find up to three small communities, made up of a few adobe houses, surrounded by fields, fruit trees, and mountains.
These villages are very small and barely inhabited, but in each one there is usually a family willing to welcome travelers into their home. The conditions are very basic, but it's an authentic experience.
If you're planning to trek in two days, sleeping in one of these villages is ideal. You can also bring your tent and camp, although many people choose to stay with a host family to avoid carrying heavy loads and enjoy a closer look at the local culture.
⚠️ General considerations for trekking in Jizev Valley
Although trekking to Jizev Valley is not that difficult, it is important to keep in mind some aspects to ensure a safe experience:
- Same-day round trip: It's possible to do it in one day if you leave early, walk at a good pace, and don't venture too far into the valley. But if you want to take it easy, take photos, or just enjoy yourself, you might want to spend one night and return the next day.
- Bring offline maps or GPS: There's no phone service in the valley, so it's essential to have an app like Maps.me or Organic Maps with the trail downloaded. The trail is relatively clear, but there may be poorly marked detours in some sections.
- Plan your return trip: If you're trekking in one day, make sure to arrange transportation back from the starting point. You can ask the taxi to wait for you or arrange with a contact in Rushon or Khorog. If you plan to sleep in the valley, arrange your return trip the next day.
- Best time to go: The best time to visit Jizev is between June and September, when the trails are clear, the days are long, and the weather is pleasant. At other times, there may be snow, rain, or impassable roads.
- What to bring: If you're going for the day, a light backpack will suffice: water, food, a coat (because it can get chilly even in summer), a flashlight in case you return late, and something to protect yourself from the sun. If you're sleeping in the valley, also bring a sleeping bag and basic hygiene items. If you prefer to camp, add a tent and cooking gear.
Map to get to Jizev Valley
Trekking in Jizev Valley to Chadin village
| Distance |
| 12 km round trip |
| Estimated time |
| 4 hs. |
| Elevation Profile |
| From 2.100 mts to 2.500 mts |
The Jizev Valley trek begins with one of the most picturesque features of the route: a suspension bridge that crosses the Bartang River, moved by the wind and the rushing waters below. That first crossing already gives you the feeling of entering a secluded place, far from the noise and traffic of the Pamir Highway.
Once inside the valley, the trail is fairly clear, although the landscape becomes somewhat repetitive. Unlike the open views and majestic mountains I saw in the Fann Mountains, here the road is more closed, surrounded by little vegetation, gentle slopes and small water channels. There aren't many wide panoramas, and the walk becomes quiet, almost meditative, but without large postcards that surprise.
After a couple of hours of walking we reach our last stop, Chadin, a small settlement where a lake appears surrounded by low mountains. It was the most photogenic moment of the day, with reflections in the water, absolute silence, and a feeling of total isolation.
If you have the time and energy, you can cross the lake on the side and continue deeper into the valley. Further ahead are two small settlements with adobe houses and a couple of additional lakes that may be worth exploring. The only caveat is that if you plan to do it in a day (as I did), you may not have enough time to make it all the way to the end and back. But if you're planning on spending the night at one of those spots, the extra hike will probably be worth it.
🔁 How to get back to Rushon from Jizev Valley?
Once you're done trekking, getting back to Rushon can be a bit tricky if you don't plan ahead. The hike ends back at the suspension bridge that crosses the Bartang River, over the main road, but it's not a busy route, especially during the off-season.
Therefore, it is best to coordinate your return in advance. You can arrange for the same taxi that took you there to wait for you for a few hours, or arrange for them to pick you up at a specific time. Another option is to ask your accommodation in Rushon for help and have them contact someone you trust.
Hitchhiking is also possible, but you'll need to be patient: Cars pass by very rarely, and they don't always go in the direction of Rushon. If you're lucky, a local vehicle might give you a ride, but it's not guaranteed, so it's best not to leave it to chance, especially if you're tired after the hike or if it's getting late.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Is the Jizev Valley trek worth it?
Honestly, for me, the trek to Jizev Valley wasn't that great. Some travelers had recommended it to me as a nice place to visit, but the truth is that, compared to other areas of Tajikistan such as the Fann Mountains, it falls quite short in terms of spectacular landscapes or variety of settings. The trail is peaceful, yes, but also a bit monotonous and somewhat closed, lacking the open views that are so striking in other regions.
Perhaps it's because I only did the day hike, up to the Chadin area, which was the most picturesque part of the entire trek. I don't know how the valley continues beyond that point, and perhaps those who venture further inland, sleeping in one of the later villages, find a more attractive environment or more enriching experiences.
In short, if you're in Rushon and have a spare day, it can be an interesting hike to stretch your legs and connect with nature. But if you're looking for trekking with unforgettable views, there are other regions of the country that stand out even more.