02. August 2026

Day 88: Tajikistan

Overview

Driving duration: 1:23 h
Distance: 26 km
Avg Speed: 19 km/h
Start: South of Murghab
End: South of Murghab
Night Location: 37°53'37" N 74°6'17" E

Tajikistan

Another amazing day, we drove further into the valley and visited first some petroglyphs. After that we headed over the steppe towards an abandoned Soviet observatory. This was really cool, there was also an old base at the foot of the small hill, where the observatory itself was on top.

There was a lot to be seen at the old base, buildings, trucks. It was really cool! Then we did the hike up to the observatory, which was a mere 100 meters of elevation gain and maybe 1 kilometer. But we were at 4200 meters, so we really battled against the thin air.

The Observatory itself wasn’t locked, so we could have a look inside, which was also really interesting. A lot of old stuff still around.

We drove then a bit back out of the valley and are now just camping somewhere. It’s super flat here and there is nothing, so you just can stand anywhere and enjoy nature.

I then wanted to try how running goes at 4000 meters and I can tell you, not good. But it was an interesting experience, heart rate was normal but it felt as if I couldn’t breathe. Not a great feeling so I let it be after 2 kilometers… probably the shortest run I’ve ever done.