Khorog is the administrative center of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) of Tajikistan and an important traveler’s hub for traveling on the famous Pamir Highway. Although there aren’t too many special points of interest, the town itself is a “point of interest” with its local lifestyle surrounded by fantastic landscapes. So, it is very likely that you would like to spend a longer time here—at least a night or two. The question is: where to stay in Khorog?
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Where to stay in Khorog: Useful tips
Khorog is the largest town in Pamir but still small enough to be explored entirely on foot for 2-3 hours. So, the location of your place to stay is not crucial. However, some areas are more convenient because they are closer to the center and the important transportation hub where the shared taxis depart.
Concerning the price and quality, the hotels, hostels, and guest houses in Khorog have significantly improved, mostly due to the growing tourism. Their owners learn how to attract travelers and make their stay as convenient and cozy as possible. At the same time, prices are not too high, except for a few more special hotels made for “special tourists”.
You can easily find a property on Booking or Agoda. But let’s first focus on the location. Although it is not too important, we can still divide Khorog into the center and suburbs.
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Khorog areas
The central area of Khorog is mostly around the main boulevard, between the village of Dashtitem in the west and Somoni Square in the east. In the south, it “borders” the Gunt River.
The rest of Khorog, which includes the urban area south of the Gunt River, and the eastern suburbs near the Botanical Garden.
The center of Khorog
This is the most visited and most “strategic” part of Khorog. Here is the auto-station with shared taxis to Dushanbe, Murghab, and Ishkashim, here is also the airport and the Ministry of Interior Office (OVIR) where you can get your GBAO permit.
Most points of interest in Khorog are also in the center- Somoni Square, the Central Park, the Museum of Khorog, and most shops and markets. The Afghan Market is also close to this area.
So, let’s take a look at some good options to stay here. They can be divided into budget and luxury.
Budget hotels and hostels
Pamir Mountain Lodge
Location: On the western side of the center, at the central Lenin Str.
Rate: Very good- 8.5.
Highlights: A new hostel, an alternative to the old Pamir Lodge.
Details:
This is a new backpacker’s hostel, established in a great location- exactly at the central Lenin Str., in convenient proximity to the auto station with shared taxis for Ishkashim, Murghab, and Dushanbe, and to the shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby.
Pamir Mountain Lodge offers several types of rooms- a hostel type of dormitories, and a hotel type of single and double rooms. It provides a kitchen where you can cook by yourself but not a free breakfast (however, you can order a breakfast for additional money).
Since it is still new, everything is clean and visitors are very satisfied with their stay. All of them witness the hospitable and helpful staff.
Cons: No Wifi.
Check for availability in Pamir Mountain Lodge on Booking!
Check for availability in Pamir Mountain Lodge on Agoda!
Bomi Jahon Hotel
Location: In the center, at Lenin Str., in front of the Theater Mehrubon Nazarov
Rate: Good- 7.0
Highlights: A cheap hotel in a good location
Details:
This is a typical classical cheap hotel, in the center of Khorog. What most attracts visitors is its location, exactly at the Lenin Str., in front of the Mehrubon Nazarov Theater. The hotel is ranked 2-star and it is relatively old.
Bomi Jahon Hotel offers several types of rooms, typical for a hotel of such category- single rooms, double rooms, etc. It offers breakfast but you still have to check it- according to some reviews, breakfast is not every day. At least, its new staff is helpful and friendly.
Cons: You can’t find it on Booking or Agoda but just have to go directly there or call them on the phone (if you know at least Russian). A bit noisy in the morning- the noise comes from the Theater.
Check for availability in Bomi Jahon Hotel!
Luxurious hotels
Pamir Palace Hotel
Location: Between the airport and the center
Rate: Fabulous 8.6
Highlights: The most luxurious hotel in Khorog
Details:
This a 4-star hotel, one of the best hotels in Khorog. Even its appearance from the outside speaks about its luxury. Of course, it comes with a higher price and the hotel is proper for travelers and tourists with more money or budget adventure travelers who decide to reward themselves with some luxury after a harsh journey through the Pamir Mountains.
Pamir Palace Hotel is really like a palace. It offers various types of rooms- standard double, twin, triple rooms, deluxe rooms, executive suites, family rooms, a 6-bed dormitory room, and king suites. In addition, it has a fitness center and a restaurant.
The hotel is very convenient for those who arrive or depart by plane. It also offers an airport shuttle.
Cons: Occasional inconveniences like temporary lack of wifi or heating.
Check for availability in Pamir Palace Hotel on Booking!
Check for availability in Pamir Palace Hotel on Agoda!
The rest of Khorog- the east and south
This is the area east of Somoni Square, along the road to Murghab, near the Botanical Garden, and south of the Gunt River. It is not too different than the center, just it is a bit farther than the “strategic” points (but near the Botanical Garden).
Location: Near the center, on the other side of the Gunt River, in front of the Central Park of Khorog
Rate: Superb 9.1
Highlights: A great place with an excellent river view
Details:
This is a great place, located right beside the southern bank of the Gunt River. It makes the hotel one of the most romantic places in Khorog. Having breakfast over the waters of the river is something that you can’t try everywhere. At the same time, it has a good location- almost in the center, although behind the river.
Zarya Hotel is a comfortable and cozy place. It hasn’t ranking but by comfort, it can be compared to a 3-star hotel. It offers double, triple rooms, deluxe, and twin rooms, all with great mountain or river views. In addition, it also offers airport transfers and car rental.
Cons: Small complaints, mostly by misunderstandings with the staff
Check for availability in Zarya Hotel on Booking!
Check for availability in Zarya Hotel on Agoda!
Hotel SiTORA
Location: In the eastern part of Khorog, Tirchid quarter
Rate: Exceptional 9.5
Highlights: One of the best budget hotels in Pamir
Details:
It is a relatively new hotel, and everything is very clean. Don’t look at its outside appearance- it is not great, but the inside is perfect for a budget hotel. Only its location is a bit of a problem because it is far from the center and there aren’t too many shops, restaurants, or cafes nearby.
Hotel SiTORA offers deluxe twin rooms and family double rooms with shared a bathroom. It has a kitchen, although it doesn’t offer breakfast. Some rooms have a nice river view. The hotel is also proper for adventure travelers with motorcycles who are going to travel on the Pamir Highway.
Cons: A bit far from the center and the convenient places for meals.
Check for availability in Hotel SiTORA on Booking!
Check for availability in Hotel SiTORA on Agoda!
Pamir Lodge
Location: On the southern side of Khorog, Tirchid quarter
Rate: Very good 8.3
Highlights: Still the most popular adventurous hostel with a unique design
Details:
This is one of the oldest places to stay in Khorog and the whole Pamir for adventure travelers. It is a hostel type of accommodation with a garden, at the foot of the steep mountain slope, great for motorcyclists and bikers traveling on the Pamir Highway.
Pamir Lodge offers a standard room, lux rooms, and a dormitory with bunk beds. Its interior is also unique with stony walls and wooden stairs. They provide a unique service too- bicycle repair.
Unfortunately, the recent years have been difficult for the owners of Pamir Lodge- the competition in Khorog is too severe. We hope that this wonderful place will survive it.
Cons: A bit far from the center. Some visitors complain of small inconveniences.
Check for availability in Pamir Lodge!
Pamir Alibaba Hotel
Location: In the extreme northeast end of Khorog, on the way to Murghab.
Rate: Exceptional 9.6
Highlights: A great luxurious hotel in a quiet place
Details:
This is an excellent 3-star hotel, quite luxurious for its ranking. It is located at the northeast end of Khorog and is a great place to welcome or goodbye travelers on the classical version of the Pamir Highway.
Pamir Alibaba Hotel is a nice place with some Pamiri home vibes. It is clean and its interior is designed with soft and cozy wood elements. The hotel offers suites with a balcony, twin rooms with a balcony, and deluxe king suites. It has a shared kitchen, a nice garden, a shuttle service, and free bikes for visitors.
Cons: Too far from the center.
Check for availability in Pamir Alibaba Hotel on Booking!
Check for availability in Pamir Alibaba Hotel on Agoda!
Hotel TEM
Location: In the extreme northwest of Khorog, between the airport and the Afghan Market
Rate: Excellent 8.6
Highlights: A guest house style, in a specific location
Details:
This is a nice place, the best property near the popular Afghan Market of Khorog. It is not too popular for travelers because it is far from the center but still provides a unique experience, right in front of Afghanistan, behind the Panj River.
Hotel TEM is a guest house type of hotel, with a cozy design. It offers double rooms with breakfast included in the price and private bathrooms. Everything is relatively luxurious and clean. Some rooms have terraces with views of Afghanistan.
Cons: Too far from the center. Difficult to find if not booked in advance.
Check for availability in Hotel TEM on Booking!
In general, that’s the best of the properties in Khorog. There are many other small hotels, homestays, and guesthouses, and you can see most of them on Google Maps. But keep in mind that some of them are seasonable, open only during the summer- the high season. And some of them are permanently closed due to the wild competition in recent years (you see them on the map but when you go there, there is nothing).
So, to recap- if you want to spend a night or more in Khorog- check out our proposals, or check the reviews for the other options. If there are no reviews yet, send a message to the property, talk to them, and be careful.
Finally, Khorog is a nice town to stay, with its own unique local atmosphere. So, spend more than one day there, resolve your accommodation, and enjoy exploring this amazing place!
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