Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Muppets Threads! (And Anything Else) => Topic started by: Matt2matt2002 on October 07, 2014, 09:43:14 AM
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It looks like I have permission from Mrs. Matt to take 2 or 3 months off for a trip to the Pamir Highway.
Lots of planning to do.
Anyone any thoughts on flights?
Turkish airlines fly there but I have seen 'agents' such as ebooker, offering cheaper deals.
The last thing I want is hassle at the start of my trip.
So I am inclined to book direct with Turkish Airlines.
Would much appreciate any first hand info for booking such tickets/travel arrangements.
Matt
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Where do you want to start you ride in Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek or Osh?
In any case, you may want to consider flying to/from Tashkent instead, back in 2005 the road into Fergana Valley was soooo much better from Tashkent than Bishkek. Uzbeks are pretty good with road maintenance, though admittedly for the wrong reasons. It will also give you more choice with flights as Uzbek airlines are actually pretty good and the last time I checked Turkish flew to Tashkent too. Best thing, there may be still a direct Heathrow-Tashkent connection with Uzbek airlines, so no changing in Istanbul which is never fun with a bike... Check it out.
If you want to start riding from Osh, rather than cross Tien-Shan by bike first, flying to Tashkent makes even more sense as a minibus journey to Osh is much shorter, over lower mountain passes, and on better roads than from Tashkent. Should be cheaper too. If you want to ride your bike through Tien Shan, then the Kyrgyz road is far scarier and more demanding but far prettier too, and you may get to ride horses a lot too, so up to you! ;)
BTW this is all I can advise as I was there without a bike and 9 years ago. Do go, it's a stunningly beautiful place!
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Matt my friend Mark Ostheimer has just flown back (from Osh I think)
He's on warm showers Facebook group. I'll mention you may get in touch :)
And he will probably be flying back after the ski season to carry on to Japan
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Richie: Did you fly from Osh with your bike, how much, who with??
Mark: Yeah,Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. 240 Euro plus 90 Euro for the bike, Easy peasy
Richie: to gatwick?
Mark: Yeah
Richie: How long?
Mark: about 11 hours
give him a tinkle if you want more info
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When you thinking of going Matt. I want to do this myself but was planning on going the other way, but real life has taken its ball back and gone home.
One way might be a good idea
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While we're on the subject, whats an easy/cheap option from Australia to Kyrgyzstan?
Is there one?
The one irk about landing in Uzbekistan would be getting the visa.
Kyrgyzstan gives you one on arrival.
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When you thinking of going Matt. I want to do this myself but was planning on going the other way, but real life has taken its ball back and gone home.
One way might be a good idea
Hi Ritchie
I am thinking of going mid April/ May.
Warms up a bit then.
Not sure what my entire plans are but after Tajikistan I may go on into China.
So by starting in May I could pick up some good weather further on and get through into the Far East.
Thanks for the info on your pal who flew Turkish airlines from Gatwick.
They also fly from Edinburgh. Nearer my home in Aberdeen.
I will definitely contact him for info on how he booked his ticket. Not sure I trust agents so maybe he did it direct with the aireline
Thanks again.
Matt
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Another airline flying via Turkey to Kyrgyzstan from Europe.
Pegasus.
http://www.flypgs.com/en/
You Europeans do have all the options
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skyscanner.net is your friend matt
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It looks like I have permission from Mrs. Matt to take 2 or 3 months off for a trip to the Pamir Highway.
Matt, where did you ever find a wife like that?!?!?
You are a lucky man, enjoy your tour.
Jim
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Matt, where did you ever find a wife like that?!?!?
You are a lucky man, enjoy your tour.
Jim
Thanks.
Yes very fortunate indeed. Had to make a few err. consesions but defo. a result.
Matt