Hello folks.
After x years of thought and y years of planning, I am about to fly from Edinburgh UK to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a 2 month tour.
Hopefully bike South into Tajikistan and then along the Pamir Highway.
Quite a few sections above 3,000m and a few passes at 4,000+m.
Meeting up with 2 guys from Oz and a lady from New Zealand. All experienced travelers.
I fly out on Saturday 23rd and the others arrive 3 days later.
Booked into a guest house but have 2 others as back up. I get the impression that no firm bookings are taken, so something of potluck as to finding a bed. But my 3 day lead on the others will allow be to scope out the set up for them.
Visa required for Tajikistan and also a permit for the GBOA region.
Latest news is that due to political trouble across the border in Afghanistan, the permits have been suspended.
News flying about the various forums giving conflicting advice, so fingers and spokes crossed for the situation to be resolved.
Route:
Bishkek, Osh, Dushanbe, Khorog, Sary Tash, Osh and Dushanbe.
Number crunching the mileage indicates a steady speed required. We want to smell those roses but due to distances and visa & flight home times, the clock needs to be watched.
Lots of good info on the crazyguy site and I have called a guy who did most of our route last year. Good tips on clothing and road conditions.
Wanted to finish off with thanks to all the forks who have given me great advice on my Raven, The Old Bird.
She's in tip top condition and a lot of that is down to the tips and advice I have received here.
I'll try to keep in touch once on the road. But the term 'road' is used very loosely!
Matt
