Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan - TajikistanDates
Currently not bookable for political reasons.
Difficulty level:
Description
The Pamir Highway is located in Central Asia and is one of the most exciting roads in the world. We invite you on an extraordinary tour, during which you will cross the Pamir Mountains, visit exotic and famous cities such as Tashkent, Samarqand, Dushanbe and many other lesser known, but no less impressively beautiful places.
Central Asia is the birthplace of ancient civilisations; the Great Silk Road from China to Europe ran through here. Geniuses, scientists, educators and poets such as Avicenna, Ulugbek and Omar Khayyam lived and worked in Central Asian countries. Thousands of years ago, grandiose cities with beautiful mosques, minarets and madrasahs were built here. The medieval monuments in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabs, Merv, Penjikent are known worldwide.
The Tien Shan Mountains, the Pamir Mountains, deserts, cotton fields, camel caravans, the ancient fortresses of Khorezm - all this awaits you on this tour. You will cross the territory of three former Soviet republics - Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan - and get to know the culture, cuisine and local customs of these countries that are so foreign to us.
This very special motorbike tour starts and ends in Osh, in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Travelling to and from Osh is easy by plane and entry to Kyrgyzstan is uncomplicated and visa-free for EU citizens.
Tour dates:
Total length: 2,350 km. High level of difficulty, with mountain crossings, (major) city crossings and unsurfaced roads. Several days spent above 2,500 metres above sea level, up to approx. 4,500 metres above sea level. Roads: 60% asphalt, 40% unpaved roads. It is possible to take a pillion rider with you, on the "gravel stages" they can ride in the support vehicle.
Click to enlargeOur exclusive travel programme
Day 1: Arrival in Osh
Day 2: Osh - Kokand 200 km
200 km
Day 3: Kokand - Khujand
170 km
We cross another border and enter Tajikistan. In the evening, we take a walk through the city and have dinner in a traditional Tajik restaurant.
Day 4: Khujand - Dushanbe
305 km
Today begins with mountain roads, serpentines and sometimes unpaved roads. After a 7-8 hour journey, we reach Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. We have dinner and then take an express tour of the city.
Day 5: Dushanbe - Kali-Khumb
280/370 km
The old Pamir Highway from Dushanbe to Kalai Khumb runs north-west through the village of Tavildara and the Khuborabad Pass (3200 m). This road is mostly unpaved. The pass is beautiful, but difficult to pass in bad weather. We will find out about the situation the day before in Dushanbe before choosing another route.
An alternative and longer route from Dushanbe to Kalai-Khumba leads via Kulyab. The road surface is mostly of excellent quality. Only the last 40 kilometres of the route lead through a narrow gorge along an unpaved road.
Arrival at the hotel, accommodation, dinner in Ashkhan on the banks of the Khumb River.
Day 6: Kalai-Khumb - Khorog
240 km
On this day, we travel along the Pyanj River Gorge along the border with Afghanistan. On the way we pass hundreds of picturesque mountain landscapes and colourful villages. Rise in altitude from 1300 metres in Kalai-Khumb to 2100 metres in Khorog. This is the third phase of acclimatisation.
In Khorog we will make a final decision about the route. Option 1, from Khorog directly through the Pamir Plateau (northern road). Option 2, continue along the Panj River and the Afghan border (southern road).
The northern route is less interesting; it is the new Pamir Highway, which runs along a high mountain plateau. The southern road along Pyanj or the old motorway is preferable, more varied and more interesting. However, it can be difficult or closed to leave the Wakhan Gorge via the Khargush Pass. Arrival at the hotel, accommodation, dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 7: Khorog - rest day
0 km
Day 8: Khorog - Yamchun
180/315 km
Day 9: Yamchung - Murgab
275 km
Despite the low number of kilometres, the day will be very long and strenuous. We have to set off early. We continue along the Pyanj. There is only one settlement on the way, Langar, where we will try to buy petrol and have lunch. However, as this is not always possible, we take food and fuel supplies with us. From Langar to Murghab there is a steep climb and the pass - Khargush (4,344 m). From here we turn sharply northwards and enter the Pamir plateau. Before entering the northern highway there is a bad dirt road and then broken tarmac and the Naizatash Pass
(4.137 m). Climbing from 2,500 to 3,600 metres, we have to be prepared for bad weather, difficult roads, altitude sickness and other "charms" of our exciting journey. In the afternoon, the road promises to be better than in the morning. Murghab was considered the highest mountain district centre in the USSR, the altitude of the village is about 3,800 m above sea level, we spend the night at this altitude.
Day 10: Murgab - Sari-Tash
250 km
Next, a special section of 150 kilometres at an altitude of 4,000 m awaits us, with the Ak-Baital Pass (4,655 m) as the "high point". It was the highest in the former USSR and is the highest point on our route. On the descent, we will cycle around Karakul, the largest lake in Tajikistan, which at 4,000 metres is 100 metres higher than Titicaca.
Day 11: Sari-Tash - Osh
250 km
Day 12: Osh - rest day/reserve day
0 km
Today it's time to relax again. At lunchtime we take a city tour for those who want to. You can review the last few days and "experienced" kilometres over the last dinner together.
Day 13: Journey home
Included services:
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13-day motorbike tour along some of the most impressive roads in Central Asia
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Motorbike rental BMW F 750 / F 850 GS incl. fully comprehensive insurance with € 1,500 excess (= deposit) Optional: BMW R 1250 GS surcharge € 1,000
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Petrol (only for rented motorbikes)
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Single room in 2-, 3- and 4-star hotels
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incl. breakfast during the tour
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English-speaking travel guide on motorbike
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Support vehicle with second guide
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Entrance tickets to sights and excursions with local guides as per programme
- Airport transfer in Osh to/from the hotel
- Welcome dinner
- Souvenir pack (T-shirt, paper maps, etc.)
Not included:
Flights to/from Osh, we can offer these as an option on request. Deposit for motorbike hire excess (€ 1,500 for F750GS/F850GS/R1250GS). Optionally bookable: Motorbike clothing and protective equipment. Lunch and dinner except welcome dinner (approx. € 35 per day), personal expenses, tips, all services not expressly listed as included services. Also not included, but strongly recommended: Travel insurance with cancellation cover.
Price
Per person in a double roomConditions of travel
The general travel conditions of Russian Mototravel Company, Moscow, Russia apply. These will be handed out before booking. Minimum number of participants: 6 persons. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 20 days before the start of the tour.