Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Crossing Pamir Highway late Nov.

Hi All

I'm looking for some opinion on crossing the pamir highway from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan in late Nov (maybe early Nov).

I know it will be cold, but what do you think the snow situation will be like (I know each year will be different in terms of snow cover, but lets assume it will be an average year snow-wise).

We will be travelling in a 4x4, not a bike.

Do you think we are being a bit ambitious. Someone I've been tlaking to did suggest that chances are about 70% to get through the pass section before Dec.

Any comments welcome

Thanks
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
50/50 question

Hi,
I am sure you realise that it's one of those 50/50 things, looking forward many months to next winter.
If you check the weather reports for that general area right now, there has been heavy snow and avalanches in mountainous areas (with associated deaths on the roads) in that part of Asia; so, does winter arrive early next year? (Even a 5 day weather forecast is not too accurate!!).

All I am saying is have a plan B in your back-pocket for when the highways are blocked; are you prepared to wait it out, or do you fly the vehicle over the obstruction?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
I've been looking into crossing the Pamir Highway in August/September this year. I think this is the ideal timing to then cross into Kyrgyzstan, then China (Kashgar) to the Karakorum Highway. (The KKH apprently can close as early as October)

Check out Home | Foulerton.com for their Tajikistan & Pamir experience. I think they did it a bit too late in the year (though: kudos to them for getting through it, especially considering they were 2 up).

Cheers
Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Sorry Pumbaa.... just realized you're COMING from Kyrgyzstan...
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Thanks

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.

Yes, it is definitely one of those 50/50 situations. I suppose in worst case scenario we'll have to take a different route to Tajik and miss out on the Pamir.

Anyone else with some experiences on the Pamir?

Thanks
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
I have been in oct. 2006. Was cold in the night but no snow at all. We travelled by bike.
Report here: Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Pamir Highway, afghan border etc... - ADVrider
Ask if you have questions...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Sambor,

I saw your thread on ADVrider before - superb images mate!
What's the fuel situation like in Tajikistan? Leaded? Unleaded? Did you carry any extra fuel? How long was your longest bit between two 'petrol stations' (I know... it's more likely to be buckets full of fuel on the side of the road

Do you remember what modifications you had on your bikes, to deal with the low quality fuel?

Cheers
Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jan 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
Well,
There was shortage of fuel in Tajikistan. Longest distance without a real petrol station was... 3 days. About 800 km. It was in Ishkashim. We reached petrol station and there were no fuel at all. They waited several days. People from Aga Khan foundation helped us.
But to tell you the truth it was possible to buy a fuel in Murghab from local people. Just ask. Perhaps it is also possible to buy in other villages. Quality of petrol was... bad. They said it was 80 octane. Maybe... As you know our bikes (AT) are ready to go on this fuel, so we lost power but were able to drive. One of us had 48 liters tank so we used him as an extra tank... On high altitude you should adjust carburator. I will be in this area this summer. CU in China

chris
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Hi Sambor,

So you're saying: Fuel is available in Murghab, then next in Khorog, with no fuel in between, right?
I thought I saw a BMW in one of your images. I'll be on an F650 Dakar with EFI but Remus exhaust (to take leaded fuel).
When will you be in China? I might send you a PM to ask a few more things if that's alright with you?

Cheers
Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Jan 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
I said: fuel WAS available in Mughab, after that we have turned south to south to wakhan corridor (very good choice!). Then we intended to fill up in Ishkashim. Then Khorog. Remember taht we travelled in seven bikes. It has to be easier to find fuel for one bike... On the other hand we speak russian...
Many of my friends ride BMW. It is not important which bike you ride... (but you have to agree that AT is a best choice!). We are going to visit PRC in August.
No problems, send PM if you have any q...

Sambor
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 227
I've been through the Pamirs in October 2006 (on bike). It was cold on the passes but no big deal really. A couple weeks later a couple bikers went there and hit some snow on the passes, which would be no big deal on a 4x4 of course but on a bike..

As far as fuel is concerned, I agree with the above. Fuel is no problem. Petrol stations are few and far between but my experience is that you can ask around in the villages and somebody will show up with a jerrycan (with some sort of unidentified fuel in it that my Tenere was happy with). Mind you, they do have cars there, so you just need to pay more than you would in a regular petrol station. You don't even need to know Tajik or Russian, the universal finger-pointing to your tank works just fine.

That includes Murgab, got fuel from jerrycans in a backyard.

Note that Tadjikistan has many brand new petrol stations that serve no fuel, and plenty of roadside stands selling jars of petrol (literally, in clear glass). Go figure.

Laurent

A ride to Asia
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Jan 2008
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
[QUOTE=lbendel;168487]I've been through the Pamirs in October 2006 (on bike). It was cold on the passes but no big deal really. ,
As far as fuel is concerned, I agree with the above.


Hi Laurent,
We slept in the same cheap hotel in Dushanbe Do you remember some bikers from Poland?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Posts: 50
Fuel in the Pamirs

I crossed the Pamirs in late September 2005, no worries...

Fuel was readily avaialable in Sary Tash (Kyrgyzstan), and then Murghab and Khorog for me. Just ask the locals; anything is possible as long as your bike is not fussy on 76 octane or some variation. It's just over 300kms from Murghab to Khorog, so make sure you fill up!

The pamir plateau is a wonderful place, but riding in November means snow - argh. Let me know if you have more questions.

Adrian

Magadan to Istanbul
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Gent/Antwerpen
Posts: 77
freezing

we were there in september and that was fine, but in november things will get snowy. and it will surely freeze. however the locals assured us that the road is kept open all winter, even if there is snow. in the worst case it will close for some days. spring is worse, because the clean-up is more difficult, but in a car and with time on your side i think you should be ok. none of the passes are steep, except maybe the first one (coming from kirgistan) and if you take the waghan, the altitude is a lot lower, though i'm not sure at all that that road, which is piste up to langhar, is kept open. the main road directly to khorog should be ok. fuel was no problem for us (400 km max), but i'm not sure if it will be the same in winter... supplies will go down. if i were you, i'd stock up on fuel, food and socks, and enjoy.

g&t
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wiltshire, England
Posts: 21
Post Thank goodness for heated jackets!

Hello from Bangkok,

My wife and I were the pair on the GS that crossed the Pamirs in mid October and it was rather cold on the Pamir Plateau (-5 in the tent at night), I really enjoyed our new heated jackets.

Both the pass from Tajik-Kyrg and the Kunjurab Pass (China-Pak) had snow when we crossed and the Kunjarab will close at the end of October, or earlier if heavy snow appears.

Fuel could be bought in any village, in reasonable quantites (Octane 60-65%, according to our friend at the US Embassy in Dushanbe). Our bike sounded like a bag of spanners but managed at 4800m, weighting in at 500kg!

We only fell once, avoiding a run away donkey!

Nick

Visit; Home | Foulerton.com for pictures.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
two girls on pamir highway? trui_gaea Northern and Central Asia 16 24 Aug 2009 20:24
3 Indians down under : 20000kms route sundeepGajjar Route Planning 17 20 Oct 2007 13:36
Jeeping the Pamir Highway, takers? glasswave Northern and Central Asia 0 29 Jun 2007 08:28
Bethel, Guatemala border crossing dlmurre Central America and Mexico 11 29 Apr 2006 19:54
Pamir Highway hobnob Route Planning 4 24 Oct 2005 03:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:06.