Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Pakistan - Kyrgystan - Tadjikistan: When is the best moment to be here?? Pakistan - Kyrgystan - Tadjikistan: When is the best moment to be here??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Hochiminh City
Posts: 11
Pakistan - Kyrgystan - Tadjikistan: When is the best moment to be here??
Hi,

I plan to travel form Vietnam to France from October 2010 by motobike.

I will be I think in Pakistan end of January. I plan to ride along the KKH in PaKistan and then go trough the Khunjerab pass arrive in Xingjiang in China and then join Kyrgystan. From Kyrgystan I want to ride along the Pamir Highway before going to Ouzbekistan.

So the thing is If I am doing the trip with this way I will be in Tadjikistan for entering the pamir Hway during february 2011.

I heard that the road was closed at this moment and until May. And that this the worst moment to ride along the Pamir (same with Pakistan with the KKH) because of the snow.

Is it true??

When is it the best moment to ride the KKH in Pakistan, to go in kyrgystan and then to ride the Pamir highway in Tadjikistan???

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!!!

Charles
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
The KKH is most beautiful in autumn, late October/beginning of November, trees in all colours, temperatures during the day not too hot and not too cold. I doubt that the roads will be open in January, and even if they are, you will freeze your proverbial balls off on the plateau in China and on the Pamir. I had some very very cold days up there and it wasn't in the middle of winter. Unless you find a platinum heated gear + spikes sponsor ... don't.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 15
Don't try the KKH or Pamir Highway in winter, they'll be closed. I was there in late spring, really nice time.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Hochiminh City
Posts: 11
Thanks emiles and Sirakor!!!!!!!

I will follow your advices.

I think I will start my trip from France and try to be in Tadjikistan for the Pamir Hway late spring around may next year.

One more question: do you have any information about how to get the permit GBAO to ride along the Pamir Valley (Gorno Badhakshan). I heard that you can get the permit with the help of some agencies in Dushanbe which can provide you a scan of the permit first before getting the original papers once you will be in Dushanbe.

Do you have any information about this?? Do you know other ways to get the permit??

Thanks again for your help!!
Charles
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
In the UK we got the permit the same time as the visa - just has to add an extra note (and the extra money) to the application form. Ring up your embassy where you are getting the visa and they will tell you.

Tajikistan was the most expensive visa of the 'Stans for us (didn't go to Turkmen) but well worth it. There and Kyrgyz and amazing places, and the reason you travel!!! You'll have a great time and am jealous every time I read of someone heading out there.
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 327
Khanjerab Pass closes for traffic around 1st January and opens around 1st May.
Once I travelled in December and found the hard way that you have to respect nature. I was 20 then and found drive after Hunza very difficult with subzero temps even at day times.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Apr 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles82 View Post
One more question: do you have any information about how to get the permit GBAO to ride along the Pamir Valley (Gorno Badhakshan). I heard that you can get the permit with the help of some agencies in Dushanbe which can provide you a scan of the permit first before getting the original papers once you will be in Dushanbe.

Do you have any information about this?? Do you know other ways to get the permit??
You can get the permit in Dushanbe ... it will take you one working day and cost you 35 USD ... but the easiest way as mentioned) is to ask for the permit when you apply for your visa and they will stamp it into your passport. I dont know about France, but in the UK, its an extra £50.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Apr 2010
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Salut Charles,

Since you are crossing China at least once, have you read the relevant posts about crossing China? You are aware of the guide requirements, etc.?
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: in our 15th year on the road-only half way- now in Panama
Posts: 269
GPS ref and other stuff....
Charles82...if you fancy doing some reading and maybe get some GPS ref- have a read of our recent trip through this area (lots of photos too!) and also grab some GPS ref. have a look at our site
2ridetheworld.com : diary

this link will take you to the diary from Kazakahstan to where you can link onto our diary of all the other 'stans'....lots of info etc in the written diary.

also - if you are taking a GPS (recommended) you can download the full GPS ref of our route so far which includes ref for homestays/campingspots/embassies/consulates/hotels/etc/etc/....for all of the countries we have so far visited. this can be found on the front page of our website at the bottom. 2ridetheworld.com

hope this helps - have fun with the planning...and as beddhist has said ...look into the specific requirements and costs for travelling in and through China.
cheers
PS: take your heated gear!
__________________
Lisa
www.2ridetheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: around the world
Posts: 76
When you ask for your visa, ask for your permit. That's what I did in Bishkek, and it went perfect. You don't have to pay anything extra normally. BUT: be carefull. On my way from the Pamir to the Afghan border, the police pissed me off at every single check point because all the regions of pamir I was allowed in were written by hand. So they assumed I was not allowed in any other part of the territory. And well, corruption helps to find irregularities in official documents...
I crossed Pamir early June, if I remember well. And ask Colebatch, the part between Tadjik border and Kirghiz border was tough. I got snow at night. End of May? That sounds really optimistic to me....
I'm in Chiang Mai for a week or so, if you're around to talk about it!
Take care, and enjoy your trip!
__________________
http://www.terres-humaines.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Bike registration in Tadjikistan ? Lighter Northern and Central Asia 5 29 Jun 2009 10:33
Kyrgystan to pakistan (price list) help pls kebabtomten West and South Asia 10 12 May 2009 15:31
Kyrgystan to Pakistan (KKH) via Kashgar, China davidmc Northern and Central Asia 30 6 Aug 2008 11:11
Kyrgystan petcul Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 15 Apr 2008 15:15
tadjikistan-afghanistan-pakistan mattjrhobbs Route Planning 7 26 Aug 2004 05:57

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 12:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top