Pamir to Russia. Kazak or Uzbek route ?

[adventurelust]

Hello, I will be visiting Tajikistan and from there, will head towards Russia and then the Caucasus. I've studied the route and I have the option of crossing Kazak or Uzbek. I understand both areas are vast open deserts and I also understand Uzbek may have some fuel stop issues (but can be purchased on the black market or at villages)

Can anyone who has done these routes suggest which is a better route to take ? Either uzbek or Kazak.

Appreciate any advise!

[eurasiaoverland]

Better in what sense?

What exactly are your route options? If both your routes see you aiming for Astrakhan in Russia, or the Caspian port of Aktau, then Uzbekistan makes more sense. Uzbekistan has more conventional sights to see (restored Silk Road cities). Kazakhstan is vast, lots of the country is flat and empty and the cities are of very little interest. There are however some beautiful spots (mountains near Shymkent, North Aral Sea), many more if you take a less direct route. Regardless, the route through Kazakhstan will be much longer.

[adventurelust]

Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland

Better in what sense?

What exactly are your route options? If both your routes see you aiming for Astrakhan in Russia, or the Caspian port of Aktau, then Uzbekistan makes more sense. Uzbekistan has more conventional sights to see (restored Silk Road cities). Kazakhstan is vast, lots of the country is flat and empty and the cities are of very little interest. There are however some beautiful spots (mountains near Shymkent, North Aral Sea), many more if you take a less direct route. Regardless, the route through Kazakhstan will be much longer.

Hi Eurasiaoverland, Thank you for your advice!

I think your advice hit it spot on. Seeing the silk road cities will be perfect for us. We previously wanted to go through Iran, but due to the recent restriction, we have no choice but to rethink our route and I think we will definintely take Uzbek based on your advise.

Appreciate your thoughts!

[Tomkat]

Another advantage of the Uzbek route is that it takes you to the delights of Beyneu, jewel of the west

https://caravanistan.com/kazakhstan/west/beyneu/

[eurasiaoverland]

Yes, I remember coming into Beyneu from Uzbekistan a few years ago. People moan about the place but for me it was fantastic; working ATMs, fuel at the pumps, decent food, asphalt...

[Lovetheworld]

Well at least we can all agree that Beyneu has nothing to offer to specifically go there.
However, if passing there, then yes, you fuel up at Beyneu. Between Beyneu and Uzbekistan it is horrible, but some parts are getting a new road.

I think it was in Beyneu or Kulsary where we got some bullshit from cops, about not having mud flaps on our car and trying to get some money. The flashlights went on as soon as they saw the foreign license plate. They were not successful :P