Routes to/from the Pamir Highway

[Tomkat]

In the event the KG/TJ border remains closed next year I'd like to try and find a way to do the Pamir Highway. Clearly it's possible to enter TJ from UZ and do the Highway west-east, but what then? Normally I'd head north via Karakul to Sary-Tash, but with the border closed what then? Is there another route west or is it a case of turn around and retrace my steps?

[chris]

If Murgab(TJ) to Sary Tash (KG) is closed, then there's only Samarkand (UZ) to Dushanbe (TJ).

There are 2 main routes Dushanbe to Khorog, so you don't have to ride the same road twice.

In addition to the M41 "Pamir Highway", there's also the Wakhan valley (along the Afghan border) and the Bartang valley, so you can choose 2 from 3 in order not to retrace your tyre tracks.

One of my all time favourite rides was the Bartang valley, particularly because it was a bit tricky and remote in places.

[Tomkat]

Thanks yes, agree with the border crossing, and I spotted the Kalaikhum-Vahdat road but it starts well short of Karakul as far as I can see? Is there another route Khorog-Karakul?

The route along the border via Kulob (M41?) is the one I want to do, but as I say, I'd rather not retrace most of my route.

Pardon if my terminology or route knowledge is lacking.

[chris]

Originally Posted by Tomkat

Thanks yes, agree with the border crossing, and I spotted the Kalaikhum-Vahdat road but it starts well short of Karakul as far as I can see? Is there another route Khorog-Karakul?

The route along the border via Kulob (M41?) is the one I want to do, but as I say, I'd rather not retrace most of my route.

Pardon if my terminology or route knowledge is lacking.

Some of these place names you mentioned I don't recognise. Currently have no mapping software handy: I'm travelling at the moment, so only really have my phone to communicate with. When I'm home and have access to a proper computer, I can send you my GPX track logs that will make things clearer.

In the interim, download Walter's (Colebatch) waypoint list that's probably still a sticky in the Northern Asia sub-forum. The places and amenities marked give a good idea of where routes go.

Most people who ride motorcycles along the Bartang valley go SW to NE as it's uphill and easier to stop on tricky bits Pushbike cyclists go the other way as there's a lot less pedalling

The Wakhan valley (mainly easy dirt and decrepit tarmac) follows the Wakhan river that is the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. When researching, note that the "Wakhan Corridor" is exclusively in Afghanistan.

The Pamir Highway (aka M41) is nearly all decrepit tarmac and doesn't run along any border, other than the little bit south of Lake Karakol, where you see Chinese border fences. Coming from the north, I never rode the bit of the M41 where it turns off towards Wakhan valley until it rejoins on its way to Khorog: I rode Karakol lake to Murgab to Wakhan valley turnoff, to Ishkashim (sp?) to Khorog to Bartang valley turnoff to where it rejoins the main (M41) road about 20 or 30 km south of lake Karakol (clockwise).

If you check my personal Facebook (we're FB friends) from August/September 2019 or my public Brightysjollys you'll see words and pics to give you some ideas.