Central Asia Pamir Highway

During this trip, you ride on a Yamaha XT 600 cc motorcycle.

Physical challenges 
The combination of three factors can make this trip fairly challenging. First of all, there are the dirt roads in the mountains of Tajikistan. Secondly, the high altitude renders the journey difficult for many participants. Without exception, everyone will suffer from the high altitude. For some, it will be limited to breathlessness and vague symptoms, whilst others will experience more annoying symptoms such as headaches and nausea. These are all normal reactions and most of the symptoms will disappear after a number of days. This process is called acclimatization and you will find extensive information about this in the manual. To facilitate the process of acclimatization, it is important to ascend as slowly and smoothly as possible. We have taken this into account in our itinerary.

Off Road and distances
We will ride on unpaved roads for roughly half the route. These are usually good densely-packed gravel roads but the impact of the rainy season can render them difficult to ride on. It remains necessary, of course, to watch out carefully in the tight turns. The high passes in this region are only open in the summer months; in other seasons there is too much snow. This also means that much snow melts in the summer resulting in the meltwater flowing over the roads. This can be a harmless stream but can also be the cause of a significant landslide. Keep in mind that a solution must be sought in such circumstances. This may be a short detour but might also require riding through the stream on your motorcycle. Flexibility is an important characteristic to have in sufficient quantity on this trip.

Accommodation
This trip goes through very remote areas of Tajikistan. There are no hotels here. For this reason we will regularly stay in local people's homes in so-called "homestays". These are obviously fairly simple shelters but the plus factor is that they put you in direct contact with the locals.

Climate
In effect, we ride through two different climate zones. In the relatively-speaking lowland region of Kyrgyzstan it is dry and warm. In the mountains of Tajikistan, however, it is different. Due to the high altitude there are extreme swings of temperature. During the day it is very hot but after sunset it cools down swiftly and becomes quite cold.

Clothing
The following items are mandatory: helmet, motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, a good hard wearing pair of (motorcycle) trousers with protection and solid high (mountain) boots. Due to the large temperature differences it can be useful to wear a motorcycle jacket with a removable lining. In colder areas in the mountains, you can also wear extra clothing under your jacket as necessary. Ensure that you also have a good quality pair of gloves. The best are summer-winter combination gloves. Furthermore, a good pair of sunglasses is very important and a helmet with visor which protects against dust. If your motorcycle gear is not waterproof then it is advisable to carry separate rainwear.

Pocket money and money
It is not possible to exchange money at the border of Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan.. In Osh you have to exchange a minimum of money into Kyrgyzstani Som (of which you do not need much, ie for 3 days only) for your return journey into Kyrgistan and a minimum of Tajikistani Somonii (for 1 day only). Once in Tajikistan, you will find the best rate in Dushanbe where you should exchange sufficiently for the remainder of the trip in Tajikistan. There are not many souvenirs to buy anywhere.

Safety
Landmines may lie along the river border with Afghanistan. During the four days that we ride along the river and accordingly along the border with Afghanistan, it is tempting but unwise to drive alongside the road (off-road) or go paddling in the river or picnicking on the riverbank.

Visa
Recently, for most nationalities a visa for Kyrgyzstan is no longer required, however, for Tajikistan you need to apply for a visa in advance online.

More details about the trip and items to bring can be found in the tour’s handbook which you will receive approx. one month prior to departure.