Crossing Pamir Highway late Nov.

[Pumbaa]

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

[Walkabout]

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?

[Bjorn]

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

[Bjorn]

Sorry Pumbaa.... just realized you're COMING from Kyrgyzstan...

[Pumbaa]

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

[Sambor]

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...

[Bjorn]

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

[Sambor]

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

[Bjorn]

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