Cross posting this:

I'm posting this from Khorog, so:

1) rest assured it is open

2) I got a GBAO permit via an agency for $85. One of Muztoo's guides facilitated that. The actual permit was done by Pamir Silk Guides. They just needed a scan of the passport and the permit was printed locally. They do that all the time. The cost is high, but I couldn't get one in Istanbul. Note, that Muztoo made no money on the deal. They were just happy to use that contact for me.

3) Entered KZ-TJ at Kyzyl Art on 9.6. Nobody wanted to see the permit

4) The checkpoint after the Kara Kul village is gone

5) Went to Khorog via the Bartang valley. At no point was I stopped and hence never showed my permit. Between the Khorog airport and the bazaar was the usual police checkpoint (same as last year). They waved me through

6) All seems quiet in town. Bunch of tourists around

7) The road block between Sary Tash and Osh is a non issue for bikes. I have personally talked to 8 bikers, and one 4x4 driver who have all had the same experience as myself. Locals gladly show you the way around! I saw 2 large Swiss plated overland vehicles that made it through coming from Sari-Tash. Didn't talk to them

8) The real issue for people coming from TJ is that there is no fuel in Sari-Tash! Fill up in Kara-Kul village. The blockage is 65 km from the border. There is a fuel station that had 92 octane right after the blockage.

Please also stick to the facts and report the source of your info. Us travelers and the local businesses in the area don't need any fear mongering based on rumors and speculation. I don't know what the future holds, but this is the situation right now. When traveling in the Stans you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. Last year it was Cholera, Plague, and Foot and Mouth disease outbreaks, this year it is something else.

Cheers,
boarder