Pamir: Progress, temperature & fuel?
 

Hi All,
Planning in mid June to ride the Pamir area from Dushambe to Khorog, Eshkashem, Vrang, Murghab, Sary-Tash to Osh. I'm a reasonably experienced rider and I am happy to ride all day.

Firstly I'm wondering on that basis what is a realistic distance expectation per day - I'm not so familiar with road conditions and and I am on a tight enough schedule.

Secondly, how cold can it get by day/night? (I'm hoping to camp)

Thirdly, what is the biggest distance between fuel availibility.

Thanks for the help.

Hello Declan,

1. Not more than 300 km. Terrain is not difficult but spectacular and you have to stop many times to take picture. On Pamir there are no traffic but it will be many cars from Dushanbe to Khorog (about 15 hours of riding)

2. In June/ July you can expect about 2-3 degrees on the gighest passes. Not so cold...

3. Fuel? You need a gas for about 300 km. There are petrol station in Rushan, Khorog, Murgab, Eshkasheem and Zong. And you will find petrol from cans in Alichur and Karakol. Don't worry

But... you have to have some spare days. I saw your itinerary, remember you can have problems with bike, it can be a landslide anywhere and fuel station can be out of petrol. It is not Europe...

Hey Sambor and thanks.
300km/ day is good to know. And I agree with you about needing time to absorb the beautiful surroundings and also the possibility of breakdowns. Now my visas are beginning to line up and I can see the flexibility that is allowed to me by dates.

Is 2 - 3 degrees a daytime temperature? - I'm guessing so. For camping maybe set up in the valleys where warmer at night. I need to consider what clothing to bring to be warm at night - yet not to have my ass baked in the Karakum desert!

I have 290 km range on KLR650 but propose to carry an additional 2x5 litre containers, bringing my range up to just short of 500km so I think I'm okay and thanks for the info on fuel stops and appreciate the notion that not all will be reliable.

Nice to get advice from someone who has been there and done it - Thanks!

Declan

Hey Declan,

How was your trip? Was it cold during the day or it was fine?

How long did it take you to complete the route? I'm planning on doing it this June!

Alex

Pamir condition
 

Hi Declan

I have a colleague right now at the Pamirs, could give you a feedback within two weeks. Most is said especially for the fuel gabs. It's easy to ride and people always friendly and helpful.

The biggest issue in my own opinion is the wild nature, landslides with snow and dirt, snow possibility all season, bridges gone etc.

Kind regards from Osh, Dave