Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
tajikistan anzob tunnel or pass tajikistan anzob tunnel or pass
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Gent
Posts: 6
tajikistan anzob tunnel or pass
At the time of writing I am in samarqand. Next week I plan to go to dushanbe via oybe and the anzob tunnel or pass. I heard bad things about the tunnel so wanted to check if someome has recently done the tunnel or pass.

I am on a bmw gsa 2up with luggage on heidenau k60 tyres coming from Belgium.

Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
We did it last year, 2up on an 800gs. the tunnel is something else! 5km and it's flooded. Some of the pits are very deep. Cover your faces, the exhaust is thick. Follow a car (easy to make friends outside) so you can see where the dips are. Some of it is very dark but there are lights for the many workers inside. There are lots of trucks but the tunnel is fairly wide. Can't speak to the pass but if you skip it there are other passes on that road. It's a hoot!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jun 2013
Genghis9021's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Posts: 193
Instant black lung !
Potentially the worst thing I've ever done, voluntarily, to my health. Went thru in Sept 2011. It took 45 mins. Big trucks in both directions, the aforementioned holes and flooding.

The headache from the fumes lasted for well over a day.

"Unforgettable."
__________________
Orange, it's the new black.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 30
I did both routes last year 2012, the tunnel is everything and more, not for the fainthearted.

On my return I went over the pass, the weather was kind to me and the views amazing. I wild camped close to the summit in a farmers field with freshly cut hay. The road over the pass is part unpaved on one side and in two seperate locations close to the summit I had to drive over small glaciers which had crossed over the road, thankfully not too slippery.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jul 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Gent
Posts: 6
Lots of water but OK
Thanks for the replies! In the meantime I have ridden through it, 2up. It is certainly doable, you just need to take it easy. You can read more about it on The ride through the tunnel of death | Expedition East – Экспедиция Восток I have made a video about it as well. Will put the link here once it is online.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Nov 2013
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Hi desertdigger,

I will be going that way next year and expect to be at the tunnel mid or late may.
I checked you website ( very interesting!).

At what date were you there? I may decide to take the pass, as reports on that tunnel arose airing me and I will sure and certain drop the bike In a big pothole in the mud. My speciality!

Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 102
I doubt you will get over the pass in late may. The road over the pass is abandoned and only passable with motorbikes, not cars. In May the road will usually still be blocked by old snow (avalanches).
__________________
Cycling in Asia: Thailand to Turkey, Siberia and Central Asia
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 289
I went through it 4 times when i was bored to get out of Dushanbe.

Its not as bad as people say but i was on a DRZ 400, heading out from Dushanbe is the worst side than heading towards Dushanbe, pretty dark and i got me knees wet due to the spray from large puddles

I did see some video of another biker who keeped using his horn the whole way down, must of been hell for all others in the Tunnel and on both sides of the tunnel is a sign saying not to use horns.

Cars try to avoid the pot holes so go all over the show but nothing to use your horn about as if you have front & rear lights then they can cleary see you and i never had any issues on my 4 runs

I even stopped to take pictures half way down
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Nov 2013
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Thanks guys. So I guess I will take the "tunnel of death" and grind my teeth. Good story to tell when I come back home!
I have a trail bike so. Should do the trick! It's just a confidence thing I guess...

Wesley nice pictures on advriders. Will go through it.

Sorry bad typos on my previous post and automatic spellchecked changed words into nonsense. Did not realised.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 289
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 View Post
Thanks guys. So I guess I will take the "tunnel of death" and grind my teeth. Good story to tell when I come back home!
I have a trail bike so. Should do the trick! It's just a confidence thing I guess...

Wesley nice pictures on advriders. Will go through it.

Sorry bad typos on my previous post and automatic spellchecked changed words into nonsense. Did not realised.

Thanks for the photo comments

Have some from the tunnel when i get to that part

Yes it is not that bad but on my first run i was thinking to my self its abit long and was waiting and waiting to see the light at the end of the tunnel

Never knew how long it really was just some Oz guy in Dushanbe told me about it, to be fair never really knew about it before i met him

Maybe a good idea is to wait outside first until no trucks have been for awhile on your side but then you cant always tell what is coming the other side.

Also clean your front headlight its helps!!!

You dont have to take this route depending on where you are going or coming from however its nothing to worry about and i think calling it the tunnel of death is abit to much really.

Out of intrest what bike are you taking on your trip?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Nov 2013
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Wesley we are taking 2 honda Xr 125l. A drag in Western Europe but we want to be able to do any road or non-roads. They will come to life in Asia and Mongolia.

We Did the big trip with big bikes and alu boxes and all the trendy stuff.... And found myself very limited in term of what trails I was capable of doing.

I would love a DRZ400 but I cannot lower it by 4inches! They are way too tall for me!
The honda won't be the best bike for my husband but it makes sense to have the same one. And going minimalist in term of luggage! Again, a lesson learnt the very hard way!

I look forward for your pictures of Central Asia!
Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Not too late to change bike
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 View Post
The honda won't be the best bike for my husband but it makes sense to have the same one.
Personally, I think that argument is highly over-rated, and over-stated.
It is a nice-to-have and a long way from an essential requirement; accepting that you have already committed to a couple of 125ccs, your hubbie could well take a bigger engined bike, such as the DRZ400, which would "level the playing field" for him viz a viz you.
In other words, he could carry a bigger share of the overall luggage weight and bulk while still being capable of matching your capabilities, confidence and riding skills on the rough stuff.
Just a thought related to the eternal light Vs heavy bike discussions.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 289
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Personally, I think that argument is highly over-rated, and over-stated.
It is a nice-to-have and a long way from an essential requirement; accepting that you have already committed to a couple of 125ccs, your hubbie could well take a bigger engined bike, such as the DRZ400, which would "level the playing field" for him viz a viz you.
In other words, he could carry a bigger share of the overall luggage weight and bulk while still being capable of matching your capabilities, confidence and riding skills on the rough stuff.
Just a thought related to the eternal light Vs heavy bike discussions.
Agreed
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 24 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Cleaning and
Along with cleaning the headlight..

Clean the rear tail light, stop light and all the indicator lights .. and any reflectors ... helps others see you. Some garages (fuel stations) have things for cleaning windscreens - I use those to clean these surfaces.

--------------------
I generally try to avoid tunnels - no view to start with. If you know the tunnel is going to be dirty .. well I'd consider getting a disposable air filter for your face. Hardware stores should have them. And of course ware your ear plugs.

Horns should be reserved for emergencies only ... not signalling your friends nor venting anger about some road incident. Humm .. I do use them for waking someone up when traffic lights turn green ...
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Jan 2020
adolfo35's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 20
Question Anzob PASS
.
Happy New Year 2020!


Do you know if the Anzob Pass Road is possible to do it with a motorbike ??? The Pass is closed/forbidden?

Or the only option i have is the Anzob Tunnel?

I love the "off-road" options , thank you so much for any information.
__________________
LULO
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tizi n' Test pass - which way? Anacondor Morocco 16 22 Feb 2014 20:56
Kyrgyzstan (Torugart Pass) China (Karakoram Highway) Pakistan - 2014 Early Planing kim West and South Asia 14 11 Nov 2013 22:11
current situation kyzyl art pass ThomasAT91 Northern and Central Asia 6 15 Jun 2013 15:52
Kenya Wildlife anual Pass and South Africa pass info the windleys sub-Saharan Africa 2 19 Jul 2012 15:11
Pakistan -> China -> Tajikistan (apr/may 2012) Drewsome Route Planning 0 27 Jan 2012 05:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top