hey all,

we're planning a 6 months ride through the stans this summer and are not really sure yet wether or not we'll include tadzjikistan. we would like to, and up to last year it looked really ok, but given the current hassels in the region we're not so sure anymore...

so:

-firstly: any recent information on the situation in this area? (tadzjik/tibetan border - tadzjik/afghan border)?
we 'd like to ride the full route, so osh to dushanbe. the first part/main route (osh to khorog) is probably ok, but how about the second part? and is it still possible to ride (safely) on the road closer to the afghan border (kharghuz pass-langar-ishkashim-khorog) - (and do you need a special permit for this one?)?
-the permit(s): we assume you still need one (or more than one). is it possible to get in anywhere else then in dushanbe? (we'd probably enter from kyrgystan via the kyzyl-art pass) and then take the pamir highway to dushanbe - and it would be easier not to have to make the permit-detour first).
-how about safety (given the fact that we're two girls) on this road? and will we be able to find sleeping accommodation of any kind (not having access -i guess- the 'men only' sleeping-sollutions)?
-apparantly there are many roadblocks and control posts on this route but no hassle if your papers/permits are ok. is this still true?

thanks in advance
g&T (and the two dr's)