Hello,

I am that Spanish guy in the beginning of a RTW trip... been posting here quite often lately.

I am currently in Beyneu Kazakhstan and need advice regarding my following weeks. I travelled fast up to this point because my visas for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are already counting, but now I want to take time and enjoy the Silk Route cities. Although I am afraid I don't have much time.

Also I have one big question regarding what to do after Uzbekistan. My plan is to go into Kyrgyzstan and spend a few days there. Then back to Almaty and leave to Russia before my Kazakhstan visa expires. But I have no clue what route to follow in Kyrgyzstan or what is worth visiting.

I am on a fully loaded r1200gs and can camp if needed and I have no clue what I am doing most of the time.

How do you see the following planning for Uzbekistan and how would you fill the days in Kyrgyzstan?

Thanks a lot!

16 Beyneu -> Kungrad (433 km) or Nukus (532 km), Moynaq?
17 Visit Nukus (arrive that day or the day before), sleep in nukus
18 Nukus -> Khiva (195 km)
19 Visit Khiva
20 Khiva -> Buckhara (455 km)
21 Visit Bukhara
22 Visit Bukhara
23 Bukhara -> Samarkand (277 kms)
24 Visit Samarkand
25 Visit Samarkand
26 Samarkand -> Tashkent (311 kms)
27 Visit Tashkent
28 Tashkent -> Ferghana (314 kms)
29 Visit Ferghana
30 Ferghana -> Somewhere in Kyrguistan
1 ??
2 ??
3 ??
4 ??
5 ?? **End of Uzbekistan Visa**
6 ??
7 ??
8 ??
9 ??
10 Arrive and sleep in Almaty
11 Visit Almaty
12 Almaty -> Somewhere alfway to Semipalatinsk (Semey)
13 Somewhere -> Semipalatinsk
14 Semipalatinsk -> Barnaul in Russia...
15 We will...
16 Figure out...
17 from here
18 **End of Kazakhstan Visa**

Kyrgyzstan was a highlight of our time in the four central 'Stans last summer. Of the four, I would go back there to ride first.

In order of enjoyment (cultural interest/natural beauty/good riding), I would say:

1. Camping on Song-Kul (lake) and the piste to get to and from.

2. Staying in a yurt near Tash Rabat caravanserai and the paved and (short) unpaved roads getting there.

3. Passing through the little town of Sary-Tash after crossing north from Tajikistan, and the surrounding hills and valleys.

4. Camping near Toktogul lake.

5. Pounding the streets and markets of Bishkek, working earnestly to find some repair for our bum fuel pump.

Osh didn't hold much interest for us. Otherwise, it's a great country. Don't rush it.

Hope this helps!

Sorry to hear that you have had to rush some of your trip. I live in Kyrgyzstan and if you want some thoughts or ideas send me a message. I will do all I can to help. Will be with our orphanage in the mountains the dates that you will be here. But my bike will be there too.
Mac

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Every day with the Lord is an ADVENTURE

Thanks to both for your answers

jparke, your suggestions helped me figure out a bit what to do.

Mac, thanks for your offer. I will write to you. On the meantime it would be great if you could suggest the best route from Tashkent to Kyrgyzstan, specially any info regarding border crossings. Which one should I use?

Regards,
Teo.

Still in Samarkand... will go to Tashkent tomorrow.

Anyone has a suggestion on which is the best way to go into Kyrgyzstan? I am planning to use the Fergana - Osh border. But is there a better/more beautiful/more practical way?

Thanks!

Like MAC I also live here in Bishkek. Let me know if you need anything or I can help in any way. PM sent.

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9000 miles 'round the US riding two up on a ratted out 1985 Shadow 500 and now exploring Central Asia on a 1994 Honda Dominator...ride what you own where you are!