New for 2008, the Pamir Highway is an epic, high altitude ride through spectacularly remote mountains in one of the least visited countries in the world.  At the cutting edge of adventure cycling, this journey offers a fascinating insight into ex-Soviet Central Asia.

Our tour starts in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s sleepy capital, from where we travel up the Obkinghou Valley and over the spectacular 3,200m Khaburabot Pass. A precipitous descent takes us into the deep cleft of the Pyanj valley that marks the border with Afghanistan. Passing through small villages, we follow the river upstream to Khorog, capital of the Pamirs.

From Khorog, we set out on the Pamir Highway, climbing the pretty Gunt valley to the summit of the Koi Tezek Pass (4,200m). From the pass we descend onto the empty Pamir plateau, a Tibet like region of snow-capped peaks and eerie turquoise lakes.  Threading our way through the mountains we reach the small town of Murgab, not far from the Chinese border.

Leaving Murgab we head north to climb the 4,655m Ak Baital Pass, the highest point of the tour.  On the far side of the pass, a remote valley leads us to the hauntingly beautiful lake at Kara Kul.  From here, we ascend the Kyzl Art Pass and enter Kyrgyzstan.  A very rough descent from the pass takes us out into the wide grassy Alay valley, studded with the traditional yurts of Kyrgyz nomads. Across the valley are spectacular views of the 7,000m summits of Pik Lenin and Pik Kommunizma.

From the Alay valley, we have two more alpine passes to climb before enjoying a 60km racing descent into Osh, Kygygzstan’s second city.  We have a day to explore the city and its lively bazaar, before flying to the Kyrgz capital Bishkek where the tour ends.

Tour Dates:
05|07|09 - 25/07/09
02|08|09 - 22/08/09

Duration:
20 days

Costs:
£1175

Flights: £600 approx.

Own Room / Tent: £100

Bike Hire: £100
From UK

Grade Rating:
7/10 Challenging

Average Daily Distance:
70 kms (45 miles)

Off Road: 25%

Max. Altitude:
4,600 metres