Few days ago we sent our customers January 2024 newsletter. Last time we talked about Moscow-Vladivostok, this time about Pamir Highway Motorcycle tour. Below you can find original text from newsletter:
Hello friends
Today, our focus will be on a single tour – the Pamir Highway. Among the world's notable mountainous regions for motorcycle riding are the Andes in Patagonia, the Alps in Europe, and the Pamir Mountains in Central Asia...
More than ten years ago, we visited Pamir for the first time. While traveling through this fantastic region, the idea of arranging a motorcycle tour here appeared. In the end of 2019, we started planning for such a tour, but unfortunately, covid happened and we paused that initiative.
In 2022, we resumed our plans, and last year, we did three tours across that breathtaking region. For 2024, we have intentions to organize four tours over the Pamir Highway. Our first group for 2024 is nearly filled, but there are still a few spots available in the other groups. We welcome you to join us.
Key details:
- 15 days
- 2750 km
- 7750 Euro (inclusive of bike rental, accommodations, transfers, etc.)
- 12-26 June, 17-31 August, and 4-18 September 2024
Allow us to provide a brief overview of our destination and what Pamir is.
Central Asia is the birthplace of ancient civilizations, the Great Silk Road from China to Central Asia passed here. Such geniuses, scientists, educators and poets as Avicenna, Ulugbek, Omar Khayyam lived and worked in the countries of Central Asia. Thousands of years ago, grandiose cities with beautiful mosques, minarets and madrasahs were built here. Medieval monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabs, Merv, Penjikent are known all over the world.
The Pamir Mountain range is a huge high-altitude plateau in Central Asia, which is a node of the highest mountain systems in the world: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush and the Tien Shan. Most of the Pamir is located on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan. Rows of massive ridges, snow-white peaks and glaciers, ultramarine mirrors of lakes and green valleys of stormy rivers - all this is Pamir, translated from Farsi as "Roof of the World".
We will pass through the territory of three former Soviet republics – Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, get acquainted with their culture, cuisine, local customs. The trip will be very diverse and eventful.
Pamir Tour is very interesting and exciting, but it is also challenging – we travel through different countries, cross the border several times, there will be mountains and steppes, good and bad roads, unpaved sections. We will ride along the Pamir Mountain System with passes at 3500-4500 meters. During our journey, we'll spend a couple of days in accommodations such as hotels or guesthouses situated at altitudes of 3800 to 4000 meters. The highest point on our route, Ak-Baital, reaches an elevation of 4655 meters. It's important to note that there is a potential risk of experiencing altitude or mountain sickness.
Roads are different, and approximately 40% of the tour involves gravel roads, so it's crucial to ensure that you are comfortable with navigating through gravel roads for a significant portion of the tour.
Embarking on the Pamir tour may not be ideal for those undertaking their first motorcycle trip. If you're new to motorcycle travel, consider adding it to your bucket list and planning for a later experience. However, if you are an experienced traveler, we welcome you to join us on this adventure.
Here are the Ride Reports from 2023 Tours:
1) May:
https://www.rusmototravel.com/articles/26-may-14-june-2023-pamir-tour
2) August:
https://www.rusmototravel.com/articles/pamir-tour-august-2023-short-report
3) September:
https://www.rusmototravel.com/articles/10-29-september-2023-pamir-motorcycle-tour-ride-report
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan offer a visa-free entrance period of 30 days for citizens of most nationalities, including those from Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. Currently, there are no specific COVID-19 requirements for entry into these countries.
The tour begins and ends in Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, which is equipped with an international airport. Osh's international airport facilitates 5-6 daily flights from Istanbul, making Turkey the most convenient hub for connecting flights. Flights from various other countries are available, but Turkey serves as the most convenient hub for connecting flights.
Approximately 60% of the tour consists of asphalted or paved roads. The asphalt varies, including both new Chinese and older Soviet types. While in the mountains, primarily in the Pamir region, the route will lead through unpaved and gravel roads. The gravel roads are of good quality, making them suitable for riding in dry weather without any issues. However, as is common, they can become more slippery and challenging in the event of rain. Participation in this tour requires, at a minimum, basic off-road/enduro riding skills, with advanced skills being highly recommended.
The tour is scheduled during the optimal time for travel in Central Asia. Anticipated temperatures range from +25 to +30 degrees Celsius in flat/plain areas, with cooler conditions expected in the mountains. At altitudes exceeding 3000 meters, morning temperatures may drop below +10, even approaching 0. However, with the sunrise, temperatures quickly rise to +20 and above.
Exploring the Pamir region on a motorcycle can provide a one-of-a-kind and thrilling experience for you. Here are some top reasons to join our Pamir Motorcycle Tour.
TOP REASONS TO JOIN THIS TOUR:
Spectacular Landscapes: The Pamir Mountains are renowned for their breathtaking and diverse landscapes, featuring towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. Joining our tour allows you to witness this natural beauty up close and personal.
Cultural Immersion: The Pamir region is a mosaic of diverse ethnic groups, each contributing unique traditions and histories. Our tour promises not only awe-inspiring natural beauty but also the opportunity for cultural immersion as we explore local villages, interact with residents, and gain a deeper understanding of life in the Pamir region.
Challenging Terrain: The rugged and challenging terrain of the Pamir Mountains is a draw for adventure seekers. Riding through winding mountain roads and high-altitude passes can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Distinctive Route: Our tour is carefully crafted to traverse unique routes and visit distinctive attractions, guaranteeing participants get the maximum enjoyment from their expedition.
Professional Guidance: We provide experienced guides who are familiar with the local terrain and culture. This not only enhances the safety of the journey but also allows participants to gain insights into the region from knowledgeable experts.
Organizational Assistance: We take care of all arrangements, including motorcycle rental (BMW F750/F850GS/R1250GS), single-room accommodations, tour breakfasts, and welcome dinner. Our package also includes an English-speaking guide on a motorcycle, support vehicle assistance with a second guide, entry tickets to places of interest, excursions with local guides, visa assistance (if needed), and transfers. This ensures participants can fully focus on enjoying the ride and the overall experience, free from the stress of planning intricate details.
Adventure and Thrill: Navigating the winding mountain roads and conquering high-altitude passes on a motorcycle can provide a sense of adventure and thrill that's hard to match
Immerse yourself in the rugged charm of Central Asia and create lasting memories on two wheels. Join us for the ultimate Pamir motorcycle journey.
If you wish to explore more about our company and the tours we offer, you can request a free brochure containing detailed descriptions of each tour. To receive your complimentary brochure, kindly click here https://www.rusmototravel.com/order-free-brochure-catalog-our-tours