redspokes’ Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan cycling tour begins in Dushanbe. On arrival, you will be met at Dushanbe airport and taken to your guesthouse. If you have arrived on an early morning flight you can arrange to check in early (for an additional charge) and catch up on your sleep (flights arrive at 4am). You are free today to explore the relaxed, leafy capital of Tajikistan. We will have a group meeting and trip briefing this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel (D)

Today we transfer by vehicle heading towards the Pamir over the Shurabad mountain pass. As our journey progresses the road becomes very rough. Along the way we may see men and women toiling in the fields using scythes and other traditional farming methods. Over the pass the road meets with the Pianj River which marks the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. From here onwards we will enjoy views of the Pamir Mountains.

Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Today we continue with a short transfer before our cycling begins. As we reach the Pamir region (GBAO province) the landscape changes from lowlands to huge mountains. From Rushan we set off on our bikes, heading along the deep Pyanj valley towards Khorog. Afghanistan is just a short distance away across the river. The road rises and falls along this steep rocky valley as we cycle through small villages and apricot orchards. It will take most of the day to cover the distance to Khorog as we acclimatise to cycling at 2,000m above sea level.

Cycling Distance: 62km (39 miles)
Total Climb: 557m (1,827ft)
Total Descent: 376m (1,233ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,050m (6,726ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Khorog is the capital of (GBAO) Gorno-Badakhshan region; you have time today to visit the bazaar, the museum and 100 year old botanical gardens (Just outside the town on the road towards Roshtkala). You can sample some traditional Pamiri food. Typical dishes include laghman, manti, plov and other Central Asian classics, served with bread.

Khorog is situated in a beautiful mountain valley along the Gunt River there are many NGO’s working here, with the Aga Khan Foundation taking the lead. Near Khorog there is a weekly market where Afghans and Tajiks can meet, talk and trade.

Accommodation: Guest House (B)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,050m (6,726ft)

Today we continue our Pamir Highway cycling tour, riding along the valley. Our cycling route follows the Panj River upstream to Andarob for 44 km, we then ride a further 7km to Garam Chashma. This area is known for its hot springs which are popular with local communities. We can partake in a hot soak, a welcome reward for tired legs. The springs are characterised by distinctive calcium deposits and they are believed to have healing powers.

Cycling Distance: 45km (28 miles)
Total Climb: 822m (2,696ft)
Total Descent: 384m (1,260ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,575m (8,448ft)
Accommodation: Homestay (B,L,D)

Our ride continues today as we cycle through an historic area, known for its gemstone mines. It is even referred to by Marco Polo in his writings. As we cycle south of Anderob we will see the Koh-i-lah ruby mine set back from the road. You have clear mountain views of the Afghan side of the Wakhan Valley from here. Tonight we stay in Ishkashim, the Wakhan’s regional centre and largest village. We will be welcomed by friendly and curious local children. Ishkahsim is home to a lively bazaar.

Cycling Distance: 75km (47 miles)
Total Climb: 572m (1,877ft)
Total Descent: 646m (2,119ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,465m (8,087ft)
Accommodation: Guesthouse (B,L,D)

We ride today on the northern side of the Panj, following the river upstream. There are fantastic views of Afghanistan and the snow-capped Hindu Kush Mountains which rise up to the skyline on the far side of the water. Whilst on our side of the river we follow a well beaten track, over on the Afghan side there is only a dirt trail for people and donkeys to journey on. 15km beyond Ishkashim along the road to Namdguti, we pass the Khakha Fortress.

This impressive landmark dates back to the third century BC and rises out of a natural rock platform. It is currently used by Tajik Border guards, so it is best to check before taking any photos. 300m further from along the road from here is the Ismaili mazar (tomb) of Shah-i-Mardan Hazrati Ali, one of many places in Central Asia that claim to be the final resting place of the Prophet’s son-in-law.

We end the day in village of Yamchun.

Cycling Distance: 73km (45 miles)
Total Climb: 915m (3,002ft)
Total Descent: 690m (2,264ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,782m (9,127ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)

Today is a short cycling day as we continue to follow the Panj River upstream. After 7km we arrive for our first stop in the village of Vrang, where we will find a ruined fortress and some interesting 4th C Buddhist Stupas. There are sulphurous traces of geothermic activity and many caves around the area. Around 16km from Vrang we pass hot springs that are popular with the local community. Cycling a further 4km along our way, across the river we will see the ruined Afghan fort of Qala-i-Panja. This was once the largest settlement in the Wakhan.

We continue cycling for a further 29km coming to Abrashim Qala (Vishim Qala in Wakhi), the ‘Silk Fortress’ of Zong. The fortress was built to guard this stretch of the Silk Road from Chinese and Afghan invaders. There are wonderful scenic views of the valley from here. Our destination for this evening is Langar. Langar marks the start of Afghanistan’s Upper Wakhan, or Sarkhad region, located at the point where the Pamir and Wakhan Rivers join to form the Pyanj.

Cycling Distance: 42km (26 miles)
Total Climb: 310m (1,017ft)
Total Descent: 250m (820ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 2,824m (9,265ft)
Accommodation: Homestay (B,L,D)

We start the day cycling off road around the eastern part of lake where the waters have an emerald hue. Yashilkul means ‘the green lake’. The lake’s deepest point is 50m from the surface and is 19km long. The water is clean and clear; trout and marinka fish are visible from the surface. We cycle on re-joining the Pamir Highway at Alichur where we will stop for lunch. This afternoon we ride a further 26km along a route that passes nomding dwellings, yak and moonscape terrain to reach our Yurt camp.

Cycling Distance: 82km (51 miles)
Total Climb: 620m (2,034ft)
Total Descent: 395m (1,296ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 3,938m (12,919ft)
Accommodation: Yurt (B,L,D)

Murghab is the highest town in Tajikistan at an altitude of 3,650m. It was built at the meeting point of the Pamir Highway and the Murghab River and is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. In the Persain language Murghab means ‘river of the birds’.

Sleeping altitude: 3,618m (11,870ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B)

Cycling distance won’t be a problem today; the challenge is the thin air as we cycle through increasingly sparse but beautiful scenery all the way towoard the Ak Baytal Pass and our camp/lodgings at over 4,400m.

Everyone will want a good night’s rest before our final mountain pass tomorrow which can be difficult at this altitude. It is usual to experience fragmented sleep at these heights.

Cycling Distance: 49km (30 miles)
Total Climb: 857m (2,812ft)
Total Descent: 49m (161ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 4,429m (1,4531ft)
Accommodation: Camping/lodging (B,L,D)

We continue biking around the lake for a flat 20km before cycling the first of two climbs to the Kyzl-Art Pass, the border point between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

After a thorough security check at the border, a very rough descent takes us into the wide Alay valley. We have spectacular views of the 7,000m summits of Koh-I-Samani and Koh-I-Garmo. The valley is a favourite spot for Kyrgyz nomads and the grasslands are studded with their traditional yurts. Tonight, we stop in Sary-Tash, a tiny remote village surrounded by picturesque mountains.

Cycling Distance: 94km (58 miles)
Total Climb: 756m (2,480ft)
Total Descent: 1,307m (4,288ft)
Sleeping Altitude: 3,169m (10,397ft)
Accommodation: Yurt/homestay (B,L,D)

redspokes Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan: Pamir Highway tour ends this morning. You will be transferred to the airport this morning for your flight home.

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as “Guaranteed”. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to “Guaranteed“. Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page. 

Tour status definitions: 

• ✅ Guaranteed
  The tour is confirmed and open for booking.
• ✅ Guaranteed – Limited
  Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left.
• ⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee
  Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm.
• 🟢 Available
  Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run.
• 📩 Contact
  Please get in touch if you’re interested in this tour.
• ❌ Fully Booked
  This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

• Support vehicle
• Accommodation
• Most meals (see trip notes for details)
• Snacks and mineral water during cycling days
• Airport transfers on the start and end day of the tour
• Local professional English speaking guide(s)

🛫 International Flights
Flights to and from tour destination must be arranged independently.

🍷 Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is not included in the tour package.

🍽️ Unlisted Meals
Meals not specified in the itinerary are at your own expense.

🛂 Visa Fees
Any visa costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Must be arranged separately before departure.

💰 Tips
Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included.

🚲 Bike Hire
Available on request for an additional fee.

The tour starts in Dushanbe. You will need to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary.  The best way to get to Dushanbe is the twice-weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays) Turkish Airlines flights. The start of the tour is timed to coincide with the Sunday flight (arrives around 4am Monday morning).Alternatively, Tajik Airlines flies once a week from Munich to Dushanbe via Istanbul and Domodedova Airlines has a daily Moscow – Dushanbe flight. Please note that flight information is subject to change and you should check before booking.  Your flight departure at the end of the trip should be booked for the final day of the itinerary. We appreciate that people join redspokes tours from all over the world. Whatever time you arrive at the airport on the trip start date you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive early or stay on after the tour, redspokes can assist you in booking your extra accommodation and airport transfers at additional cost.

Our tour price does not include your international flight.

Check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk for an idea of times and prices.

You will at all times have the security of a back-up vehicle; either a jeep or a bus. The vehicle will carry your luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The backup van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 12 miles (20 km).

Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.

If you wish to hire a bike or have a single room for the tour this can usually be arranged for you at extra cost. You will have the opportunity to request these extras at the time of booking or, subject to availability, at a later date, by emailing your request to us.

If you require additional accommodation or transfers in advance of the trip start date or at the end of your trip we can arrange this for you at extra cost.

Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.

Food in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is generally hearty and tasty. A basic breakfast consists of tea and bread. A wealthy family may eat butter and jam and perhaps eggs or porridge. The staples are Plov, a risotto like rice dish with vegetables and a little meat, and Langhman, mutton soup with noodles. Pork is never eaten. Salads consist of tomato and cucumber. All meals are accompanied by servings of flat bread. The local bread and yoghurt are very good. Bread may not be placed upside down; the crumbs are collected and disposed of ceremoniously. Outside of the main towns there is little or no western food. Apart from apricots and watermelon, fruit is scarce. Although there is not much meat at the best of times, Tajik cooks struggle to cater specifically for
vegetarians.

The staple drink is Chia or black tea. Soft fizzy drinks, are available in the towns and from the occasional roadside shop. Safe drinking water is not widely available so we will provide bottled water. Restaurants usually offer Western and Russian food, Teahouses known as Choihonas serve traditional foods. Guests may sit on a platform with a low table surrounded by thin mats. Tea is served to the host first to show that it is safe to drink. A popular Kyrgyz beverage is kymyz a slightly alcoholic drink made by fermenting mare’s milk.

It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.

You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.

For people within the UK Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Follow the link above to obtain full information and a quote.

More than fifty percent of the country is over 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) above sea level. Altitude sickness is the effect of the thin air at great heights. As we are cycling up to 4,566m in Tajikistan you are likely to experience some minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness
(headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it lightly, but drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids.

We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.

The accommodation for this trip is split between either Camping, Yurts, Homestays, Guest House & Hotel.

Some Hotels will have En-suite facilities and Air Conditioning.

For this tour we are unable to offer bike hire. Please see details in Bringing your own bike section for advise on what kind of bike is suitable for this trip.

For this tour we recommend a good tough mountain bike as the roads can be very rough. Front suspension will help with the washboard tracks and potholes, but it is not essential. Full-suspension is OK, but may be hard work on the tarmac stretches. If you have flat bars, fitting bar ends will give you a different hand position and help with the climbs. The trip can be done on a traditional touring bikes, but it is important to ensure it has got strong enough wheels, sufficiently wide tyres (37mm is about the minimum) and low enough gearing. It’s worth investing in a pair of 36 spoke, hand-built wheels, using a good quality rim (e.g. Sun Rhyno, Mavic or RigidaLow geared such as a 22-tooth granny cog on the front crank driving an 11-32/34 block on the back should do the trick. Comfortable as there are some long days so it is essential your saddle and riding position are comfortable.

The route is a mixture of poorly maintained tarmac and very rough gravel tracks. The best tyre for the job is probably the Schwalbe Marathon XR. It’s very tough and hardwearing, and has a decent tread for the gravel without being too knobbly for tarmac.

We strongly recommend that you have your bike fully serviced before going on the tour. Ensure that wheel spokes are adjusted, greasing all bearings, check gear and brake cables, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamp and tyres. Put in a new inner tubes and check wheel rims aren’t worn.

We recommend that you take the following items with you.

Multi tool
Tyre levers
Pump
Spare inner tubes
Spare spokes
Check with your bike shop for disc/ brake pads
A few links for your chain
Spares for any unique things for your bikes i.e fluid or bleed kit.
Your bike must be carried as part of your luggage allowance. The weight of a bike in cardboard box is about 15-20kg, so please bear this in mind when packing for the trip and you may have to pay for excess luggage.

Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals – this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.

You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa.

Travel to Tajikistan involves a certain amount of red tape and it is important that you allow enough time (around 4-6 weeks to be on the safe side) to obtain the necessary visas and permits.

To undertake this trip, you will require the following:
A visa is required for Tajikistan. Travel along the Pamir Highway requires a special permit to visit the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). It is important that you specify that your permit is needed for “ALL AREAS, including Khorog, Darvoz, Vanj, Rushon Ishkashkim, Wer, Jelandy, Alichur, Murgab and Kara Kul”. Permit duration is for a maximum 45 days from start date. 30-day tourist e- visas and GBAO permit are obtainable via the link here www.evisa.tj/index.evisa

Visa for Kyrgyzstan. Since late 2012 Kyrgyzstan has allowed most nationalities to visit for tourist or business reasons without having to obtain a visa. Depending on nationality, no official invitation letter is now needed. Please note visa requirements frequently change and as such we advise that you check with the relevant embassies.

Important: You will have to specify the start and end date for your Kyrgyz Visa. The start date should be no later than 15 days after the start of the tour.

We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advise on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. Also please refer to advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for this trip, however the following are recommended Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis.  

Vaccination requirements can change and we aren’t medically qualified to answer your questions regarding vaccinations so please also check again with your health professional before departing for your trip. 

In terms of clothing this is clearly up to you and we can only supply a rough guide as to what to take. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific needs.

• Cycle Helmet
• Sunglasses
• Water bottles or camelbak
• Base layer tops
• Fleece jacket/ pullover
• Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)
• Down Jacket
• Padded cycling shorts
• Cycling shoes Over Shoes – extra warmth
• Lightweight socks & heavyweight socks
• Trekking Shorts
• Trousers
• T-shirts– lightweight
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Fingerless cycling gloves
• Warm gloves
• Warm fleece hat
• Buff
• Towel
• Lipbalm/ sunscreen

Our guides carry first aid supplies, however we recommend you bring your own first aid kit which should contain the following item; 

• Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer for headache)
• Lomotil or Diacalm
• Rehydration salts (Dioralite)
• Antiseptic cream
• Throat lozenges
• Plasters (band aids)
• Nasal spray
• Eye drops
• Ear plugs
• Anti bacterial hand wash
• Antiseptic wet wipes
• Insect Repellent

Miscellaneous

• Energy Bars (gels, power bars)
• Energy/recovery drinks
• Camera

Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.  50-60USD for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.

It is customary for this to be collected up and given to your guide who will distribute it amongst the team. Unfortunately there is usually a hierarchy for the division between guides, helpers and drivers.

Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc.  We estimate that £200/£250 will be more than enough to cover the tour.