Tadjikistan 1

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Tadjikistan
1.400km
17.500 meters ascending
4.635 highest pass
26 days

We have been in the land of the Pamir Highway since six days now. We expect this to be the most beautiful part of our trip concidering the scenery. The first five days of cycling from Samarkand to Dushanbe were already fantastic; After Panjikent we are cycling in magical surroundings. We cycle between high mountains on each side, hardly any traffic and through small farmer villages with friendly people.

The road is very bad and is ascending most of the time, therefore we have to change our daily distance planning.There aren't any hotels but camping somewhere quiet or in an orchard is easy. The hospitality of the Tadjieks is very impressive and before we know it we are stuffed with all kinds of foods and drinks.

To get to Dushnabe we have to cross the 3373 mtr Anzob pass. The road is getting smaller and worse and is really getting steep. The surroundings are splendid and we really enjoy the long climb. At night we're camping at the creek waving good night to some donkey drivers.On top of the pass we can see this amazing world of mountains with a few small villages. From here we descend for 2500 mtr over 85 km to Dushanbe. It feels like riding a rollercoaster. Almost without peddling we reach Dushanbe in the evening.

In Dushanbe we are preparing for the Pamir Highway. We are stuffing ourselfs and the bags full of food, while the bikes are in for an oil-treatment. We will be on this road for three weeks untill Saritash (Kyrgyzstan). The first 600 km we have to cross some high passes before we are truly on the Pamir. The road should be okay over there, but the altitude will definitely have it's affects. For two weeks will be cycling around 4000 mtrs. We'll see when there is an opportunity to use interenet again and give you an update!