1. Almaty.
Arriving to Almaty. Airport transfer to hotel. Meeting at noon for lunch in a restaurant of national food. City tour: we will visit Medeo mountain gorge with the highest sport complex in the world and a unique mud dam. Then we make trip by bus way up to the Kok-Tobe mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic view of Zailyiskiy Alatau along with the city of Almaty itself. Back to hotel. Rest. We meet again to get briefed and check the motorbikes.Next in the plan before the dinner we will visit the important sightseeing spot of Almaty – Park of 28 Panfilovs and a beautiful Cathedral. Evening dinner. Overnight in hotel.
2. Almaty - Taraz. 500 km
Early wake up. Breakfast at the hotel. And off we go. Today we will have to cover on motorcycles the biggest distance of the tour – 500 kilometers. You shouldn’t be surprised since we are going through Kazakhstan – the biggest country in Central Asia and 9 place in the world by territory, where these long intervals are nothing in a scale of its infinity. You will ride on new highway "Western China – Western Europe” which was build on place original road of Silk Way. Evening dinner. Overnight in hotel.
3. Taraz - Tashkent. 310 km
In the morning we will continue to ride motorcycles on Central Asia. Today we will leave Kazakhstan, cross the border and enter Uzbekistan – a country of flower fields, juicy tasty fruits and ancient cities of the Silk Road. We will stay in Tashkent - capital of Uzbekistan.
4. Tashkent - Samarkand. 330 km
Today we will reach Samarkand city, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. Over two thousand years ago Samarkand originated in the steppes of central Asia and became the main trading center of the Great Silk Road. Overnight in a cozy hotel that surrounded by ancient architectural monuments.
5. Samarkand.
Today our motorcycles rest, and we are immersed in the ancient city of Samarkand. Samarkand witnessed the time of Alexander Makedonsky, occupation of great Chingyz khan and Timur the Lame, possessing a mix of different cultures. Magical city! In 2001 year Samarkand was included in the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO. Our city tour will be divided in two parts and we will need no bikes for that. Before the lunch time you will visit: Gur-Amir mausoleum and Registan square and Bib-Khanum mosque. Real pilaf for lunch – national Uzbek meal, the crown jewel of Uzbekistan kitchen. The hottest time of the day we are going to spend in a hotel and then you can continue excursions visiting Samarkand bazaar. Overnight hotel.
6. Samarkand – Fann Mountains. 200 km
In the morning we will continue our motorbike tour .Today we are leaving Uzbekistan with its priceless heritage and are heading to the country of rivers and gigantic mountains – Tajikistan. Country with the weakest economy in Central Asia, but with the most friendly and hospitable people. We will pass on our motorcycles through new mountain tunnel of Shahriston Pass (3378m), which is the shortcut to the Fann Mountains. Some part of the route follows tough mountain roads. But those remote tiny Tajikistan villages definitely worth it. We are going to arrive to the international alpinist camp "Vertical – Alaudin”, pitch our tents there on a green field surrounded with snowy mountains. Overnight tent camp.
7. Fann Mountains – Dushanbe 160 km
In the morning we will make short trekking to Alauddin Lakes where enjoy gorgeous view over the Fann Mountains. Then we continue the journey! Going down the Fann Mountains we will get to the road, leading to Dushanbe through 5 km of Anzob tunnel, which was built inside Gissar Range in 1980 year. It's 5 kilometers of darkness and cold where will rattle your nerves!) We will reach Dushanbe - the capital of Tajikistan. We will visit the national museum to get acquainted with the culture and history of this people. Also we will visit square of city with the highest flag that entered the Guinness Book of Records as the highest flagpole in the world back in 2011. Overnight in hotel.
8. Dushanbe - Kalaikhumb 360 km
We continue our motorcycle adventure and are heading to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous province (GBAO). Today we will get very close to Afghanistan and follow its border, where Panj river will separate us from Afghan villages where afgan people still live there the same way they used to hundred years ago. We will perform traditional washing ritual under Ali mountain waterfall, which is falling down the rock of 40 meters height. We are going to arrive to Kalaikhum kishlak by the end of the day, where cozy rooms of a guest house are already prepared for us. Overnight guesthouse.
9. Kalaikhumb – Khorugh. 240 km
Today we will drive on legendary Pamir highway (M41) on our motorcycles , which was built in the 30-s during USSR times in order to develop Pamir area. It is one of the most unique mountain roads in the world that goes through such unassailable terrain. We will pass many Tajikistan kishlaks, where local people, especially local kids, will welcome you gladly with heartwarming handshakes and entertain you with different fruits. Overnight guesthouse.
10. Khorugh
Day off for rest. During the day you can visit local bazaar. You can also buy jewelries at Khorog factory with local precious stones and visit Botanic Garden. The day will be finished with dinner and exclusive concert of local Pamir musicians with traditional instruments. Overnight.
11. Khorugh– Bibi Fatima hot springs(Yamchun). 180 km.
We are still following on motorbikes the border with Afghanistan. Pamir's road keeps up abrupt coast of Panj river, separating us from Afghanistan. We will climb over Yamchun fort and reach 3 200 meters altitude. This day and place is needed for us to get acclimatization period before the Pamir's high mountains more than 4000 m.Here we are going to catch an amazing view of Afghanistan valley at Wakhan Valley and take a bath in the sacred waters of Bib Fatima hot spring. Overnight guesthouse.
12. Bibi Fatima hot springs(Yamchun) – Murghab. 260 km
We climb the high Pamir plateau to reach kishlak Murghab – the heart of high-mountain Pamir where we will move within 4000 meters above sea level with Hargush (4 344 m) and Nazaitash (4137 m) mountain passes, as well as endless Alichur valley with fun yaks. By the end of the day we will reach Murghab - the highest kishlak on Pamir. Overnight hotel.
13. Murghab – Osh city 420 km.
We will continue our motorbike tour on Pamir Highway! Be ready to go through the highest mountain pass in USSR and Central Asia – Ak Baital mountain pass, 4 655 meters high and Kyzyl -Art pass (4280м). From the side we will try to look at the famous Lenin Peak 7134m (depends on weather). We will say goodbye to Pamir and Tajikistan and go down to warm and bright country of Kyrgyzstan. Stopping at Osh city, which is situated in the middle of Fergana valley. Ancient Osh city used to stay on the Silk Road and it is the second most populated city in Kyrgyzstan after Bishkek capital city. Overnight tent.
14. Osh – Toktogul Lake. 326 km
After tough Pamir, Kyrgyzstan will look likes paradise. Beautiful green mountains, gorgeous mountain passes with good roads. We will pass Fergana valley that provides fruits for all over Central Asia and taste it on our way through the valley. Our resort is situated on the Toktogul Lake , where we can swim for a while. For dinner, fresh trout from the lake. Overnight resort.
15. Toktogul Lake – Bishkek. 340 km.
Our motorcycle tours passes through a colorful mountains of Tien Shan. Crossing Kyrgyz ridge through Alabel (3184m) and Too - Ashuu tunnel (3685m) passings. Passage through the Suusamyr mountain plateau where nomadic yurts and animals are scattered over hills and valleys. There we have tea break in yurt and have a short rest there. Arrival Bishkek – capital of Kyrgyzstan. Overnight hotel.
16. Bishkek.
Today is day off for rest after long week of riding in nice Bishkek city. We will visit national museum of Kyrgyzstan and walk on city square. Or you just can stay in the hotel and lie around in the room
17. Bishkek - Issyk Kol Lake. 380 km.
Today we will continue our adventure . After Baom Gorge we will stay on the coast of Issyk-kul - the "Pearl of Central Asia”. A unique mountain lake that is situated at the altitude of 1 609 meter above sea level, included in the list of 25 the biggest lakes in the entire world and take the 7th place in list of the deepest lakes. It is 702 meters deep. 100 of rivers fall into the lake, but there are no rivers flowing out of it. We will spend the whole day at the resort, enjoying beautiful water, taking sun bathes and just relaxing.
18. Issyk Kol Lake - Charyn Canyon. 230 km
We will leave beautiful Kyrgyzstan and cross the border to be back to wonderful Kazakhstan. We are going visit amazing Charyn canyon and climb down to the bottom of it, where we will spend a night in real yurt – traditional houses of nomads. The whole time we will be surrounded with fantastic flower and mystical rocks of ancient canyon.
19. Charyn Canyon– Almaty. 215 km.
Our great journey on motorbikes is about to finish; full of unforgettable feelings we are going back to the most beautiful city of Central Asia – Almaty. We will celebrate our successful tour in the restaurant, where you will be given certificates and presents as keepsakes of the tour. And after, let the party begin!
20. Almaty
During this day you may take a rest in your hotel room after heavy party night or just have a walk around the city and buy some presents for your friends and family. After the lunchtime we will meet up and visit Arasan bathhouse, the biggest one in Central Asia. Enjoy hot sauna, relaxing massage and cold beer. Thus, all clean and rested, you are ready to come back home.
21. Departure Almaty.
We will organize transfer to Almaty airport according to your flight time.
Have a save flight! Thank you very much for being with us during this tour! You are always welcome here to take part in another fascinating motorcycling tour around Central Asia!
Please feel free to contact us for more info.
INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
OF CENTRAL ASIAN RING MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE TOUR
Duration: 21 days, 15 days on the bike
Country: Kazakhstan,Uzbekistan,Tajikistan,Kyrgyzstan
Start/Finish: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Total distance: 5000 kм.
Roads: 90%on road - 10%off road
Accommodation: hotels (11 nights), guesthouses (4 nights), resort (1 night), tent camp (1 night), yurt camp (1 night)
Support: : Toyota Land Cruiser
Available bikes: BMW F800GS, Suzuki DR650SE
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS:
-Readiness to have unbelievable adventure with lots of surprises on the way
-Physical strength and pure optimism
-Good riding skills
-Respect laws and culture of local people
VISA PROCEDURE
Our company does not deal with visa issues. Therefore, you yourself must deal with these issues.
In this tour we pass 4 countries : Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan with GBAO area and Kyrgyzstan.
In Central Asian Ring tour, we will have :
-Double entries/exits to Kazakhstan
-One entry/exit to Uzbekistan
-One entry/exit to Tajikistan and GBAR permit (Pamir)
-One entry/exit to Kyrgyzstan
For every country there are own visas rules. And for citizens of different country can be different rules.
In the section VISA you can see the procedure for applying for a visa for each country
Unfortunately, visa procedure is inimitable part of the tour, so please take some time in order to finish this process successfully, but we want to reassure you, that you will not face any troubles and obtain your visa in the shortest time. We recommend starting visa process 2-3 months prior to the tour. We are always there for you to help!
HOW TO GET HERE
Here is the list of air companies, providing flights to Almaty. You may also contact us specifying your country of departure. Since we have a wide client base from all over the world, we will contact them in order to receive recommendations or advise concerning flight details.
Air Arabia, Asiana Airlines, Atlasjet, British Airways, China Southen Airlines, Czech Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Hainan Airlines, KLM Airlines, Lufhansa, Mahan Air, Pegasus Airlines, S7 Airlines, Samon Air, Tajik Air, Turkish Airlines, Rossiya Airlines, Transaero, Turkmenistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlanes, Air Astana, Fly Dubai, Fly Vista
WHAT TO BRING?
The baggage of participants which will be in the car support is limited. The weight of your bags that you take the tour should not exceed 10 kg (without motorcycle gear). And that means you have to take only the essentials.
1. Passport, driving licence , money.
2. Motorcycle gear:
- helmet with visor. It's better to have an integral, flip-up or touring style helmet, but do not MX or open-face type, because in the mountains you can feel freezing rain, snow, wind and dust, which may make your face vulnerable.
- jacket and pant with knee, elbow and back protection. Jacket: If you use the jacket as a major shalt for a trip on a motorcycle, then it should have built-in protection - elbows, back, shoulders. Would be nice if jacket has a double layer, which can detach during a hot period of the day, and fasten upon the occurrence of cold. Pants:You can use the enduro pants with built knees protection. If you don't have such pants with built knees protection you can use just jeans or MX pants but have to use knees protection
- motorcycle boots. You can use different shoes - touring boots or motocross boots. The main thing that they would protect your feet and comfortable for switch gear.
- pair of gloves (one light for hot days other warm waterproof)
- motorbike neck warmer tube scarf windproof
- motorcycle thermal underwear for hot and cold weather
- 100% waterproof rain suit
3. Off-line GPS navigator in your mobile with local road maps
4. Necessary medications if you need them.
5. Shoes: sandals for resorts. Sneakers for the prom;
6. Clothes: a few T-shirts, a few spare socks, jeans, shorts, swimming trunks, a warm sweater, light jacket;
7. Towel and toiletries.
8. Sunglasses.
9. Sunscreen.
10. Mosquito Cream
11. Headdress: a cap or hat for the warm days and knit cap for cool;
12. Flashlight
13. Photo or video camera.
14. Own sleeping bag for one night tent camp in Funn Mountains. We provide tent and mattress.
Please use soft, compact bag for tour. Do not use bulky suitcases.
P.S. You can also bring a variety of inexpensive gifts for local children.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Central Asia is the region with sharply continental climate. Day temperature during summer period is +25 to +40 degrees. After the sunset, temperature drops to +20 degrees, and to + 15 in the mountain areas.
It is hard to predict weather conditions in mountain regions of Pamir and Kyrgyzstan. Sometimes it can be cold wind or rain and it might be snowing in Pamir. So you have to be ready for any weather conditions.
ROADS CONDITION
Most of the roads of this tour are asphalt. But Pamir highway section as Kalaikhumb - Khorog -Yamchun - Murgab - Sary Tash are very tough. In places it is a twisted old asphalt, or simply a gravel comb. Due to harsh natural conditions, remoteness and lack of financing, these roads are not sealed and have never been repaired.
The quality of sealed roads in the mountain area is also inconsistent, as there might be construction works going or the road may be washed out due to heavy rains. In this case we will change the route. Please, be ready for that.
DISTANCE
There are some very long distances as well as very short ones. In any case daily runs range from 7 to 9 hours So you have to be ready for early wake up and arrive late.
ACCOMMODATION
We are trying to provide the most comfortable accommodation in our tours. But conditions and serviсe may vary from very good in Kazakhstan to very low in Tajikistan.
For instance, in such areas as the Fann Mountains,Kalaikhum, Khorog, Yanchun, Murgab there might be no electricity or water supply. It is due to remoteness of these places.
We will have a camp in the Fann Mountains and our company provides tents, mattresses. You should bring own sleeping bag. If you dont have let us know we provide.
FOOD
Dinner and breakfast we have in accomondation places. Lunch in roadside cafe.
Central Asian's food is not very diverse. Usually it's meat and dough. But for you will be usfull to know names some of most common dishes that are offered in road cafes and hotels.
Lagman - is made from meat (mainly lamb), vegetables and long noodles.
Shurpa is soup. Typically, this is a beef or mutton broth with large chunks of carrots, onions, tomatoes and potatoes. Good dishes for lunch.
Pilaf is rice, meat, carrots, onions.
Manty is stuffing beef with onions wrapped in dough.
Kebab or kuyrdak is fried or braised beef or lamb with onions.
Borsch is Russian soup. Meat broth with pieces of meat and with the addition of beets, cabbage, potatoes.
HEALTH.
The most common problem of guests is an upset stomach.
It comes from the local uncommon food. Acclimatization of food takes several days. Some people have 2-3 days. Others can not get rid of this this until the end of the tour.
Unfortunately, we are powerless here. So take the necessary medications.
But some tips may help you.
- do not eat much meat in the first days of the tour
- - if you want drink beer better drink beer before meals.
Mountain sickness.
Pamir Highway passes at an average height of 3000 m. We will have a place for acclimatization in Yamchun. Sometimes people feel very tired or have a headache.
So take the necessary medications.
BORDER CROSSING
Be patient. This can take from 3 to 5 hours.
You should be prepared that your things can be checked by the customs officer very carefully. They can even check your mobile phones and laptops. So make sure that your phones do not contain pornographic or religiously extremist information. Aslo make sure that you dont have any drugs in your stuff.
Do not bring medicines containing narcotic elements.
ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR
People in Central Asia are very friendly and hospitable. But you should be aware of some rules of behavior.
Prohibited:
- take pictures of border posts, police, military people .
- appear in underwear in hotels and guest houses. Especially if there are local women there.
- go to the toilet in the wrong place
Concerning relationship between participants and organizing company during the tours we don’t support "I am the client, and you are an executive” or "the client is always right” attitude, since we believe that during the tour we are all one big team, where everyone respects, understands and helps each other.
SCHEDULE ROUTE AND CONDITIONS (click for zoom)
Central Asian Ring is exclusive adventure motorcycle tour around Central Asia. 
