Optional Pamir Highway Extension
ROUGH COSTINGS:
Pamir Highway Costings
The price of the car for 7 days Dushanbe to Osh tour is 1900 USD. For two cars it is 3800 USD.
*Included:* English-speaking driver, transport, side trips, driver’s meals and accommodation, fuel, border fees for transport
*Not included:* Your meals and accommodation, entrance fees to the site, GBAO permit and visa
Kindly consider the following as additional expenses:
Your accommodation with breakfast and dinner cost around 25 to 35 USD per person/night.
Entrance fees to sites – 30 USD per person for the entire trip
Lunch, water, snacks – 50-70 USD per person. (For lunch, you’ll stop at local cafés along the route. In areas without cafés, you’ll stock up on snacks in larger cities like Osh or Khorog.)
GBAO permits – 35 USD per person.
Samarkand to Tashket via Sven Lakes/Fann Mountains Costings
Take taxi to border the USD100 transfer to guesthouse and another $100 from guesthouse to Khujand. Then taxi to border and on to Tashkent
OR US$600 all the way (I believe)
Bishkek to Almaty via Kyrgastan Costings
Bishkek to Almaty trip from 29th May to 06th June, the price will be around 710 USD per person.
Included:
• Mini Bus with AC + driver
• English Speaking guide
• All the meals and accommodations of driver and guide
• All the entrance tickets to sightseeing
• Eagle hunting show
• Folklore show
• Horse riding in Song Kul 3-4 hours
Not included:
• All of your meals and accommodations during the trip
• Airport pick up/drop off
• Bottled water, snacks
This is for Tajikistan:
This one for Mongolia:
https://www.getroamify.com/esim/mongolia/
Alternative:
I will be keeping my eyes open for any specials 🙂
For a 25000mAh backup battery with 210W total output in carry-on baggage:
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This power bank is generally allowed in carry-on baggage on most airlines.
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The capacity of 25000mAh (25Ah) at 3.7V typical voltage for lithium-ion batteries equates to about 92.5Wh (25 * 3.7 = 92.5).
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This 92.5Wh capacity is under the 100Wh limit that most airlines allow without special approval for carry-on items.
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The 210W output rating refers to the maximum power output, which doesn’t directly affect airline regulations on capacity.
Key points:
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It’s within the generally accepted limit for carry-on without special approval.
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You must carry it in your hand luggage, not checked baggage.
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Always keep it in your carry-on bag and not in any checked luggage.
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Protect the terminals and keep the device turned off during the flight.
FYI: Transit day in Seoul – Tuesday 29Apr
Re the DMZ Tour – it seems that the DMZ tour from the airport on 29April is going to be in the region of US$120/A$190 per person. (I think that is a bit exe for what it is).
(From Seoul itself it is only US$48/A$75) – VIP Travel <vip@vviptravel.com>
If you are still interested in a DMZ tour, my suggestion would to consider doing the tour on the way back home when you are actually in Seoul rather than at the airport.
I have also looked at renting a car, Uber & train via Seoul (Incheon Airport is about an hour from Seoul) but none of them work that great.
If we go by train, we risk not making it back to the airport in time for the flight to Almaty.
There is even a DMZ tour laid on by the airport which is cheaper but only goes on a Thursday 🙁
Other tours available from airport on 29th Apr are:
Airport Transit Tours
FYI: Things to do around Incheon
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g297889-Activities-Incheon.html
Or just take the train from the airport into Seoul for the day.
https://www.koreatrains.com/incheon-airport-seoul-train-timetable
Visa Requirements:
Uzbekistan – no visa for up to 30Days
https://visalink.com.au/visa-requirement?nationality=AUS&destination=UZB&purpose=T&entryDate=2025-05-01&exitDate=2025-05-31
Tajikistan – eVisa for up to 30Days
https://visalink.com.au/visa-requirement?nationality=AUS&destination=TJK&purpose=T&entryDate=2025-05-01&exitDate=2025-05-31
Kyrgyzstan – A Visa is not required for your trip to Kyrgyzstan
https://visalink.com.au/visa-requirement?nationality=AUS&destination=KGZ&purpose=T&entryDate=2025-05-01&exitDate=2025-05-31
Kazachstan – no visa for up to 30Days
https://visalink.com.au/visa-requirement?nationality=AUS&destination=KAZ&purpose=T&entryDate=2025-05-01&exitDate=2025-05-31
Pamir Highway – GBAO permit for Pamir travel required
Medical Requirements:
Day 1 – Depart Australia:
Day 2/3/4/5 – Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Altitude: 1575ft/480m
More info on Tashkent
https://central-asia.guide/uzbekistan/destinations-uz/tashkent/
Free walking tour:
https://www.guruwalk.com/tashkent
Tashkent Video:
Day 5/6/7: Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Fly fron Tashkent to Khiva
Altitude: 148ft/45m
More info on Khiva:
https://central-asia.guide/uzbekistan/destinations-uz/khiva/
Free walking Tour:
https://www.guruwalk.com/khiva
Khiva Video:
Day 7: – Khiva (Uzbekistan) – Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
The train in the direction of Khiva – Bukhara will depart on odd days of the month at 11.10am and arrive in Khiva at 18.14pm on the same day
The best way to travel between Khiva and Bukhara depends on your preferences for cost, time, and comfort. Here are the main options:
This is the most affordable option, with tickets starting from around $14-1612. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes3. Trains depart daily, with the main service leaving Khiva at 16:05 and arriving in Bukhara at 00:156.
A private taxi is the fastest option, taking about 6 hours and 30 minutes12. It’s more expensive than the train, costing around $35-40, but offers flexibility and the chance to stop at points of interest like the Kizilkum Desert and Amudarya4.
Flying is the quickest but most expensive option. You can fly from Urgench (near Khiva) to Bukhara, with the flight taking about 1 hour3. However, when factoring in travel to and from airports, this option can take 2-3 hours total5.
This option involves taking a shared taxi or minibus from Khiva to Urgench, then catching a train or another shared vehicle to Bukhara7. It’s a more complex route but can be a good middle ground between cost and flexibility.
The best choice depends on your schedule, budget, and travel style. The train is ideal for budget travelers, while a private taxi offers the most convenience and sightseeing opportunities.
Citations:
- https://www.bookaway.com/routes/uzbekistan/khiva-to-bukhara
- https://12go.asia/en/travel/khiva/bukhara
- https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Khiva/Bukhara
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g424965-i19980-k10111580-o40-Getting_between_Khiva_and_Bukhara-Khiva_Xorazm_Province.html
- https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Khiva/Bukhara-Region
- https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g293967-i9281-k13751802-Khiva_to_Bukhara-Uzbekistan.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Uzbekistan/comments/1cje3qs/the_best_transportation_from_khiva_to_bukhara/
- https://travelonthedollar.com/uzbekistan/day-3-khiva-to-bukhara/
- https://12go.asia/en/travel/bukhara/khiva
Day 7/8/9/10 – Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Altitude: 751ft/229m
More info on Bukhara
https://central-asia.guide/uzbekistan/destinations-uz/bukhara/
Free walking Tour
https://www.guruwalk.com/bukhara
Bukhara Video:
Day 10/11/12/13 Bukhara to Samarkand, Uzbekistan by train (2.5 hours)
Altitude: 2375ft/724m
More info on Samarkand – Uzbekistan
https://central-asia.guide/uzbekistan/destinations-uz/samarkand/
Walking Tour Samarkand
https://www.freetour.com/samarkand
Samarkand Video:
Day 12 – Samarkand – Shakhrizabs (Optional Day Trip)
(Uzbekistan)Shakhrisabz city (motherland of Great Amir Timur).
More info on Shahrisabz
https://central-asia.guide/uzbekistan/destinations-uz/shahrisabz/
City tour: Ruins of Ak-Saray Palace (XIV-XV), Dor-ut Saodat Complex: Khazratiy Imam Mosque (XIV), Jahongir Mausoleum (XIV), Dor-ut Tillavat Complex: Gumbazi-Seiidan, Kok Gumbaz Mosque (XV).
Drive back to Samarkand.
What’s the Uzbek Food Secret?
Uzbekistan Travel Tips:
Getting a taxi from Samarkand to the border near Panjakent, Tajikistan is relatively easy and affordable. The most convenient method is to use the Yandex Go taxi app, which is widely available in Uzbekistan.
To book a taxi:
1. Download the Yandex Go app (preferably before arriving in Uzbekistan)
2. Set your pickup location in Samarkand
3. Enter “Jartepa nazorat o’tkazish punkti” as your destination
The cost for this trip varies slightly based on different sources:
– Around 120,000 Som (approximately 10 USD)
– About 200,000 Som (around 15 Euros)
– Approximately 40 USD in cash for a private car from Registan Square
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a shared taxi or marshrutka:
1. First, take a Yandex taxi to Kaftarkhona Bus Station (about 1000 Som or 70 cents)[1]
2. From there, take a shared taxi (20,000 Som per seat) or marshrutka (5,000 Som) to the border[4]
Overall, getting a taxi from Samarkand to the Panjakent border is straightforward and relatively inexpensive, especially when using the Yandex Go app.
Day 13/14/15/16 Panjakent, Tajikistan (or stay in Marguzar) – Fann Mountains
1. Take taxi from Samarkand to border (arrange locally)
2. Cost from border to accommodation (approx US$100)
3. Cost from accommodation – Khujand (approx US$100)
4. Get taxi to border (arrange locally)
Otherwise US$600 all up
Altidude:
Penjikent – 3267ft/996m
Artuch – 7132ft/2173m
Marguzar 1437ft//438m
More info:
https://central-asia.guide/tajikistan/destinations-tj/penjikent/
Trekking in the Fann Mountains from Panjakent:
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/38951-trekking-in-the-fann-mountains
Artuch, Tajikistan
Fann Mountains Video:
(start viewing at 10.15Minutes)
Food – Tajikistan
Marguzar Accommodation Suggestions:
TBA
Day 16/17 Khujand, Tajikistan (scenic road)
Altitude: 1000ft/300m
More info on Fann Mountains
https://central-asia.guide/tajikistan/destinations-tj/fann-mountains/
More info on Khujand:
https://central-asia.guide/tajikistan/destinations-tj/khujand/
Day 17 Khujand, Tajikistan – Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (fly)
To travel from the Tajik border to Tashkent Airport, you have several options,
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chanak,+Tashkent+Region,+Uzbekistan/Tashkent+International+Airport,+Kumaryk+Street,+Tashkent,+Uzbekistan/@40.8953585,68.5203828,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x38b1e699151b970d:0x8469e8fd32c8a945!2m2!1d69.2132526!2d40.5369348!1m5!1m1!1s0x38ae6005c5142bf3:0xe04bf246835d2d7f!2m2!1d69.279151!2d41.2595981!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDMxOS4yIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Day 17/18/19 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 2600ft/800m
More info on Bishkek:
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/bishkek/
Free walking Tours:
https://strawberrytours.com/bishkek
https://www.freetour.com/bishkek
Bishkek: Ex-Soviet City to Modern Metropolis in Kyrgyzstan!
Kyrgyzstan Map
Day 19/20/21 – Son Kul lake (Kyrgyzstan)
Altitude:
Son Kul Lake – 9895ft/3016m
Naryn – 6627ft/2020m
More info:
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/naryn/son-kul/
Naryn Kyrgyzstan
Maybe instead of high altitude Son Kul Lake – Naryn (Kyrgyzstan)
More info on Naryn
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/naryn/
Day 21/22 – Song Kul to Issyk Kul Lake – Issyk Kul Lake and Jety Oguz Gorge, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 5272ft/1607m
More info on Issyk Kul Lake :
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/issyk-kul/
More info on Jety Oguz Gorge
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/issyk-kul/jeti-oguz/
Day 22/23 – Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 5544ft/1690m
More info:
https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/issyk-kul/karakol/
Top 10 Stunning Places in Kyrgyzstan Video:
Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide:
15 Food In Kyrgyzstan I Absolutely Loved
Stayed In A Yurt | Kyrgyzstan
Day 23/24/25 – Charyn Canyon & Saty Village, Kazakhstan
Altitude: 5964ft/1818 m
Day 25/26/27 – Almaty, Kazakhstan
More info:
https://central-asia.guide/kazakhstan/destinations-kz/almaty/
Free Walking Tour:
https://strawberrytours.com/almaty/tours/essential-free-tour
Almaty Video:
Day 27/28/29 Dushande, Tajikistan
Altitude: 2316ft/706m
More info:
https://central-asia.guide/tajikistan/destinations-tj/dushanbe/
Free walking Tour:
https://www.guruwalk.com/dushanbe
Watch until minute 10.15
Optional Pamir Highway Extension
Dushanbe to Osh on Pamir Highway – 7 days
Explore the planet’s epic road trip Pamir Highway: one of the wildest roads in the world. Stretching more than 1,200km between the cities of Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Dushanbe in Tajikistan, the Pamir Highway Road Trip travels through savage wilderness, ranging from high desert to snowy mountains and crossing passes of more than 4,000m. It is likely inhabited by more snow leopards and spiral-horned Marco Polo sheep than humans are. Stay with local people along the way and experience the Pamiri culture. Enjoy panoramic views while doing short hikes on your tour.
The price of the car for 7 days Dushanbe to Osh tour is 1900 USD. For two cars it is 3800 USD.
Included: English-speaking driver, transport, side trips, driver’s meals and accommodation, fuel, border fees for transport
Not included: Your meals and accommodation, entrance fees to the site, GBAO permit and visa
Kindly consider the following as additional expenses:
Your accommodation with breakfast and dinner cost around 25 to 35 USD per person/night.
Entrance fees to sites – 30 USD per person for the entire trip
Lunch, water, snacks – 50-70 USD per person. (For lunch, you’ll stop at local cafés along the route. In areas without cafés, you’ll stock up on snacks in larger cities like Osh or Khorog.)
GBAO permits – 35 USD per person.
Full details – https://visitalay.com/tour/dushanbe-osh-pamir-highway/
Destination: Pamir Highway, Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan
Itinerary: Dushanbe – Darvoz (Kalaikhum) – Khorog – Ishkashim – Langar – Bulunkul and Yashilkul lakes – Alichur – Murgab – Karakul lake – Sarymogol – Lenin Peak Base Camp – Osh city
Tour type: auto + hike
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Best Season: April – October
Min / Max Elevation: 2400m – 4700m
Overnight stays: guesthouses, yurt camps
Tajikistan – what you need to know:
Pamir Highway Video Part 1
Pamir Highway Video Part 2
Tajik Qurutub and Plov | My Food Tour of Tajikistan
Good Food Tips
Day 29 – Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Khalaikhum, Tajikistan
Altitude: 4209ft/1282m
Day 30 – Khalaikhum, Tajikistan – Khorog, Tajikistan
Altitude: 6965ft/2123m
Day 31 – Langar, Tajikistan
Altitude: 6709ft/2044m
Day 32 – Langar, Tajikistan – Alichur Via Bulunkul, Tajikistan
Altitude: 9799ft/2987m 
Day 33 – Alichur, Tajikistan – Karakul Lake, Tajikistan (via Murgab)
Altitude: 12795ft/3900m
Day34 – Karakul Lake, Tajikistan – Tulparkul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 12795ft/3900m
Day 35 – Tulparkul Lake, Kyrgyzstan – Hike to Lenin Peak glaciers – Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 11482ft/3500m
Day 35/36/37 – Hike to Lenin Peak glaciers – Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Altitude: 3300ft/1000m
