22 August
After three nights at the Green House Hostel in Dushanbe, without doing anything except resting my body and especially my legs, I was ready for the next challenge, getting to Khorough and then to into Kyrgyzstan. Cycling from Dushanbe over Pamir to the border of Kyrgyzstan is quite a tough ride.
I have planned for four intermediate goals, Kulob – Khrog – Murghab and Karakul lake before crossing the Kyrgyz border after approximately 1100 km
Before leaving Dushanbe, I made a bank transfer at the Sheraton hotel because it’s not sure, like in Europe where ATMs are everywhere. Here, you need to have cash!
The first 25 kilometers towards Kelob were mostly easy cycling on a very good road. Then I had to work hard to climb all the hills.
After nearly 40 kilometers, I reached the summit for the day and enjoyed a nice descent before I cycled through the 4.5-kilometer-long Khatlon tunnel, previously known as the Chormaghzak tunnel.
My longest tunnel so far. Khatlon tunnel 4.5 km long and the lighting inside was non-existent
I have to admit, it wasn’t a great experience. The tunnel was almost completely dark, and my bike’s front lights were far too dim.
When I finally came out the other side, evening dark had fallen, and it was time to find a good camping spot. About 300 meters from the tunnel, a side road led me up to a plateau where I pitched my tent, with a nice view of the traffic below.
See Yeah Later
P-G
// The Global Cyclist 1719