Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Aug 1, 2009

Dushanbe to SamarkandI suppose it should have been expected that somewhere in Eurasia after negotiating so many busy cities that I would fall off and injure myself. Well it happened as I was leaving Dushanbe on my way to the border just 100 kms west of the city. Cities are busy everywhere but in Central Asia the drivers especially taxi's are crazy. Lanes and road rules do not exist. I have always been ultra-cautious when travelling in cities but this day my cauti...

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Jul 27, 2009

Bishkek to DushanbeAfter a days rest and a bit of sight seeing in Bishkek I was ready to take on the Pamirs in Tajikistan. It was important to stop for a rest and get the opportunity to chat to a few western travellers in the guesthouse where I was staying. All were European and three of them were couples who had flown in for a few weeks of travelling in Kygystan. It is great to swap experiences for altho my trip was vastly different we were all there for the sam...

Olgii, Mongolia

Jun 16, 2009

Bayankhongor was at the southern end of an extensive east west mountain range. We spent two enjoyable days camping by a delightful river just outside the town. Despite having to cross the river on the Mule four times it did not get easier. The river was fast flowing 30cms deep and 20m wide with slippery loose rocks to boot. But that was nothing! The track gradually wound its way up this deep wide valley for more than 50kms. The entire valley floor was glacial dep...

Bayangohor, Mongolia

Jun 5, 2009

Ulaanbaatar to Dalangazad (Gobi Desert)Depending on which road map you have the distance varies between 300 and 400kms. It took us three part days to travel into the heart of the Gobi Desert. It was hard leaving the Oasis Guesthouse in UB because it was so relaxing and the food and hospitality so good. About 30 kms south of UB the road turns to gravel and the real Mongolia just unfolds in front of you. Rolling treeless hills for as far as the eye can see. Every f...

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

May 29, 2009

Ulaan Ude was tidy and much more compact than other russian cities. It was dominated by Mongol/Asian people. It was surrounded by hills in the background and a small flowing river. I stayed in a big central hotel with good facilities. The tasks at hand were to post unwanted equipment home, change some travellers cheques and do a bit of sightseeing. However I then discovered that my visa for Mongolia had expired and my visa registration for entry to Russia had (I ...