#18 Cycling Switzerland to Southeast Asia: Tajikistan

This week, we crossed the border from Uzbekistan into Tajikistan, cycling from the historic city of Samarkand to Panjakent and continuing through the rugged mountain roads toward Dushanbe. The journey took us along powerful rivers and through remote, narrow valleys, including the infamous “Death Tunnel” – a long, unlit, water-filled tunnel carved into the mountains.

We wild camped by the rivers, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and remote mountain villages. The weather reached up to 40°C during the day, making the climbs especially challenging. Despite the tough conditions, we experienced the incredible hospitality of the Tajik people. Locals invited us into their homes, offered us food, and shared stories with warmth and generosity that left a lasting impression.

Arriving in Dushanbe, we met many fellow cyclists from around the world, all preparing for the legendary Pamir Highway – one of the highest and most remote roads in the world. This marks the start of the next chapter in our journey: long climbs, high-altitude mountain passes, and rough, isolated roads through the heart of Central Asia.