Barnaul, Russia
Passed through Barnal in SW, many Masha's wearing impossibly tight pants, should've stayed longer. Drove through endless forests n should cross into Mongolia this arvo. Now need to trade car for a horse.@
Semey, Kazakhstan
Semey, Kazakh... Very radiant city, centre of Russian nuke tests, conducted over 460 bomb tests in area, tap water stronger than Red Bull. Gonna cross Russian border a tad later and then Mongolia tomorrow.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Left Almaty, Toyota Landcruiser capital of the world after have a needless all-nighter. Making way to Russia border, had a few long driving days n sleeping just off roadside.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Made it through to Bishkek , Kyrgyz capital, after managing to get lost, interrupted a bunch of locals enjoying an afternoon game of get the dead goat polo for directions, had obligatory vodka shot before moving on.@
Osh Province, Kyrgyzstan
Crossed longest no-mans land between Tajik and Kyrgyz...subjected Micra to river crossing, wheels in air type stuff, scenery immediately changed, finally had shower on second day in Kyrgyz. Passed through Osh,(recent spot for ehtnic violence), typical Soviet era mess, crumbling apart. What a bunch of muppets.
Murghab, Tajikistan
Left Wakhan Valley via spectacular mountain passes on way to Kyrgzstan, slept @ 3900m in desert, starry night offsetting rather offputting BO.
Ishkashim, Tajikistan
Carried on down the Wakhan Valley, slept in homestay at friendly local type dude. Dragged poor Micra up to hotsprings spot, road pretty dire... Brave little car.
Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan
Making way to Pamir Highway. Slept 1st night @ some local farmers spot. Driving all along Afghan border, spectacular mtn passes and rivers. Slept 2nd night 100m from Afghanistan. Passed through Khorug now on Pamir highway.
Districts of Republican Subordination, Tajikistan
Leaving Dusanbe for Pamir highway through mountains on Afghan border. Supposed to be super scenic with the odd Telly Buns floating about(actually supposed to be super safe esp vs London)
, Iskanderkul, Tajikistan
Left Iskanderkul Lake in for capital of Tajikistan, Dusanbe. Chilled drive through mountains(incl a 20 min drive through flithy tunnel, aka tunnel of death) Treated car and driver to well earned wash.
Guy
On the way!
<p style="text-align: center"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Mongol Rally 2011. Late entry minimal prep, why would it be in anyway different.</font></p><p style="text-align: center"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Anyhow, the idea is to drive an underpowered car through uninviting terrain 1/3 </font></p><p style="text-align: center"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">of the way across the world. The locals fare ok..... should be a breeze. </font></p><p style="text-align: center"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">And while we're at it raising a bit of cash for the odd charity. </font></p><p style="text-align: center"> </p><p style="text-align: center"> </p><p style="text-align: center">(PS.... I am in the process of sorting this website thinsg out, so like everything it's a work in progress) </p>