GBAO situation - 2014 [locked]

[Roman]

Recently I heard news about GBAO being cloed for foreigners due to shoot-out in Khorog.

I know the region is somewhat unstable and this kind of things happen regularly. I wonder how long does it usually take to reopen.

I am planning to enter GBAO in mid-July from Kyrgyzstan. I also wondered if this is only issue when entering through border in GBAO or they also check on the road from Dushanbe (thinking about going the opposite way).

[steven]

Hi Roman,

the road to Khorog was closed due to unrest and killings. It has opened once again, foreigners are admitted and peace has returned for now.

GBAO permits are not being given at the moment at different embassies worldwide. Dushanbe is apparently the only place you can get it at the moment.

I am pinning this post as I expect more updates and changes to come in throughout the summer.

All infos are welcome.

[chris_p]

Hello Steven. Can you give any more information please? Are you talking about the shorter northern road from Dushanbe to Khorog or the southern longer route via Kulob. There are a number of us cyclists waiting here in Dushanbe and we just got news today that other cyclists were turned back today on the northern road. So I think its fair to say the northern road is NOT open. Are you sure the southern road is open, do you have a source? Thanks. Chris

[steven]

Hi Chris,

my source is PECTA, the tourism association, they are in Khorog right now. I will let them know and get back to you asap.

[chris_p]

I think PECTA are giving out false information so as not to harm the tourist industry of the region long term. This news article shows more troubes in Khorog over the weekend, which PECTA conviniently ignores. http://www.eurasianet.org/node/68406 I suggest following this forum for good info http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/n ... rder-76108 It seems Pamir is closed at the moment.

[steven]

Robin Ord-Smith, British ambassador to Tajikistan:

@caravanistan what I heard from MFA and international colleagues today. But news from Khorog suggests things returning to normality. Good

https://twitter.com/RobinOrdSmith/statu ... 8284649473

[steven]

GBAO permits being handed out once again in embassies.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=365

[Judith]

Any updates on this at all? Anyone managed to get in (and out!) Ok?

[steven]

Very uncertain at the moment. Different people saying different things, lots of disinformation. Possible to get GBAO Permits, leaving me to think it's possible to move on to Khorog as well.

[allirocks]

I was just told today at the Tajikistan Washington DC embassy that GBAO permits are not available.