I decided to make a separate article to collect experiences of the different GBAO checkpoints along the Pamir Highway. All updates are collected here.
The catalyst was below message about cyclists being harassed at the Kargush pass, at the eastern end of the Wakhan Valley. In the end, this problem was resolved. You should not have issues at these checkpoints any longer.
Kargush Pass, October 2016
ALL cyclists have been annoyed at Kargush pass… their bags have been fully searched… and the army guys always tried to get something from them, money, headphones, knife, whatever they could get! Some resisted… some could not… some were brave and confident, took the time to say no, ask for the boss, did not accept to give anything and at some point, they could go through but they spent 30 minutes-1 hour negotiating with aggressive guys! Some did not resist and gave 20USD, headphones… they were scared… which I can understand in such a remote place!
A Belgian guy was even threatened with a gun on his cheek to give his tablet and some money… It seems solo cyclists are more annoyed than the ones travelling in couple or small group.
I would recommend cyclists to avoid going solo there! They clearly are worse with solo ones!
