The END OF TAJIKISTAN 🇹🇯 - ALLAUDIN LAKES - Australia to Scotland by road - Episode 75

Back on the blacktop and on the road northbound, we were back to the original plan of stopping in at Allaudin Lakes.
Touted as being a more difficult track to get into the pictures of the lake at the end made the prospect of a fun 4wd track even better. The road passed through several towns, full of some of the most welcoming and friendly people we have met. These people live a pretty remote simple life though whether in the slightly more built up village, or a river stone hut in the fields they were all smiling and waving as we passed.
The second half of the track is where the fun began as the valley narrowed to a chasm; one of those places that makes you wonder how the very first road was cut through. A few months earlier in the winter beyond the gap would’ve been impassable, sealing off the small villages to foot traffic only. Narrow tight tracks like this make us glad we picked the Troopy, anything bigger would’ve made accessing locations like this impossible.
We arrived at the end of the track in the fading sunlight and found a spot to setup on a nice big grassed area next to the stream. Unlike Iskanderkul these lakes need to be hiked to so with the weather on our side again that’s exactly what we planned to do the following morning (Not without a few hours of appreciation to take in the incredible scenery first). The hike to the main lake is a casual slightly undulating climb through cow fields, rocky pine forrest, and past small crystal blue lakes. Surprisingly the water from the main lake doesn’t flow directly down to the other lakes though seeps through the ground and out into spontaneous waterfalls in the grass creating new streams across the valley. Although going for a dip would’ve been ‘refreshing’ there were signs saying not to, not sure if this is for belief reasons or they simply don’t want to treat you for hypothermia!
We were traversing this part of the country in spring which meant everything is a lush green and also that it’s not peak tourist season. The Fann Mountains are a popular hiking destination with several peaks to summit and many multi day treks starting from this location. Thankfully being the very start of the season we had to place to ourselves.
After staying for a second night we made up way back down the valley, past the friendly locals and back onto the main road. There has been comments that the roads in Tajikistan are terrible. On the Pamir Highway that would be correct for the majority at altitude, though the altitude is the reason they are terrible. With the extreme weather conditions in that region the roads are ravaged each year. The infrastructure isn’t there to support year round maintenance so the roads are in a constant state of repair. North of Dushanbe however (apart from ‘the tunnel’) the main roads are great quality and we enjoyed the flowing drive following the raging river down the valley, out of the mountains and into the open farming fields. That’ll be the end of the mountains for a very long time…..
At the border town we went through the normal formalities of finalising paperwork and money exchange. We stopped in at a restaurant for lunch (unfortunately our footage of the restaurant, food, and lavish wedding ceremonies have gone ‘missing’) and as the location had a great outlook over the river we ended up staying for hours to complete our border prep. The day became long and the restaurant owners were happy for us to camp out the back. The following morning we were greeted with another amazing gesture of Tajikistan hospitality when a man attending the restaurant bought over a family size serving of plov, fruit, and bread. He spoke no english and bought our breakfast feast over for no other reason then he was happy we were in his country.
So that wraps up our time in Tajikistan, a country which is firmly in our favourites list. With the ease we could access the harsh remote conditions, huge dramatic scenery, ancient culture, and warm hospitality it only confirms the reasons why we chose this style of travel. Reliving it though these videos and being able to share that with you all makes the effort that goes into making all worthwhile also.
Join us in the next episode were we cross the border to Uzbekistan.
Thanks for watching!
Jolie and Mark
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[@BilalHussain-gc2sf]

I think the highlight of Tajikistan were these crystal blue lakes. But the children are too cute, smiling and waving, cant believe people can be that friendly.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, the locals definitely make you feel welcome in these parts!

[@JeffC1]

Well, Tajikistan just made the top of my bucket list! So glad you had such an amazing trip.

[@TheWayOverland]

Great to hear Jeff, cheers

[@marilizelegajuana8887]

The landscape is absolutely jawdropping. Didn't expect that

[@Reaper4367]

seriously beautiful country and people!

[@TheWayOverland]

Sure is!

[@greatsouthernoverland]

Oh my that was beautiful!!! Thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful country and people:D

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Vik, no worries!

[@beepeesscee]

Scenery was mind-blowing, captured amazingly! Each episode just keeps getting better and better! keep it up!! Hoping when you recommence the journey and eventually reach England you guys continue to traverse south all the way through Africa and keeping the Journey alive!

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Ben, haha at the rate we travel if we tack on an Africa leg we'll be on the road for another decade! We'll work towards getting back on the road asap and see how we're tracking when we get to the UK. Cheers

[@gordonwheeler627]

Hi guys, aweome set of videos for Tajikistan, really makes me want to go there. Won't be a walk in the park, but definitely looks like a country that rewards the senses the more effort you make. Really stoked to see the Uzbek trek. Going to go over the northern Pakistan vids, and then work forward in your time line, the scenery in the central asia area is simply awesome. Hoping you can keep this going.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Gordon, Central Asia is incredible and is definitely worth the effort. The contrasting topography of the region continues into Uzbek where it is very different to Tajikistan! Hope you enjoy the previous eps. Cheers

[@GaryTischer]

Thank you for showing us such a beautiful and remote part of the world 😎

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries Gary, happy to take you along for the ride

[@user-rd4qw4wn5l]

The END OF TAJIKSTAN - ALLAUDIN LAKES - Amazing and The INCREDIBLE - The Way Overland - Episode 75

[@hugorivas6674]

Wow! Wow ! Wow ! What an amazing terrain ! Thanks for sharing !

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries Hugo, glad you liked it.

[@PeterRedKatieVersion]

Stunning Tajikistan! Wonderful reflections of the blue lake and the warm locals. You offer a nice sense of everyday life there.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Peter!

[@dantheman6159]

The world is so much better with the Way Overland videos on KZbin. When are you guys hitting the track again Jolie and Mark?

[@TheWayOverland]

Ha thanks Dan! The Troopy has been granted another extension till the end of September so all going well we hope to be back on the road before then!

[@philfoote829]

So good epic epic 😎 👌 🙌 👏 Thanks for sharing

[@overlandme]

Incredible journey

[@AmjadAli-rh8kh]

Love you guys from Dubai

[@TheWayOverland]

🙂

[@liparithakhverdyan9487]

Beautiful

[@KatrinaAnn]

Just amazing! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing

[@TheWayOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GoingTheWholeHogg]

Another beaut! Had me smiling the whole way through. This part of Tajikistan is so different to the Pamir, landscape wise. Just spectacular. We spent about 10 days trekking through the Fann Mountains from Haft Kul to Allaudin and it's one of the best things we've ever done. Can't believe how lush and green it looks in spring compared to summer. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! Kim

[@TheWayOverland]

Yeah topography there is incredible. If we had’ve been more prepared we would’ve loved to have done one of those treks in the Fann. Unfortunately we had returned our bigger backpacks to Aus. after our time in Nepal. On the to-do list for when we get back though!

[@robkeith1776]

Hey Jolie and Mark. Greetings from Oz. Stunning drone images of Allaudin Lake. What a magic trip. Thanks again for taking us along.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Rob, good to hear you're enjoying the journey.

[@dantheman6159]

Oh man. The experiences you guys have had. Your spirit for adventure is unmatchable.

[@amadsaleem8949]

Beautiful Tajikistan, awesome drive, lovely people and scenic lake. 👏

[@ahmadz251]

This video is absolutely breathtaking and heartwarming ❤❤❤

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks! 🙂

[@Felixoran546]

This place is one of the most beautiful place, you guys had featured.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, its a hidden gem!

[@MariaCCurry]

This is one of my favorites! All of the videos in this series ~

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Maria!

[@navgoraya3198]

Wow! What a prestine beauty👌⛰⛰⛰ Real untapped part of the world. Simple People living simple life.

[@TheWayOverland]

You're exactly right, we've found that usually those people are the friendliest too! 🙂

[@courtneyhawkins4072]

Awwww that man was so generous and that food looked delicious!

[@TheWayOverland]

Very generous, a very welcome morning surprise for our last day!

[@alauddinkhan9652]

Ohh its my Name

[@TheWayOverland]

😂 it’s your lake!

[@farazhassan6417]

Salam & a big Wow :) what a beautiful country Tajikistan, quality of water & fruit is very good,no wonder peoples are healthy & happy, true treasure of all these *stans are the lovely, kind & guest freindly peoples, may Allah safe them and the land. . . Let's go Uzbekistan :)

[@TheWayOverland]

Salam, and thanks!

[@rickallen8743]

Stellar, thanks for allowing all to accompany you in your journey

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries Rick!

[@dilshodsobir0v]

My homeland

[@stevestott3652]

Wow such awesome scenery and crystal blue looking lakes . Is a spot I definitely need to visit some day . And the people who you have met along the way in that area are so nice and friendly , all smiles and full of cheer . This country sure has been awesomely beautiful .thanks for bring us along . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Steve! Hope you enjoyed the journey through Tajikistan with the friendly people and mountainous topography, onward and upward now to a much different landscape! Cheers

[@philjachowski1709]

Wow, Simply stunning! I've never had a video make me want to go somewhere so bad. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWayOverland]

Great to hear Phil! 🙂

[@ArshadAli-ym9ne]

Beautiful countryside! Love those welcoming people.

[@TheWayOverland]

Such a great country to explore!

[@kimconnollysolocampermarri467]

Hi Mark and Jolie, Kim Connolly here from home. Your vlog is amazing!!!! So beautiful. I’ve been dabbling in a little vlogging myself, so I know how much goes into it. Still in the learning phase. Love, love, love your vlog!

[@TheWayOverland]

Hey Kim, Just realised our previous response to your comment didn't post, apologies! Thanks though, and good luck with the videos! Cheers

[@tchat536]

What an absolutely beautiful country!! Who knew! Thanks so much for the education

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries, it was one of our favourites!

[@INOMQUICKTEMPERED]

beautifull

[@hondakubo9399]

Wow 😳! What a stunning place 💖🌲🌳⛰🚐🏕

[@TheWayOverland]

Sure is! ⛰🚐🗺

[@AshleyPearceImages]

Each episode gets better and better Jolie and Muk. Not that I have a desire to travel overseas at the moment, but your capture of your trip is amazing (albeit the Iran part not so amazing). I hope both of you are well.

[@TheWayOverland]

haha cheers Ashley. Jolie and Muk, sounds a bit like beauty and the beast. 😂 But yeah it's great being able to relive our experiences through these countries with everyone while we're grounded. Let's hope this grounding doesn't consume all of 2021!

[@ronellefiji]

Love your vids. Love the music.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks!

[@johndiaz7240]

Brilliant , thanks.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks John

[@janiekings]

Absolute stunning scenery, loved it!

[@TheWayOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gemmarawsthorne6231]

Breathtaking!

[@TheWayOverland]

Sure is!

[@cleanenergyinside1921]

Awesome views. Thanks Mark and Jolie. All the best! From your fan in 🇲🇾

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks! 🙂

[@susansantos8362]

Beautifull scenery,thank you mark and jolie

[@TheWayOverland]

No problem Susan, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jcf6597]

Another excellent video with breathtaking video and scenery.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks!

[@TylerMillieWood]

Beautiful area, wonderful people!

[@TheWayOverland]

Agreed!

[@Zacker72]

Love watching you guys. Perth started to lockdown again for 5 days.

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers Zac, we did see that. Hope you've got your TP stockpiled!!

[@dinksontour2179]

What a fantastic country ,amazing scenery ,great video guys rgds Peter

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Peter!

[@mdrasheduzzaman5139]

Great vlog

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers!

[@mariamaqbool8954]

Enchanting lake 😍😍😍😍

[@TheWayOverland]

Sure is!

[@garyleonard4009]

Absolutely beautiful country. That food looks delicious 👍😀

[@TheWayOverland]

Incredible country, and yes it was delicious, and filling! A great send off.

[@loekee03]

Great video guys! Loving the music as well. Good to see you two still going strong! It's been a while since we met in Timor-Leste. You two should extend the trip into Canada! ;)

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks mate! That was a long time ago! Canada would be awesome, think we might try and get through the obstacles with finishing this trip first ha! Hope you're doing well and getting some climbing in. Cheers

[@ankitb7347]

Can’t wait to see Aus from your camera guys,. Great Video!

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, hopefully not too long!.....

[@shahnawazhanjra6531]

Awesome awesome superb Ausies 👍♥️👍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🇵🇰

[@TheWayOverland]

👍🏼🙂

[@jonathangamino1701]

You guys are awesome! Can't believe there are some many beautiful places out there that I've never heard of. I hope on e day yall can get out there again and explore. Also listing to y'all has helped my brother and me work one our Australian accents...they are still terrible.

[@TheWayOverland]

🤣 no worries mate, if a broken Aussie accent is one thing you can take away from the vids then we've done our job! 👍🏼

[@juzzdotme]

Absolutely awesome guys love your vids brings back fond memories. We completed the same trip in 2018. Enjoy the wild camping we used ioverlander(if you haven't got it already) for some spectacular spots Uzbek is beautiful also look forward to your next episode ❤️👌

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, hope you had a good time there also. Yeah we use ioverlander also as a bit of gauge for possibilities though prefer to go our own way where ever possible! That's half the fun of it! Uzbek's very contrasting to Tajik in landscape! Beautiful as you said though. Cheers

[@official_Houdy]

Epic

[@yasirsohail6575]

Nice video

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers

[@sebk5232]

It's such a pleasure to watch your videos. Can't get enough of the incredible landscape and the local culture. Looking forward to Usbekistan. Btw, do you have a GPS log of your route?

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Seb, we do though we haven't published it yet. When we get time in between making the episodes we might through it up on our website.

[@anne6270]

Amazing scenery (& photography) - can see why you loved it! Jolie, did you eat all that bread?

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks! Gave it a good effort though there was enough food there to feed a family! The bread ended up as a 'hanger' eliminator...

[@headsteadi]

Watched all your videos from Ep. 1. Love them all. Keep them coming please. How easy is it to travel during this Covid-19 time?

[@TheWayOverland]

Awesome, cheers! Not so easy, we're stuck at home now waiting for the borders to open. Just catching up the footage 🙂

[@AhmadullahTanha]

When you look at these videos back when you guys get old - all the memories on the road which matters the most in life. Another incredible video, stay safe on the road guys.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, you're right. It'll be good to look back on these with our kids when we're older!

[@christiankruse5193]

How beautiful is that?!

[@TheWayOverland]

Very?!

[@JohnHMoore]

What a gorgeous place! The blue of that lake... and, Jolie, you seemed especially happy & beautiful at the end there. Question, though, at the very end: did that border crossing have some kind of tire wash that you had to drive through?? It looked like some kind of pool build into the road on the opposite side of the gate...

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks John 🙂 Great observation! You’re right in your assumption, tyre disinfection/wash pool. We have encountered this on a few borders.

[@colinross6259]

What a great bunch of people. Talk about feel welcome in a country. Same thing, bit of greenery and so much friendlier to the eye. Now that dirt track 1/2 ish through the vid, is that the main highway? I wanna go there.

[@TheWayOverland]

Haha yep, you should see them get the semi trailers through the pass! It's definitely a country of contrasts, this lake compared to Karakul, what a change in scenery! Both spectacular in their own ways though. Cheers

[@titomito]

Guys love your Vlogs, are always eagerly awaited. One question, did you guys ever have a flat tire somewhere remote? Well since I am here, I shall ask a second question 😊 why just a few Vlogs in Pakistan? Did you guys planned it like that or what?

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, thankfully we had no tyres blow anywhere. We did have a slow leak in Nepal which was the result of a nail. Easy fix. Our time in Pakistan was shorter than we wanted because our crossing of China was booked, and it was still early in the season to be doing much exploring in the North. We thought while we were there that we liked it so much we would just come back and go over the parts we missed.

[@paulm2550]

You guys get me so excited. Was supposed to be leaving, in 5 weeks, for a 7 month adventure riding a 2008 KLR 650 from Bangladesh to Mongolia. Thanks to Corona I've had to put it off 12 months. Where is the troopy now?

[@TheWayOverland]

Ah that’s no good mate! Sounds like an epic ride, our original trip plan was to do it on our KLRs, great bikes! Troopy’s now sitting patentially in the Caucasus. Hopefully not too much of this year is eaten up before we can get back over to it and continue on...

[@paulm2550]

This log in is my old channel, Classic Car and Bike stuff, but the channel I'm building for the trip is kzbin.info . would love your support. We're doing weekenders from Perth to build a loyal base for when I do the trip

[@doriandoti8536]

5:10 overland vehicle from the old world.

[@TheWayOverland]

And what a sturdy reliable vehicle. Very popular in these regions!

[@spiglord]

Another sensational video, THANKS. How did you navigate through the 'Stans' and find all these beautiful off-the-beaten-track locations...? Do you use a guidebook/maps/websites, or by word-of-mouth from other overlanders...?

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries Stephen, we use open source mapping for navigation. We’ve downloaded all the maps for each country and then put them onto our GPS when we get there. They’re usually very accurate. To find out about these places we use guide books, gov tourism website, and talk to locals (when we can communicate).

[@spiglord]

@@TheWayOverland Cheers guys :-)

[@beepeesscee]

@@spiglord looking into the ioverlander app, a great source of local information as you travel

[@liparithakhverdyan9487]

Peace

[@pranavmishra6834]

Are you guys still in Tajikistan

[@TheWayOverland]

Australia

[@FrozenVision11]

You guys probably can't use GPS on these roads, so do you ask a guide or he hands you a map, because getting lost on these roads would probably be a nightmare.... I'm assuming...

[@TheWayOverland]

Yep, we use open source mapping and we've been surprised at how detailed and accurate they are (usually). We download these onto the GPS which is handy. Thankfully these side roads are just up a valley so theres's really only one road up and down. Out of the 17 countries there's only been a handful of times that the roads shown on the map are actually now just goat tracks though we like to explore them anyway for a bit of fun. If there's ever been a confusion we usually just ask a local and they'll point us in the right direction.

[@INOMQUICKTEMPERED]

the difference is kids all outside grow up playing which you don't see in western countries

[@aid4kids]

Beautiful video...but why are you washing your hair in this clear river...Shampoo doesn't make it better!

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks, yep you’re right though not washing in it. It would be far too cold to stand in and if we did we would use our eco soap. If you have a look again at the shot a bottle of water is being used to wash out.