Trippin’ with The Travel Camel and the Tajik Outlaws

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Asia » Tajikistan » Khorog
August 8th 2017

Published: August 24th 2017

Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you either have an insatiable appetite for traveling in the more remote or lesser known places on this planet or you are a friend or family member. Either way, welcome to one of our more unique adventures. Introduction Until recently, any country containing the syllable “stan” would not have been high on our list of places to visit, but then we disc... Read Full Entry

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Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

D MJ Binkley

Photographers, divers, writers, foodies, chefs and music enthusiasts. Travelers' Century Club Members: 12/2023. MJ 107 and Dave 104. We appreciate your feedback and if you like our stories we would appreciate it if you follow our blog. We live on North Hutchinson Island, Florida. If you are in Florida please send us a private message as we would love to meet you. Two retired nurses who are passionate about traveling the world. Our love of travel, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures will hopefully take us to wonderful plac... full info

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Tajik Man

Tajik Man

The hat is traditional head wear

Yashyl Kol

Yashyl Kol

Stunning blue water of this lake were a real treat for the eyes

In search of Camels

In search of Camels

In search of Camels

Tajikistan Camel

Into the Valley

Into the Valley

Into the Valley

Endless beauty

Tajik Wedding

Tajik Wedding

We just happened into two weddings at the palace.

Wedding Ceremony at the Palace

Wedding Ceremony at the Palace

Wedding Ceremony at the Palace

Everyone was attentive

Zamanbek

Zamanbek

The "Z" man.....our driver...a man with many talents

#1 Driver

#1 Driver

We love Zamanbek

Dave, Sherali and Shane

Dave, Sherali and Shane

Dave, Sherali and Shane

Our guide and our tour leader

Panj River through Khorog

Panj River through Khorog

Panj River through Khorog

Crossing the Panj

Crossing the Panj

Crossing the Panj

The Dancing Ones

The Dancing Ones

The Dancing Ones

Our friends David and Denise

Beautiful faces of Tajikistan

Beautiful faces of Tajikistan

Beautiful faces of Tajikistan

Attending the wedding

Tajik wedding

Tajik wedding

She looks frightened or unhappy

Introducing us to Tajik Music

Introducing us to Tajik Music

Introducing us to Tajik Music

Playing the sato

Several big rigs on the highway

Several big rigs on the highway

Several big rigs on the highway

Slow passing

Restored Palace

Restored Palace

Restored Palace

Outside Dushanbe

Caretaker at Botanical Gardens

Caretaker at Botanical Gardens

Caretaker at Botanical Gardens

Summer colors

Summer colors

Botanical Gardens

Goat on the loose

Goat on the loose

Goat on the loose

They cropped his ears

They cropped his ears

They cropped his ears

He was sweet

24th August 2017

michelleandkev
Michelle & Kevin Cavanagh

What an adventure!
Boy of boy! This makes our travels look very tame indeed! What a fantastic adventure you've been having. Can't wait for the next episode. Take care and have fun!

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

What an adventure!
We thought we might be too old and used to creature comforts to enjoy this trip but our sense of adventure would not allow us to miss it. We are so incredibly glad we embarked on this adventure. It has been spectacular! You should consider doing this next year.

24th August 2017

Marsha
non-member comment

Tajik outlaws
What an adventure! As usual you capture the excite and beauty of your trip. ?

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Tajik outlaws
We went off the beaten path and have been rewarded with an amazing life adventure. We met some incredibly kind and welcoming people. What a lovely place. Thanks for commenting.

24th August 2017

holamundo
Nina+Markus

New destinations on our bucket list
We have followed yome of your pics already on Facebook - and wow, this trip must have been so stunning and wonderful. Definitely, this is a destination we would love. So curious about your next blogs. :-)

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

New destinations on our bucket list
You must consider this one.... an adventure right up your alley. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are spectacular beyond belief. More blogs coming soon.

24th August 2017

Crannster
Theresa and Dave

Stunning
What a great trip! It is refreshing to read of obscure destinations and understand that they are even more fascinating than imagined. This is a part of the world that we have been thinking about - we have some friends heading there next year and we may join them. This blog is an inspiration to all who wish to see the lesser-known regions of this remarkable planet. I am looking forward to the next instalment. D

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Stunning
You must do this trip next year. It left us speechless....and that rarely happens. The people are so friendly and much to my families surprise it is completely safe. Make your plans... you won't regret it.

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Stunning
You must do this trip next year. It left us speechless....and that rarely happens. The people are so friendly and much to my families surprise it is completely safe. Make your plans... you won't regret it.

24th August 2017

Sheila Ball
non-member comment

Amazing
Great descriptions and photos. Not a place I'd like to be but you are both brave souls indeed. Love you both.

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Amazing
This is a location for travelers, not tourists. The home stays were comfortable but extremely basic. These people do not have many materials things but they open their hearts and homes to the road weary travelers. They make wonderful soups. They are friendly and kind. An amazing adventure.

24th August 2017

Waddads Travel
Lori & Susan

Amazing!
I have never considered travelling to this area, but it looks pretty amazing! I have enjoyed reading your blogs and look forward to more entries from your Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan trip.

24th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Amazing!
We would not have gone on this trip if Shane had not been leading the trip. It was utterly amazing and I recommend you consider his trip next year. He makes all the arrangements and it is great. Stunning. Surreal. Adventure!

24th August 2017

hkwoody
martin woodford

So You're There
Hi You may or may not remember a couple of years ago we had a few chats on here when we were travelling the other way along the Pamir. Reading your blog and seeing your pictures brings back great memories for us. Hope you're remembering to look behind you - the views the other way are always spectacular as well. Looking forward to the next installment. Cheers

25th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

So we are there
Glad our blog is providing you some memories. Yes, looking back on the path traveled is important. The views are endlessly spectacular. Thank you for all the information you provided. This is a road trip we would not have wanted to miss.

25th August 2017

RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew

“you can’t get there from here”
I love that saying, and I'm going to steal it! This does indeed sound like a good and proper road trip...I'd never heard of the Panj River either and looked it up when I saw your FB pics, shows how narrow our high school geography classes are! Looking forward to reading more blogs and getting more details about the places, people and food.

25th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

You can't get there from here
The Panj River is forceful and raging. In some locations it could easily eat a car. Now we are all ready for geography on Jeopardy! More details soon. Thanks for following along. This location is amazing and off the beaten path. So glad we came with Shane. He is an excellent tour leader!

25th August 2017

David and Janice
non-member comment

Off Road!
Wow, that really is off road! Sounds like our sort of trip but it might be a road too far! The grey-haired-nomads

25th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Off road!
Indeed your kind of trip. Consider this trip. You'll be comfortable enough. The road less traveled is indeed worth the extra effort.

25th August 2017

bvchef
Brendan Vermillion

More please....
I am looking forward to more stories, pictures and insights. This was a fun read and the pictures are truly worth a thousand words. What a memorable adventure. I can't wait to sit by your ocean and hear more.

25th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

More please
We have more blogs coming and stories to share when we are in Florida together. This was an amazing trip. An adventure....just as Shane promised.

25th August 2017

Tom Rooney
Tom Rooney Travels

The Tajik Outlaws
Great post guys. The experience sounds exciting and the photos are wonderful!

25th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Tajik Outlaws
Tom....you've traveled every where but we can't remember if you have been to Tajikistan? If not, you should go on Shane's tour next year. Traveling with The Travel Camel is awesome. Off the beaten path and a real adventure.

26th August 2017

Jeremyaroundtheworld
Jeremy Chiron

Your blog post brought back lost of memories
Thanks for sharing, Dave and M.J.! Tears are running on my cheeks as I realize I never felt more free than on my bike in the Pamir. Such a remote place. Such amazing scenery! Such simplicity... Enjoy and keep sharing!

26th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Lost memories
Tears of joy are a compliment. You've described this very well. There was a sense of freedom when traleving the Pamir's. Can't imagine doing this on a bike of any kind. You are brave, a true adventurous spirit. Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come.

26th August 2017

cabochick
Andrea

I feel like I missed the boat!
Nice introduction to the Stans. Hello to the Travel Camel and the double D's. Such stunning scenery, interesting ports, and great comraderie, so glad you got to do this trip! Keep the stories coming.

26th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Missing the boat!
Andrea, this is your kind of trip. You must consider it for next year or the following. Shane is an excellent tour leader and the Pamir's are stunningly outrageous. Indescribable. More stories coming soon. Thanks for commenting.

26th August 2017

silvernomads
Paul & Sheila Williams

Wow
Wow what an adventure a great read and brilliant photos.

26th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Wow
It was an adventure.We are thrilled to have taken this voyage. We don't like all of our trips to be the same and this one was unique. Stunning vistas and more to come.

26th August 2017

Monique Nelson
non-member comment

Wonderful
This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

27th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Wonderful
It was a wonderful festival. Gives a sense of the people.

27th August 2017

alex waring
Alexander Waring

"The Tajik Outlaws"
Great blog Dave and Merry Jo! It sounds like the scenery on the journey was spectacular, and I'd imagine difficult to find words for - your blog however seems to be able to convey the majesty of the landscapes perfectly - well done! Also - wonderful photos, a great combination of portraits of people and landscape photos. I look forward to reading more :0)

27th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

The Tajik Outlaws
The Pamir Highway is grand, surreal and a must do. Hope you give this trip some consideration. The people and events were a bonus. Thanks for following along and commenting.

29th August 2017

nancic123
Nanci and David Curry

Together Again!
Seeing you, Dave, Dave and the Travel Camel back together takes us back to the days when we first joined Travelblog! You guys were some of the first blogs we started following. How far everyone has come. It's was nice to follow along with your adventure. What an interesting place so far off the beaten path. I don't know if this is a country we will ever get to, but I'm glad we got to go along with you guys! Looking forward to the rest of your trip!

29th August 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Together again
Always good to get together with the Dancing Ones and meeting Shane was great. The Pamir Mountains are extraordinary. They leave me speechless. It is the road less traveled. Thanks for reading and commenting.

23rd September 2017

Tuzkol

Readingfcboi
Alan Atkinson

So surreal!
I can't believe this place exists. It looks like a painting... WOW

24th September 2017

Tuzkol

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

So surreal
Yes, indeed....hard to imagine the beauty we saw. Still thinking about it and wondering if it was real. Amazing, stunning.

23rd September 2017

Yashyl Kol

Readingfcboi
Alan Atkinson

Beautiful
So beautiful

24th September 2017

Yashyl Kol

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Beautiful
Every corner offered another amazing thing to look at.... so many photos.

17th November 2017

Dusty Pamir Highway

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

Dusty Pamir Highway
Travel on at your own risk...fabulous memories...we'd return at a heartbeat...hard to beat.

18th November 2017

Dusty Pamir Highway

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Dusty Pamir Highway
Agreed that we have some great memories! This was an experience of a lifetime and the views spectacular. Glad we did the trip with you.

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