Mountain Hike - a Path to Self-Cleansing and Self-Development

In our modern world, we increasingly encounter problems related to our inner selves. Sometimes we feel insecure, limited, and unable to control our lives. However, when we go to the mountains, we find a way to get rid of this burden and cleanse our inner selves.

Hiking as a Tool to Combat Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the serious cognitive distortions, where a person constantly postpones some action or decision until the last moment and instead engages in something else. Usually, something not particularly important, like checking email, scrolling through social media feeds, or doing other insignificant tasks. They put off unpleasant decisions or difficult tasks until later, thinking that they need to do something else at the moment, and then something else after that, and so on. As a result of this delay, the necessary decisions are not made on time, and what actually needed to be done remains undone. As they say, "put it off until autumn, and then just forget about it."

Physical Preparation for Mountain Hiking: How to Get Your Body in Shape for Beginners

Mountain hiking is a unique way to spend time in the great outdoors, enjoy beautiful scenery, and challenge yourself. However, good physical preparation is necessary for participating in mountain hiking, especially for those who are not leading an active lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare your body for mountain hiking and which types of physical activity can help.

Mountain Spirits in Tajikistan, Myth or Part of Cultural Heritage

In Tajikistan, like in many other countries, there are myths and legends about mountain spirits. These creatures possess supernatural abilities and are considered guardians of mountainous areas. Just a few commonly accepted descriptions of mountain spirits will be given as an example. However, in reality, such legends and myths exist in every region, so there are many variations of mountain spirits in these stories. The most famous mountain spirits in Tajikistan and their brief descriptions are given below.

Mountain Paradise for Hiking in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The majority of its territory is located within an extensive mountain range formed by several mountain systems. There are many stunning mountainous areas here that attract tourists from all over the world. Mountain hiking in Tajikistan is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the mountain nature and feel the spirit of freedom and adventure.

How Navruz is Celebrated in Tajikistan and Other Countries of the World

On March 21st each year, the world celebrates the spring equinox, which is a symbol of the beginning of spring and a new cycle of nature. This day has different names and traditions of celebration in different countries, and one of such countries is Tajikistan, where the holiday is called Navruz.

The Benefits of Hiking in the Mountains for the Body and Mind

Hiking in the mountains is one of the most popular types of outdoor activities that not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature but also has a positive impact on the health of the body and mind. In this article, we will examine several beneficial aspects of mountain hiking for human health.

The Contribution of Alexei Fedchenko to the History of Exploring the Nature of Tajikistan

Aleksey Pavlovich Fedchenko (1844-1873) was an outstanding Russian naturalist, traveler, and paleontologist. His research in the fields of geology, zoology, and botany largely formed the basis of modern science about the living world. Aleksey Fedchenko was born in Moscow to a family of peasant origin. From a young age, he showed an interest in nature, collecting and studying insects. In 1862, he enrolled in the physics and mathematics faculty at Moscow University, where he began to study natural sciences.

The Yeti in Tajikistan

The Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, the Ghoul, or Bigfoot, is the subject of many legends and myths, as well as a source of excitement and curiosity for many people. Tajikistan is one of the places where encounters with this mysterious creature have been reported.

The Perilous Beauty of Lake Sarez. Pamir, Tajikistan

Some natural landmarks are officially off-limits to the public. One such place is the mysterious and formidable Lake Sarez in Tajikistan. A permit from the Committee for Emergency Situations is required for a visit, though I cannot judge how strictly this rule is enforced—I personally haven't been there yet. But I very much wanted to tell the story of this unique and incredibly beautiful lake. To do so, I have gathered information and photographs from open sources. Its poetic name—"The Sleeping Dragon"—perfectly reflects its pristine beauty and hidden threat.

The «House Book» Stone on Lake Iskanderkul

A large boulder lies on the eastern shore of Lake Iskanderkul. Many call it the «House Book». The stone is almost completely covered with inscriptions – short ones, like a name, a year, where the person came from. It's one of the local sights.

The Road of Ten Thousand Li: How the Great Silk Road Was Blazed

The Great Silk Road is not merely an ancient caravan route; it is a whole network of paths that for centuries connected countries and peoples. Its commercial and cultural significance was immense. And it did not emerge spontaneously, as it might seem at first glance — as if merchants simply traveled back and forth and the road somehow formed itself. That is not the case. The Great Silk Road was literally blazed, and it happened twice.

Above Only the Sky: The Story of the First Ascent of Everest

The highest of all peaks, the loftiest point on Earth — Mount Everest. Its official name was given in honour of Major George Everest, head of the Trigonometrical Survey of India. Some say he was a governor, but that’s a myth. The irony? This gentleman never accomplished anything extraordinary and was just a high-ranking official. Yet the mountain bears his name.

The Sandal on the Pamir: A Legend of Bodhidharma

Who Was Bodhidharma? Bodhidharma was the first patriarch of the Chan Buddhist tradition (known in Japan as Zen). He is also called Damo, Daruma, and… the Bearded Barbarian. The last nickname came about naturally. Unlike the clean-shaven Chinese monks, he wore a beard. Moreover, according to legend, he came to preach his teaching in China from India. And the Chinese called all outsiders “barbarians” – hu. Hence “the Bearded Barbarian.”

The Pamir Mountains: The Origin of the Name and Other Interesting Facts

The Pamir mountain system forms a unique planetary junction, where the spurs of Asia's greatest ranges—the Hindu Kush, Tien Shan, Karakoram, and Kunlun—converge. This grand uplift of the Earth's crust neighbors deep depressions, such as the Tarim (Kashgar) Basin. The Pamir is located at the crossroads of several nations: Tajikistan, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. However, its central, highest part, containing the main peaks, lies within the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The Ancient Mystery of Mount Olam Jahon

It is, perhaps, less a mystery and more my own speculation — possibly even an overactive imagination. Yet, since there are no definitive answers, let us still call it a “mystery.” So, what is this all about?
During a hike to Mount Olam Jahon, after I had climbed onto the plateau at its summit, I noticed a few oddities — both of the plateau itself and of the peaks situated on it. It is these oddities, and the conclusions I drew while examining them, that I wish to share in this short article.

Fedchenko Glacier: A River of Ice in the Pamirs, in the Heart of the Mountains of Tajikistan

In the northwestern part of the Murghab region, where the Pamir Mountains meet the sky, the peaks of the Yazgulem Range — Peak of the Paris Commune, Peak of the 26 Baku Commissars, and Independence Peak — form a magnificent glacial cirque. It is here, at an altitude of 6,280 meters, that the world’s longest glacier outside the polar regions begins its journey: The Fedchenko Glacier.

Angel Falls (Kerepakupai Merú), Canaima National Park, Bolívar State, Venezuela

Let’s start, shall we, with the name of the highest waterfall on Earth. From its discovery in 1933 until 2009, the world knew it as Angel Falls — after the American pilot Jimmy Angel, who reported it to the National Geographic Society.

Of course, local people had known it long before. They called it Churún Merú — after the Churún River on which it stands. Another name was Aparamay or Apemey, which means “maiden’s eyebrow”.

“God’s Eyes” Cave (Prohodna Cave), Iskar-Panega Eco-Park, Bulgaria

While roaming the web, I stumbled upon a stunning image — a cave with the piercing, eloquent name “God’s Eyes.” I was intrigued immediately.

A quick search brought up a mountain of websites describing this wonder. It turned out to be Prohodna Cave. It lies in Bulgaria, within the Iskar-Panega Eco-Park, near the village of Karlukovo. Just a stone’s throw from Sofia — a mere 112 kilometres. And although I was sincerely impressed, the place felt oddly familiar. A strange feeling, given that I’d never actually been to Bulgaria…

Peak Ismoili Somoni (Communism Peak), Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

The highest point of Tajikistan is Peak Ismoili Somoni, rising 7,495 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in Central Asia and throughout the entire territory of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). Among the world's highest peaks, it ranks fiftieth.

For climbers from the CIS and around the world, Peak Ismoili Somoni is a landmark summit. Many consider it their duty to climb it. More than thirty routes lead to the summit. Some of them are recognized as the most challenging in the world. Their distinctive features are unique technical parameters: a colossal altitude difference of about 2,500 meters and a steepness exceeding fifty percent.