Hiking to the Peak of Gushor, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

The peak of Gushor is well visible from any point in Dushanbe. I have been planning to climb it for a long time, and finally I did it. The mountain, or rather the peak of Gushor, is one of the peaks that crown the Chilikak ridge. This ridge stretches from the Varzob River (approximately 16-21 kilometers from the Varzob highway) to the Luchob River in the area of the village of Shiratalo. The Gushor peak (2450 meters) is not the highest point of the Chilikak ridge; there is another peak with a weather station above it (2552 meters), another unnamed peak (2606 meters), and the highest point, the Chilokak peak (2702 meters), which is already closer to Shiratalo and cannot be seen from the city.

Spring Hike to the Waterfalls in Gusgarf, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

I can't say exactly how many waterfalls there are in Gusgarf, but the most famous ones are two waterfalls: "Pioneer" and "Eagle's Nests". Well, officially, these waterfalls are called the Big Gusgarf Waterfall and the Echo Waterfall, respectively. However, I have been to these waterfalls even three times, as I found another one, let's say, unnamed but quite decent waterfall. I visited these waterfalls at different times, and it was interesting to see how these waterfalls look in spring, when there is a lot of water. So, when spring came, I went to see the waterfalls in Gusgarf.

That Time «Something Went Wrong» — A Short Story

Long before I finally set out on this hike, people kept asking me, "Have you been to the Gusgarf Waterfall?" "No," I'd reply, "what waterfall is that?" The descriptions that followed were always colorful, but they all boiled down to the same thing: it was a big one, about thirty meters high, and back in Soviet times it was called "Pionersky" (The Pioneer). Lately, I'd heard another name too — "Ok Kul" — though I can't vouch for that one.

Hike to the Big Gusgarf Waterfall, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

The Big Gusgarf Waterfall, also known as the Pioneer Waterfall, is located in the Varzob Gorge past the village of Gusgarf. The hike to this waterfall was quite an adventure. The first time, back in June, I went alone to Gusgarf without any idea of where it was located, relying only on oral descriptions. As it happens, I got lost but eventually stumbled upon some waterfall, apparently nameless.

Hike to the Eagle's Nest Waterfall in Gusgarf, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

The Eagle's Nest Waterfall is located behind the village of Gusgarf in the Varzob Gorge. Many people call this waterfall "Echo," but Echo is actually a pass that can be reached by following the trail through this gorge. Somehow, the name Echo has also become associated with the waterfall. However, the Eagle's Nest Waterfall was named for good reason - no matter what time of day you come here, eagles or other large birds are always circling above the waterfall. Of course, they are actually circling above the gorge, but it creates the impression that they are circling above the waterfall.

Hiking-Quest - Waterfall in Gusgarf, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

Last weekend, I decided to go to the Gusgarf waterfall, which is located near the village of the same name. It was not just a hike, but a quest to find the Gusgarf waterfall. The thing is, I didn't know the roads, didn't find any companions, and still decided to go alone, which some might say was a big mistake. But I will say, it was a very cool adventure. It took about three hours to walk to the waterfall, but I walked for seven hours, turned onto the wrong trail, realized it too late, decided to go straight, ended up on rocks, loose soil, and thorny bushes - in short, I entertained myself as best I could....