Chapter 7: The Roads of the Pamirs from Bear Metamorphoses

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After descending a bit lower, I found a cozy little clearing. It was warmer here. I decided to rest and figure out my route. I transformed, took out my phone to look at the maps, and saw—a missed call from Shams. I called him back immediately.

Chapter 6: The Curse of the Circle of Darkness from Bear Metamorphoses

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Judging by the tracks, the Englishman, possessed by the jondor, after crossing the ridge, didn't descend but turned west. The altitude here, by the way, was considerable. A snow-covered section ran along the ridge's edge. After passing it, he turned. His path ran below the snow line but was still high up. Given how fast he was moving, one could only marvel at the Englishman's physical conditioning, whose name, incidentally, I still hadn't bothered to learn. If he continued like this without changing direction, he would eventually come out to a section of the highway between Ishkashim and Khorog. That road also ran along the border. Surely he wasn't going back to Afghanistan? That would be too much!

Chapter 5: Back Across the Panj from Bear Metamorphoses

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It became clear I wouldn't catch the group before they crossed the river and the border. The road from the Panjshir Gorge came out to the Panj River opposite Ishkashim. The Englishmen had turned right and driven along the Afghan bank towards Khandud. Theoretically, they could now cross at any point—they just needed to ford the river. But logically, they would wait for darkness. They didn't just need to cross; they needed to go somewhere further. Bek said they had taken mountain equipment, meaning they might be heading into the mountains. They could enter the mountains in numerous places, provided they knew them. And they did know—they had a guide.

Chapter 4: On Chicken Street in Kabul from Bear Metamorphoses

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On the Afghan side of the Panj, just like on the Tajik side, there was a small settlement near the bridge. To avoid being seen, I didn't approach it but immediately headed towards the road. Of the main roads, only one led south from the bridge—first to Kunduz, and then on to Kabul. I ran alongside this road, not getting too close, but not losing sight of it either.

Chapter 3: The Pursuit Continues from Bear Metamorphoses

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Nursultan, the driver who had taken the Englishmen to the city, didn't show up until the next morning. He said he'd arrived during the night and needed to rest. I was glad he'd appeared at all—he could have simply gone about his business and never come. I asked him about the Englishmen. He said he'd dropped them off at the "Sheraton." He also mentioned they had argued the entire way, especially the red-haired one, who seemed to be fighting with everyone. There were four of them, including the redhead. Nursultan left them at the hotel; he didn't know what they did after that because he went straight to the taxi stand. This stand was in the northern part of the city, the only place he could find passengers for the return trip in the direction he needed.

Chapter 2: The Lake of Spirits from Bear Metamorphoses

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My path now led to another point of interest—Lake Payron, also known as the Lake of the Peris. Another name is the Lake of Fairies or Spirits. It refers to the beautiful peris, spirits from Eastern folklore who always appear to humans in the form of alluring women. Peris more or less correspond to fairies in Western tradition, though those are usually small, while peris are human-sized. In principle, it's all mythology—where does one find exact correspondences?

Chapter 1: The Gorge of Fear from Bear Metamorphoses

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I only drank coffee in the morning—I wasn't hungry. I packed up the tent, stowed everything in my backpack, and headed back to the trail. I went down along the old caravan route. By evening, I was in the village, found a guesthouse—there turned out to be several here. I chose the one on the eastern side. Later, I would need to head east anyway, to the abandoned settlement—rumors were circulating about strange happenings there. But all that could wait; for now, I needed to recover. And that meant meat and alcohol.

Prologue: The Ice Witch’s Lake from Bear Metamorphoses

The going was tough—the altitude was taking its toll. I had walked about fifty meters down from the highest point of the pass saddle and found the spot where the creature had presumably attacked its victim. For now, we’ll just call it a creature. We’ll figure out what it really is later. So, the attack site was identified: a rocky outcrop jutted above the trail, perfect for an ambush. I examined it—just as I thought. I found a secluded niche from which a stale, nauseating smell emanated. It was logical to assume the creature had been coming here from the eastern side of the road.

Proper Nutrition on a Hike: The Foundation of Endurance and Good Mood

There's a reason people say the journey is made on a full stomach. A person, like a machine, needs fuel to keep moving forward. The more intense the load—for example, during a long trek with a heavy backpack—the more energy the body expends. A light breakfast that suffices for a quiet day at home will fall short after just a couple of hours on the trail.

How to Properly Build and Maintain a Fire While Camping

In the wild, fire is your indispensable ally. It provides warmth, cooks your food, illuminates your campsite, and creates a unique atmosphere of comfort. The ability to build a campfire is one of the key skills for any traveler. While it may seem like a complex ritual to many, it ultimately comes down to understanding the principles and thorough preparation.

How to Set Up a Comfortable Campsite

Even if you're only stopping for a single night, it's worth investing time in basic amenities—organizing a place to sleep and to wash. This isn't about luxury, but about practical comforts you can easily create from natural materials at hand using a bit of ingenuity.

How to Tie Knots and Make Rope Gear While Hiking

Knot-tying is one of the most valuable skills for any outdoors enthusiast. However, it requires having rope on hand, which is a resource always in limited supply. To be truly prepared for the challenges of the wild, it's crucial to learn how to create your own cordage—thread, cords, and ropes—from natural materials. Fortunately, this is easier than it seems, and this skill will prove useful far more often than you might think.

Building a Shelter for a Camping Trip

From the most primitive wigwam to the tallest skyscraper, all human-made structures serve the same fundamental role: to provide protection from rain and snow and to retain warmth. You don't need to be an architect to build a simple shelter. By mastering a few basic principles, you'll be amazed at the variety of man-made refuges you can create.

Natural Shelters for an Overnight Hike

Modern tents are a fantastic invention. But what should you do if you don't have a tent with you? Perhaps you've gotten lost in the woods, or maybe you've just decided to test your skills and build a shelter from whatever you can find in the forest. This is not only an exciting challenge but also an invaluable experience that will give you unforgettable memories.

The Art of Choosing the Perfect Campsite

Your tent is your home away from home on a hiking trip. It's where you sleep, rest, and take shelter from rain and wind. The success of your camp largely depends on how well you choose the spot. Don't skip spending 10-15 minutes scouting the area—it will save you hours of sleep and a lot of frustration. Since a perfect site is rare, it's crucial to know which compromises are acceptable and which are not.

A Saw on a Camping Trip: Selection, Use, and Care

On a camping trip, a saw and an axe work well together, though an axe is often the more versatile tool. If you have to choose just one, many opt for the axe. However, if your pack weight allows for a saw, you will quickly appreciate its main advantage: the speed of gathering firewood. A saw is also indispensable when you need a clean and precise cut, for instance, when making camp furniture. Furthermore, saws are generally safer than axes and are a lifesaver in difficult situations—when you're tired, cold, or when dusk is falling, processing wood becomes much easier with a saw.

A Camping Axe: How to Choose, Use, and Maintain It

A good axe is an indispensable companion on any camping trip. It is perfect for chopping firewood, preparing tent pegs, and clearing branches of twigs. However, this tool demands respectful handling, as it can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. To get the most out of it, it's essential to know the basics of selection, use, and maintenance.

How to Choose, Use, and Maintain a Camping Knife

When heading out on a multi-day hike, be sure to pack a reliable knife—or better yet, two. This tool will become your indispensable helper in a variety of situations, from gathering kindling for a fire and setting up camp to sharpening other tools. While a Swiss Army knife is a useful item, it can't handle tasks that full-sized knives, axes, and saws are built for. Your final kit will depend on your pack's weight, but knowing how to properly select, use, and maintain cutting tools is an essential skill for any outdoors enthusiast.

A Repair Kit for Clothing and Gear on a Hike

A repair kit is a highly personal item, and every outdoor enthusiast assembles their own. It might seem simple: a needle, some thread, a couple of buttons. However, if you're embarking on a long journey far from the comforts of civilization, it's essential to approach this matter thoroughly and gather everything needed for quick repairs of your equipment. Remember the motto: "Be Prepared!" It is this comprehensive preparation that will help you overcome any challenge—not just on the trail, but in life.

How to Choose a Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, and Bivy for a Hike

Quality sleep is the foundation of your strength and well-being on the trail. Sleep deprivation quickly depletes your body's resources, which is why it's crucial to create comfortable conditions for a night's rest: warmth, dryness, and comfort. Three key pieces of gear will help you achieve this: a sleeping bag, an insulated sleeping pad, and a bivy sack.