Hiking in Zimchurud Gorge, Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

The trail to Zimchurud Gorge begins from the Varzob highway, near the village of Varzobkala, which is about 24 kilometers away from Dushanbe, a little before reaching the village of Varzob. After some time past this village, the next village, Zimchurud, appears. I think the name "Zimchurud Gorge" comes from the name of the village rather than the river, as is usually the case. This is because the river here is called Angoriso, which is a tributary of the Varzob River.

The Cave of the Mountain Spirit — A Short Story

After hiking four kilometers up the gorge along the river, I reached a wide hollow nestled between mountain giants. Just above this spot, three small mountain rivers merged into a single stream. For reasons unknown to me, the locals called this hollow the "meadow of power." It was oval-shaped. At its northern end, near the confluence of the rivers, it was fringed by a juniper grove. A river meandered along its western edge, and to the east, an expanse of scree and enormous boulders encroached from a spur of the massif crowned by the peak of White Bars.

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.

The Journey of Journeys: On Finding Your True Path

Travel is, without exaggeration, one of the most exciting pursuits in a person's life. Mark Twain once remarked, "The only two things we will regret on our deathbed are that we loved too little and traveled too little." We choose different formats: a picnic in a nearby park, a trip to the forest outside the city, far-off countries, or extreme mountain routes. But right now, I want to write not about geography.

Hiking in Gorge at 22km of the Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

The canyon at the 22nd kilometer of the Varzob road is sometimes called "Mulberry Canyon" or "Snake Canyon". At the beginning of the canyon, there are indeed many mulberry trees, but the season for them has already passed. However, there are many other berries, such as blackberries, apricots, and grapes, and they literally cover the ground deep inside the canyon. Fortunately, we did not encounter any snakes as the weather was cloudy and they usually do not come out of their burrows in such conditions since there is no sun to warm them up.

«Howl» — A Short Story

The chill of a late autumn night. Wind rustles through the fallen leaves with a damp, penetrating cold. The full moon watches the frozen earth with a deathly stare, a well chain creaks.

Suddenly, a drawn-out howl, full of longing, tore through the silence.
"Was that wolves?" Mikhailych shuddered, startled from his brooding.
"Last time, remember, the wolves howled just like that when you took Marta's pups to drown," his wife grumbled.

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.

How to Befriend Meditation: An Ordinary Person’s Experience

Meditation is a trendy topic these days. Everyone talks about it, but not everyone actually manages to practice it daily. I’m talking about ordinary people. There are plenty of programs and trainings that teach meditation, yet after completing them, the practice often fades into the background—or is forgotten altogether.

Hiking in the waterfall gorge in Odzhuk, Varzob, Tajikistan

In the Odzhuk gorge, if you don't cross the second bridge and go straight, you can reach a meadow called "Pensioners' Meadow". A funny name, by the way, apparently because it's not far to walk. Although, I know some pensioners who walk so well that not every young person can keep up with them, regardless of their level of fitness. The gorge that begins after this meadow is also called simply "The Waterfall Gorge".

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.