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.

How to Choose a Tent for Mountain Hiking: Criteria and Parameters

Choosing a tent for a hiking trip is a serious matter. But if you don’t go to the mountains very often, it usually ends up with you taking whatever tent you can get. Especially if you don’t have your own and have to borrow from friends. Hardcore hikers are a different story—they usually have several tents for all kinds of conditions. Honestly, I’m not one of them, even though having a blog makes many people think otherwise.

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.

Just a Shame — A Miniature Story

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, not turning around, busy making coffee.

"Just what I said. I'm leaving today, with some friends." She held a cigarette in one hand, while with the other she arranged sliced cheese and sausage on bread.

"Leaving... with friends?" he frowned, setting two cups of coffee on the table — black for himself, the one with cream near her.

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.

Heart of the Fann Mountains: Iskanderkul Through the Ages

Lake Iskanderkul, nestled in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, holds not only icy waters but also a rich history stretching back centuries. It is believed that the lake was named after Alexander the Great, who in local tradition was called Iskander Zulqarnain — “the Two-Horned” — after his helmet adorned with two horns.

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.