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.

Little Boats - Short story

In my childhood, I lived near a big park. It was the main park of the city, traditionally named after the leader of the world proletariat. The park was truly big, but in my early childhood, it seemed simply enormous, like a whole world full of amusements, wonders, and interesting places.

Once, I don't remember exactly for what occasion, my cousin and I were given small plastic boats, one yellow and one blue. In the evening, after discussing it, we decided that early in the morning we would go to the park to set our boats sailing, to "launch boats," as they say. The park had many small ponds, perfectly suitable for our idea.

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.

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 Annoying - Short story

“And what does that mean?” he asked, busy making coffee and not turning around.
“Just what it sounds like, and then I’m leaving with my friends,” she said, holding a cigarette in one hand and arranging slices of cheese and sausage on bread with the other.
“You’re leaving... with your friends?” he asked, frowning, putting two cups of coffee on the table, black for himself and with cream for 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.

Iskanderkul Lake: Description, History, Legends

Lake Iskanderkul in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan has a very ancient and rich history. It is believed that Lake Iskanderkul is named after Alexander the Great, who was called Iskander Zulkarnain in the local language, meaning "Iskander with two horns," due to his helmet resembling two horns. But this is only partly true, as the lake existed here before Alexander the Great's arrival and was called Iskan-dara (which may be slightly different), meaning something like "high water" or "high mountain lake."

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 - Short Story

After hiking four kilometers up the gorge, along the river, I arrived at a wide hollow nestled between the mountains. Just above this hollow, three other small mountain rivers merged together. For some unknown reason, this hollow was called the "Meadow of Power." It had an oval shape, with the confluence of the rivers at the northern end of the oval. The southern edge of the meadow was surrounded by an archway of trees. Along the western edge of the meadow flowed a river. From the east, a massive mountain slope with White Bar Peak surged towards the meadow, with boulders and debris. Although I didn't know what made this meadow so powerful, all the accompanying attributes were present, such as towers made of stones and ribbons tied to the trees. The trees here were also peculiar, most of them had twisted trunks growing in various directions. However, I presume this is simply the result of constant avalanches and rockfalls.

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.