Hike in the Arg Gorge, near Lake Iskanderkul, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

In the Fan Mountains of Tajikistan, near Iskanderkul Lake, there is a river called Arg, which gives its name to the gorge. The Arg River is a tributary of the Sarytag River and one of the rivers that feeds Iskanderkul Lake. We were interested specifically in the Arg River, which is sometimes spelled ArX on maps, but I am more accustomed to ArG. We drove from the "Iskanderkul" tourist base to a fork in the road and continued on foot. From the beginning of the gorge, where the Arg River flows into the Sarytag, it was about four kilometers to the area we were interested in.

How to Choose the Right Food for a Hike

The choice of food for a hike depends entirely on your itinerary and ability to carry gear. If you're backpacking and covering long distances on foot, the priority is lightweight, compact food. For a stationary basecamp accessible by car, you can afford a much wider and heavier range of provisions.

Peak Ismoili Somoni (Communism Peak), Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan

The highest point of Tajikistan is Peak Ismoili Somoni, rising 7,495 meters above sea level. It is the highest peak in Central Asia and throughout the entire territory of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). Among the world's highest peaks, it ranks fiftieth.

For climbers from the CIS and around the world, Peak Ismoili Somoni is a landmark summit. Many consider it their duty to climb it. More than thirty routes lead to the summit. Some of them are recognized as the most challenging in the world. Their distinctive features are unique technical parameters: a colossal altitude difference of about 2,500 meters and a steepness exceeding fifty percent.

Snake Lake near Iskanderkul Lake, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Another famous landmark near Iskanderkul Lake is Snake Lake. It has been named so by numerous tourists who believed that there must be a large number of snakes in its stagnant water. While there are indeed snakes, they are not more abundant than elsewhere, they are simply more visible due to the transparent water. Snake Lake is not its only name, as the lake has several others including Vernikul, Serima-darun, and Morkul....

Stories of Shaal: Evening in the Barrens - A Fanfiction Story from the Warcraft Universe

The dry air of the stony desert turned rapidly from scorching to cold as evening approached. Shaal of the Stone Hoof, a tauren shaman from Thunder Bluff, had traveled from Mulgore to these harsh lands for a single purpose: to gather a particular type of small mushroom for his smoking mixture. To better commune with the spirits of the elements.

Why Hot Food on the Trail is a Necessity

You can survive on cold rations, but a hot meal at the end of the day truly warms you up, restores your energy, and boosts your spirits. It becomes a crucial element of survival, helps a team bond around the fire, and provides the strength to overcome challenges. Furthermore, heat treatment not only makes food tastier but also sanitizes it by killing harmful microbes and toxins. Knowing how to cook in the wild is key to staying healthy and feeling good.

Waterfall on the Iskandar River, near Iskanderkul Lake, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Waterfall on Iskanderia, one of the main attractions in the vicinity of Lake Iskanderkul and a must-visit for tourists. This waterfall is sometimes called the "Fann Niagara". It is located 800 meters downstream from the Iskanderia River, which flows from Lake Iskanderkul. The prominent scientist-botanist V.I. Lipsky officially mentioned this waterfall in his memoirs.

«Fedot's Mitote» — A Short Story

«You don't know what mitote means?» Sergey asked, surprised. «Man, you're clueless, and you supposedly live in a city. Ever heard of Castaneda?»

«Well, sort of. Something about shamans,» Dmitry mumbled uncertainly.

«See? Clueless. What shamans? It's magic! Castaneda writes about magic and power,» Sergey cut him off. «Power's the main thing, and whoever's better at hunting it gets more of it. Usually you hunt alone, but sometimes hunters get together, take peyote, and meet Mescalito. That's a mitote. So, you in?»

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.

The Burning Darvaza Crater: «Gates of Hell» in the Heart of the Karakum

Sometimes names are as authentic as can be. The word “Darvaza” translates from Persian as “gate.” And who would have thought that a village with such a name in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert would eventually become the site of the very real “Gates of Hell” or “Door to the Underworld”—that is exactly how the burning gas crater of Darvaza is now known.