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.

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....

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.

Village Mitote - Short story

"Do you know what mitote* is?" asked Sergey in surprise. "You are in the dark, even though you live in the city. Have you heard of Castaneda?"
"Well, in general, it's about shamans, right?" Dmitry responded uncertainly.
"I'm telling you, you're in the dark. It's not about shamans. Castaneda writes about magic and power," Sergey interrupted him. "The main thing is power, and the one who hunts for it better has more of it. Usually, it's done alone, but sometimes these hunters gather together, take peyote, and meet with Mescalito. That's what mitote is. So, will you come with us?"
"Tomorrow? I might go if my parents let me."
"Just tell them you're going fishing," Sergey got up. "Let me know by the evening if you decide to come. I have to go now, there's something I need to prepare and discuss with another candidate."
"Who is that candidate?" Dmitry asked.
"Remember Fedor? You saw us together at the train station. He seemed interested. Anyway, see you."
Sergey waved his hand and walked down the street. Dmitry got up from the bench in front of the house where his family usually spent the summer and went inside the courtyard.

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.

Spring Hike to the Waterfalls in Gusgarf, Varzob Gorge, Mountains of Tajikistan

I can't say exactly how many waterfalls there are in Gusgarf, but the most famous ones are two waterfalls: "Pioneer" and "Eagle's Nests". Well, officially, these waterfalls are called the Big Gusgarf Waterfall and the Echo Waterfall, respectively. However, I have been to these waterfalls even three times, as I found another one, let's say, unnamed but quite decent waterfall. I visited these waterfalls at different times, and it was interesting to see how these waterfalls look in spring, when there is a lot of water. So, when spring came, I went to see the waterfalls in Gusgarf.

Strength and Honor! - A Fanfiction Story from the Warcraft Universe

Kroghur opened his eyes. A soft light filtered down through the hut's roof, through the gap in the chimney—the sun had not yet risen. From outside came a noise like a disturbed beehive. For years, this sound had instantly stirred Kroghur's fury and the sweet anticipation of battle. The orcish clans of the Horde were preparing for a campaign. Today, like all the mortal races of Azeroth, the orcs were marching against the Burning Legion.

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.