Chapter 17: The Enigmatic Killer Spirit from Bear Metamorphoses

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The journey took a couple of hours. We walked along the far-left tributary—if looking from the center where the streams converged to form the main channel of the Ziddy River. Ugh, I keep slipping into the familiar names, but this isn’t the river I know. The dwellings of the settlement stretched almost to the eternal snow line, falling just short of it. This was truly a remote place, set apart from the main cluster of homes. The distances between them were even greater here. There must have been a reason for that, though such dispersion only worked in the killer’s favor.

Proper Nutrition During a Mountain Hike: What Foods to Take for a Mountain Hike

Mountain hiking is an activity that requires a lot of physical effort, and therefore proper nutrition in the mountains is crucial for a successful hike and maintaining health. To provide the body with the necessary nutrients, it is important to choose the right foods and diet. In this article, we will discuss what kind of nutrition is required for a mountain hike, what foods are most suitable for this type of diet, and how to use them properly.

New Year's Tree 2019 on Somoni Square, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The capital of Tajikistan, the city of Dushanbe, is already anticipating the New Year 2019. A large New Year's tree has been installed on Ismoili Somoni Square, and on New Year's Eve, a festive concert will traditionally be held near it. But they didn't just put up the New Year's tree; the whole city is decorated festively with colorful lights, garlands, and shimmering illuminations everywhere. Everything is very beautiful, magical, and you can't help but start expecting a miracle. The feeling of the holiday is literally in the air.

Chapter 16: The Settlement of the Snow People from Bear Metamorphoses

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After sitting and thinking on the spur, I descended back into the gorge where Uga was waiting for me. He showed no signs of impatience — he just sat there, staring into nothingness. Interesting, are they all this calm, or is my escort just special? As soon as I descended, he silently stood up and walked in the direction he had intended before I climbed the spur, turning right.

Where Stones Breathe: Truth and Fiction about the Mountain Spirits of Tajikistan

The mountainous landscape of Tajikistan is far more than a jumble of rocky peaks and deep gorges. For local people, it is the borderland where the human world ends and the realm of "invisible beings" begins. Myths about mountain spirits are not a relic of paganism; they are the living fabric of a culture, woven into daily life, traditions, and even the unwritten rules of travel.

Javonon Park, Komsomol Lake, Dushanbe City, Tajikistan

There is currently a significant amount of construction underway in Dushanbe, causing the city's appearance to rapidly change. The construction has affected almost all of the city's parks, but I would like to focus on Javonon Park near Komsomol Lake. The lake is now known as Javonon, but I am more familiar with its previous name, as are many others. The park used to have Soviet-era merry-go-rounds, impromptu cafes, and barbecues, which left a depressing impression. However, the park has now been transformed into a beautiful, open, and spacious cultural and recreational park that is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.

Chapter 15: Encounter with the Snowman from Bear Metamorphoses

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Upon waking, I lay motionless for a few moments, scanning my surroundings. Everything seemed normal; the warning ward hadn't been triggered. I crawled out of the tent and went about my usual morning routine. The entire time I was doing my warm-up exercises, drinking coffee, and breaking camp, nothing happened, and I no longer felt that foreign attention. Alright, time to move on.

Mountain Hiking in Tajikistan: From the Pamirs to the Fann Mountains

Tajikistan is one of the most mountainous countries on Earth. Most of its territory is covered by mighty ranges that draw travellers from every corner of the globe. Hiking here is not just a sport – it’s a rendezvous with wild nature, the thrill of altitude, and a genuine sense of freedom.

The Crossing from Chayka to the Odjuk Gorge, Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

I have planned several big hikes for the season. In anticipation of these hikes, it's time to start getting into proper shape. That's why I did this kind of training hike-crossing from the Chayka gorge to the Odjuk gorge. I chose this short route because it consists only of going up and down, without any long treks. You get off the minibus near the former "Chayka" pioneer camp, then it's up, up, up, a stop for lunch and rest, and then down, down, down, straight to the bridge near the department store in the village of Varzob. Convenient, quick, a good workout for the first time, and I was home by about four o'clock.

Chapter 14: The Spirit of Bear Gate from Bear Metamorphoses

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They say no morning is truly good. On a hike, after yesterday's climbs, you feel that to the fullest. Muscles are stiff, the body craves rest, but ahead lies a new day and new summits. To shake off the stiffness, I performed my signature warm-up routine — a set of exercises from different systems, tailored personally for me. While the water boiled, I prepared breakfast: mixed muesli with powdered milk and protein powder, poured boiling water over it. Stretched properly, sat down to eat. By then, the porridge had settled, and the fatigue was completely gone. Washed it all down with sweet coffee — now I was ready for new feats. Sounds a bit pompous, but maintaining a battle-ready mood is necessary — a hunt might be on the agenda today.