Hiking to Mount Fang along the ridge between the Odzhuk and Begar gorges, Varzob, Tajikistan

I first wanted to hike this route when we were returning from another trip. I got curious back then whether it was even possible – to walk the entire ridge and descend straight to the village of Varzob. We didn't have time on that hike, so we just descended to the fourth bridge in Odzhuk. But the curiosity remained, and last Saturday I decided to check out this route. It is, of course, doable, but I want to make an important note.

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.

Wilderness First Aid: How to Handle Fainting and Rescue Breathing

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial when hiking or camping. Knowing basic life-saving techniques can mean the difference between life and death while waiting for professional medical help. Here is a guide to handling two critical situations: unconsciousness and stopped breathing.

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.

First Aid in the Mountains: Skills That Can Save a Life

In the wilderness, far from civilization and city hospitals, the ability to administer first aid becomes more than just a useful skill—it becomes a necessity. When you are in the mountains, there is no ambulance that can arrive in ten minutes. This is why the responsibility for the health and life of the group lies with every single member.

Mountain Spirits in Tajikistan, Myth or Part of Cultural Heritage

In Tajikistan, like in many other countries, there are myths and legends about mountain spirits. These creatures possess supernatural abilities and are considered guardians of mountainous areas. Just a few commonly accepted descriptions of mountain spirits will be given as an example. However, in reality, such legends and myths exist in every region, so there are many variations of mountain spirits in these stories. The most famous mountain spirits in Tajikistan and their brief descriptions are given below.

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.