Hike to Mount Olam Jakhon, between Varzob and Romit, Tajikistan

I first saw this mountain while hiking the Odjuk Ring route. At the same time, I also first heard the name "Olam Jakhon" from a local guy I met along the way. At that moment, I didn't believe him. If you translate the name into Russian, the closest meaning of the phrase "Olam Jakhon" would probably be Universe (World of worlds). So I doubted it, thinking maybe the guy decided to "slightly" embellish or just didn't know the name.

Chapter 20: The Div, the Raven, and the Log from Bear Metamorphoses

≪ to the previous chapter
The next morning, an unexpected problem arose: I couldn't decide what to take with me. The ingredients for catching the unknown spirit were clear enough, but the rest... Packing for a full-scale expedition seemed pointless—I had a place to stay in the settlement, and they'd feed me if necessary. However, the journey was through the mountains, and it was better to be safe than sorry. So I sat there, racking my brains about what to take and which backpack to pack it all in. I could manage with a small one, but what if I needed extra space?

Waterfall in the Stone Sack, Kharangoni Ridge, Varzob, Tajikistan

I had known about this waterfall for a long time, but I never managed to see it. The thing is, the waterfall can only be seen in the spring. By June it dries up, and in its place is only a black wall – black because it's damp, as some water still seeps through constantly. I first visited this place as a child at the "Cosmos" pioneer camp, which was located nearby, sometime in the early 80s. It was from this pioneer camp that a big hike involving several groups was organized to the "Stone Sack," as this place is called.

Hills Behind Victory Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Decided to take a walk to the hills behind Victory Park. Overall, the hike didn't go very well, I chose the wrong time, didn't equip myself properly. Also, I didn't fully decide on the final destination of the route, just stood up and started walking. Of course, I didn't get anywhere. As Seneca said: For a ship without a destination, no wind is favorable. In the end, I sat on the top of one of the hills and then went back. I didn't feel like taking photos anymore. Interestingly, when you are not interested, nothing interesting comes your way... haha, that's life.

Hiking to the 21 km Gorge for herbs, Varzob, Mountains of Tajikistan

This time, I decided not to do a photo review like I usually do, for the simple reason that there are already more than enough photo reviews from this gorge. However, since we did go on a hike, I think I should post something. In this post, I've shared photos of myself in a somewhat humorous context. Well, maybe it's only funny to me; judge for yourselves... :) First, for the sake of completeness, I'll provide links to the photo reviews I've already done of this gorge.

What diseases you should know about before going on a mountain trek

When preparing for a trek, we usually think about routes, weather, and gear. But health is a traveler's most important asset, and in the mountains, it faces unique challenges. Far from civilization, with changing climates and high altitude, your body experiences stress. In some countries, particularly in Asia or Africa, you may also encounter infectious environments unfamiliar to you.

First Aid for Fractures and Dislocations in a Mountain Hike

In the wilderness, far from the city, it's crucial to be able to distinguish a serious injury from a minor bruise and provide proper first aid before medics arrive or you can transport the victim. Let's look at two of the most complex cases: fractures and dislocations.

Mountain Hike - a Path to Self-Cleansing and Self-Development

In our modern world, we increasingly encounter problems related to our inner selves. Sometimes we feel insecure, limited, and unable to control our lives. However, when we go to the mountains, we find a way to get rid of this burden and cleanse our inner selves.

Varzob Peak, a hike from the 21 km Gorge to Odzhuk, mountains of Tajikistan

I had wanted to climb Varzob Peak for a long time, but it never worked out due to the inconvenient location of this mountain. In the sense that the mountain is seemingly close, but no matter which side you ascend from, you only reach Varzob Peak closer to evening, meaning I would have to plan an overnight stay. Although, you could go via the quarries; there's a road that leads to the ridge, and from there the climb would take a couple of hours. But that doesn't seem very sporting to me; if you're going to climb, it should be properly, from the foot of the mountain.

Chapter 19: The Gift of the Stone from Bear Metamorphoses

≪ to the previous chapter
Approaching the elder's dwelling, I saw him in the yard. He was sitting on the stones by the entrance, talking to the girl who brought me food. Spotting me, he said something else to her—apparently finishing the conversation. She nodded and immediately dashed off. So, she always ran like that. By then, I had reached him.