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PAMIR AND WAKHAN (9 stories) All Galleries

Pamir, Summer 2012

264 images Created 10 Feb 2021

Part 2 - Summer

Afghanistan’s Kyrgyz nomads survive in one of the most remote, high-altitude, bewitching landscapes on Earth. It’s a heavenly life – and a living hell.

Summer expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe, one of the remotest high altitude communities in the world.

Full story here:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/wakhan-corridor
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  • Twice a day, young Ayeem Khan milks the family's yaks in Afghanistan's Pamir mountains. Some of the milk curd will be dried for use in winter, when yaks give less.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0719_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Nomads by necessity, the Kyrgyz move seasonally across Afghanistan's Pamir, a high altitude plateau stuck between China, Tajikistan and Pakistan, where the world's highest mountain ranges converge..Today, the Khan's family is leaving for their summer camp. Everything they own needs to be tied to the back of yaks, including a dozen teapots, a cast-iron stove, a car battery, two solar panels, a yurt, and 43 blankets...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0585_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The interior of a yurt with a man drinking tea..Blankets filled with yak and sheep wool pile up against the inside wall of the yurt to insulate it from the constant winds. The floor carpet - bartered against 2 sheep - was acquired by Toorsoon in the lower valleys of Pakistan, a 10 days round trip leading over a 5000m pass. The wooden poles - over hundred years old - are handed over, generation after generation...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0542_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz herders adore their smartphones, which they acquire by bartering and keep charged with solar panels. The gadgets, which first appeared in the Afghan Pamir in 2010, are useless for communication (cellular service doesn't reach the isolated plateau) so they're used to play music and take photos. Phones, like all imported goods in the Pamir, are brought on the back of yaks or horses...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0738_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Women often wear several watches. "I was given a watch for my wedding - it broke. Then my mother in law gave me a new one, so now I have 2 on my wrist" says Rosman's wife. Khan's summer camp...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0617_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The yurt of a newly married couple lit by full moon, on the night before a trip down to the lower valley..A few years ago, envoys from the government in faraway Kyrgyzstan have offered help to the Afghan Kyrgyz community, proposing them to relocate in a valley in Kyrgyzstan? For most, it remains a difficult decision, logistically and psychologically, to abandon their homeland...Young couple - Nemat Ullah and Woolook Bu's yurt..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0686_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The Khan family on horse back. Nomads by necessity, the Kyrgyz move seasonally across Afghanistan's Pamir, a high altitude plateau stuck between China, Tajikistan and Pakistan, where the world's highest mountain ranges converge..Today, the Khan's family is leaving for their summer camp. Everything they own needs to be tied to the back of yaks, including a dozen teapots, a cast-iron stove, a car battery, two solar panels, a yurt, and 43 blankets...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0589_MM8120_120...jpg
  • It is late June and two of the Khan's daughter's venture outside their mud hut after a hailstorm at the family's autumn camp beside the Aksu river. The nomads sometimes stop here for a few weeks between migratory seasons if grass for their herds is too scarce at the summer or winter camps...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0650_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men fight in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?.At the wedding celebration
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0746_MM8120_120...jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0508_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Woolook Bu is happy to have a new yak for the family herd. This young calf is just 1 day old. ..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0622_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Six-year old Susaï is fetching water near camp in a spring claimed as one of the sources of the Oxus, also known as Amu Darya, Central Asia's largest river.  Its waters define most of Afghanistan's borders with other nations to the north..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0717_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Aziz's father has dilapidated most of his wealth (his livestock), bartering it against opium. Now, the family has only a few yaks left and a horse that young Juma is especially fond of it...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0623_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Making dry curd, named Kurut. Once dry, this hard as stone cheese is used in winter when the animals do not give milk...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0555_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After shearing the sheep, the wool of the sheep is cut in smaller pieces. It is then used to make felt which are essential as covers for the yurts, saddles, blankets, carpets etc...At the Kyrgyz settlement of Ak Chyktash (Mullah Abdul Kassim's camp, aka Mullah Bachik)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0551_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz man starts fire to cook salty milk tea. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0516_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Two young Afghan Kyrgyz play in the grass in spring...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0557_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Wakhi men uses a leaf of Rhubarb as hat to protect himself from the sun. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0532_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Juma Boi is trying to catch a fish that he banged up by throwing stones in the water. Even though the Pamir has a lot of fish in summer (so many that you can hope to hit one just by throwing a stone in the water!), Kyrgyz are not especially talented with catching them using a line and a hook - seeing it as a pointless excercice. They don't particularly like it either....Near the summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0722_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A yak caravan making its way up a dangerous pass. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0521_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A white horse. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0531_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A herd of animals, yaks are lifting dust. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0545_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Wild onion picked up and eaten raw. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0529_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An Afghanistan Border Police soldeir is patrolling the borders between Tajikistan and China. His equipment is carried by a donkey...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0570_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The Khan family has just emptied out their winter mud house. They are on their yearly migration to the southern part of the Plateau where they will stay in yurts for several months...At the Qyzyl Qorum camp, the Khan's (chief) winter camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0578_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The Khan family arrives in their summer camp, greeted by a late summer snow...Darya Boi leading the caravan..Moving with the Khan (chief) family from the Qyzyl Qorum camp to the summer camp of Kara Jylga, on the south side of the wide Little Pamir plateau...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0593_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Butter is highly prized and kept inside the stomach of a sheep. Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0612_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ooroon Boi's family moving in with luggages. They will soon build the family yurt...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0619_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Two Kyrgyz girls milking yaks in the evening..At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0766_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Aziz's daughter gets angry at her brother for not wanting to help her bring the water back to camp. Khan's summer camp of Kara Jylga...Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0632_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Tella Bu youngest daughter of the late Khan and her sisters returning from fetching water at the Aksu river, with the family donkey..Daily life at the Khan (chief) autumn camp (called Teramo Jai - place of Autumn), beside the Aksu river...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0647_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Chinor wears the traditional 6-braids of an unmarried girl - she will have 2 long braids when married. For practical reasons the braids are buttoned to the back of her dress, keeping the long hair out of the way as she does her various chores around camp...Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0663_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A young Kyrgyz girl with a headache cures herself with yoghurt. Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0764_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Bibi Zohra is 15 years old. On her wedding night, she is kept hidden away from the gaze of the people coming into the celebration yurt. Marrying a man twice her age, she is soon expected to become pregnant. She faces a risky future. The mortality rate among Kyrgyz women during childbirth is unmercifully high, estimated at 30% - almost 500 times greater than in the developed world...Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0761_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A young Kyrgyz girl runs after the family herd of yaks. Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0667_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Nemat Ullah and Rosman Baig playing Kung Fu moves inspired from action movies they have watched on their mobile phone..Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0679_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Setting up the new camp on the summer location. Afghan Kyrgyz are nomads. The skeleton of a yurt awaits its felt cover..The summer camp of Kara Jylga, Mullah Abdul Haq place...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0690_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz man is lassoing a yak to shear its wool. At the summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0695_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A hired Wakhi man, coming from the lower valleys, does the arduous job of sheering the sheep owned by Er Ali Boi, a wealthy Kyrgyz man. He is paid 1 sheep/month..Summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0705_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Sickness and diseases, especially amongst livestock, are being dealt with in ancient ways: the affected area is burned off with a hot iron..Summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0712_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz women during a wedding celebration in the Afghan Pamir - camp of Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0741_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Whip in mouth, a Kyrgyz man steers his horse in a game of Buzkashi, a competition akin to polo?except a headless goat carcass takes the place of the ball. .Buzkachi is almost exclusively played during weddings..Probably one of the great pleasures in the life of a Kyrgyz man, Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport. The Kyrgyz call it ulak tartysh, or ?goat grabbing.?..Wedding celebration at Kitshiq Aq Jyrga...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0750_MM8120_120...jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0506_MM8120_120...jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0507_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A horse fell down in a crevasse. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0509_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Point of view of the photographer. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0510_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Rhubarb, Vegetation on rocky ground. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0511_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A horse caravan going up to the Pamir...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0512_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A horse caravan going up to the Pamir...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0513_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Out in the open, the bed of a Kyrgyz caravan leader. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0514_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz caravan leader attach his horse. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0515_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A dangerous bridge over the Boraq river. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0517_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Wakhi porter carrying a load, high above the Wakhan river. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0518_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A yak caravan making its way up a dangerous pass. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0519_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A yak caravan making its way up a dangerous pass. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0520_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A horse caravan. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0522_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Wakhi man riding a yak. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0523_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A picture of a Kyrgyz, by Matthieu Paley. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0524_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The ceiling of a shepherd place, full of soot. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0525_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An Ismaili Muslim shrine full of ibex horn. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0526_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Trekker near the beginning of the Pamir plateau. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0527_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Tent and equipment of photographer Matthieu Paley. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0528_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The Wakhan river. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0530_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Photographer Matthieu Paley, near the shrines of Bozoi Gumbaz. Between Langar and Bozoi Gumbaz, the entrance to the Little Pamir Plateau...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0533_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz caravan approaching the shrines of Bozoi Gumbaz. Between Langar and Bozoi Gumbaz, the entrance to the Little Pamir Plateau...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0534_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A caravan at the shrines of Bozoi Gumbaz. at the entrance to the Little Pamir Plateau, beside the Waghjir river, one of the claimed source of the Oxus river...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0535_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Names of Russian soldiers inscribed on a rock, near the old Russian base from 1980...Around the shrines of Bozoi Gumbaz. at the entrance to the Little Pamir Plateau, beside the Waghjir river, one of the claimed source of the Oxus river...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0536_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The old Russian base from the early 1980's..Around the shrines of Bozoi Gumbaz. at the entrance to the Little Pamir Plateau, beside the Waghjir river, one of the claimed source of the Oxus river...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0537_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The tail of a yak which has just been slaughtered..At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0538_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The head and hoof of a yak that has just been slaughtered..At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0539_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kher-u-Din returning from shool to his home in Tchelap, a 2 hours ride on his donkey. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0540_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An Afghan Kyrgyz man, wearing traditional cap, drinks salty milk tea...At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0541_MM8120_120...jpg
  • View of the Hindukush mountains towards Pakistan. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0543_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A woman milk a yak, at the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0544_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Father and son bringing their herd home..At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0546_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Father and son bringing their herd home..At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0547_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz rarely catch fish. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0548_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz girl wears her big brother's shoe. The next shop is about a 3 weeks round trip on horse back. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0549_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Aboo Tolib talking with another camp on 2-way radio. At the Kyrgyz settlement of Bozoi Gumbaz, before Chaqmaqtin lake, Amon Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0550_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Qayoom Boi, a Kyrgyz man, is cleaning the grass so it grows better before it is cut for fodder in autumn..The Kyrgyz winter settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, before the migration to summer camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0552_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Western efforts to help the Kyrgyz, especially with health education and medicine have failed so far. Often, the pills given away to alleviate headaches and other pains end up as part of the opium kit - ground up they are used to increase the effect of the opium...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0553_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Abdul Metalib smoking opium...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0554_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Winter activities. Kyrgyz handicraft : making the "Osh Khana", the wall made of reed and colorful thread, used to separate the kitchen from the main room in a yurt...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0556_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A young boy plays while the family cloth are drying, laid out on the summer grass...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0558_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Young Kyrgyz men play with their phone. There is no mobile reception in this remote mountain region, and these are used to look at pictures and listen to music...Qayoom (left) and Kossim..The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0559_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A sheep and goat herd returns. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0560_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Shepherd shows me a bullet of his gun. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0561_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kyrgyz men photograph the photographer with their phone. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0562_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A hoof of a goat. Litters around a Kyrgyz camp. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0563_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An abandoned shoe. Litters around a Kyrgyz camp. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0564_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A packet of Dunhill cigarettes. Litters around a Kyrgyz camp. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0565_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An abandoned boot. Litters around a Kyrgyz camp. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0566_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A skull of an animal. Litters around a Kyrgyz camp. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0567_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Writer Mike Finkel jumps over a river. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0568_MM8120_120...jpg
  • On a horse, the Kalashnikov of a guard of the Aghanistan Border Police patrolling the borders between Tajikistan and China...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0569_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The dome shaped tomb of an old Kyrgyz tomb. ..Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0571_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Akbar, one of the poor shepherd of Er Ali Boi..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's winter camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
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  • A young girl named Altyn Aï in a yurt. The Afghan Kyrgyz have a 52% child mortality rate, the world's highest. ..Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0573_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Fish caught by trekkers. Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0574_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The skull of a Marco Polo sheep that was attacked and killed by wolves in winter...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains (average 4200 meters) , where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0575_MM8120_120...jpg
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