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  • A boiled goat is being prepared for the guests, during a wedding ceremony.<br />
The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp.<br />
<br />
Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    MM8120_120127_04418.jpg
  • All of the Khan's wordly goods. 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_0594_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
  • Kyrgyz girls slide large plastic jerry cans back to their family's camp after hacking a hole in the frozen river to fetch water. Men handle herding and trading; much of the hard labor of daily life falls to the women...
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0289_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Wakhi family. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_555.jpg
  • Wakhi winter shepherds known as "Shpunds" arriving at their settlement of Kher Metek, on the edge of the Little Pamir. They often look over Kyrgyz sheep and yak herds for payment in animals. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_470.jpg
  • Maland and our donkey on the way our of to Wakhjir valley, source of the Oxus river..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_419.jpg
  • Girl learning to read Koran at Haji Osman:Bibi Hawa (11 yrs old) and Marbet (6) . They start learning at 6 years old. They are taught only in winter 3 months/year..Campment of Tshar Tash (Haji Osman's camp), in the Wakhjir valley, at the source of the Oxus..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_403.jpg
  • One of the sheep herd of the richest man in the Pamir, Afendi Boi, is taken out early morning by Mirzo, hired Wakhi shepherd. Afendi Boi has 2000 goats (before, had 5000!), 500 yaks, 3 horses and gold..Campment of Burgut Yor (Afendi Boi's camp, completely addicted to opium)..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_381.jpg
  • Looking for the lamb in the evening. Wolf attack on livestock is common..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_224.jpg
  • 10 days old Gul Ash is being fed boiled yak milk by her mum (Kelt Baig's Wife), whose nipples are too painful to breast feed. Gul Ash died 4 days later, as infant can not digest rich yak milk. The mum has had 10 pregancy in her life. Only 1 son lived (Mohammed Achim), she lost 9 children, 5 daughters, 4 sons. This is found quite commonly in the Little Pamir. The Afghan Kyrgyz community has the highest infant mortality in the world (estimated at 30%). .Campment of Sary Tash..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_203.jpg
  • Kelt Baig, whose wife lost 9 child out of 10 pregnancy..Campment of Sary Tash..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_197.jpg
  • Woman and her child at the campment of Tash Seri..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_173.jpg
  • Buzkachi (central asian horse game) season starts in winter in Tajikistan, Dushanbe. En route to Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_002.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 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_0748_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The orphan Juma Boi and his horse..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_0731_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Abdul Rahman praying in his yurt. There are no Mosques in the Pamir. Afghan Kyrgyz are Sunni Muslims...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_0726_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Nemat Ullah and his wife Woolook Bu, a newly married couple, pose in front of their yurt...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_0684_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_0758_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Setting up the yurt of the Khan, the tribal leader, during yearly summer migration. Afghan Kyrgyz are semi-nomadic people...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_0606_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
  • 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
  • Our expedition team starting the way back down in a snow storm and extreme winds. Malang and Mir Ali with our donkey between Qyzyl Qorum and Ech Keli (Er Ali Boi's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0459_MM8120_120...jpg
  • After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. On horse back, riding between Andemin camp (Abdul Haq camp) and Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0387_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal smoking cigarette brought by traders..Inside Ikhbal's house - Ikhbal is the last wife of the deceased Khan. His two previous wives died in labor...At the Qyzyl Qorum camp. It is the camp of the now deceased Khan (Abdul Rashid Khan, died in December 2009), and headed by the self proclaimed young Haji Roshan Khan (his son). Opium addicted Haji Roshan was never officially stated Khan and is therefore not accepted as leader by the entire Kyrgyz community. Near the Afghan-China border...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0429_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Visiting guests for a wedding are sitting to eat fried dough, candies and drink salty milk tea..The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman..The Kyrgyz settlement of Ech Keli, above Chaqmaqtin lake, Er Ali Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0337_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15, on left) has been crying off and on for two days. Recently married, she is both sad to leave her family nest and anxious about her future at her husband's camp. .The veil celebration: before moving to her new husband's camp, Ikhbal, a recently married Kyrgyz girl, will exchange the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0335_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kher-u Din sliding on the frozen ice sheet of one of the claimed source of the Oxus. The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0286_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Yak attacked and killed by wolves..Abdul Qayoom , brother of Haji Bootoo Boi, going to gather the family yaks. He uses a slingshot to round up the animals..The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0283_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Yak taking a rest..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, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0278_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Paper found on the ground of the only mosque in the Little Pamir (and highest one in Afghanistan!), built by Haji Osman, and used in the spring/autumn camp..On the way to Wakhjir valley, source of the Oxus river..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_562.jpg
  • Groom's house. In Imit (just past Khandut), wedding celebration of Tawakal Shoh with famous singer/dancer named Alowat..Wakhi wedding ceremonies only takes place in the winter months.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_531.jpg
  • Groom's house. Wedding celebration of Dodé Khuda, at Safar Boi house, in Tchehel-Kand village..Wakhi wedding ceremonies usually takes place in the winter months. The Wakhi do most of their business with Afghan Kyrgyz..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_515.jpg
  • Niaz Ali, secretary of Abdul Rashid Khan, in the Pamir since 22 years. Doing thread with yak hair..Wakhis outside in Sarhad, the first village coming down from the Little Pamir. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_500.jpg
  • Trekking with yak herder Mohammad and Malang down the frozen Wakhan River, the only way up and down to the Little Pamir..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_485.jpg
  • Trekking with Wakhi companion Malang down the frozen Wakhjir River..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_450.jpg
  • Chechen Gul (6 years old) returns from helping her mum with the sheep herd..Campment of Tshar Tash (Haji Osman's camp), in the Wakhjir valley, at the source of the Oxus..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_435.jpg
  • Passing Kyrgyz tumbs. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_341.jpg
  • Ooroon Boi and his wife..Opium users inside Ooroon Boi's house, son of the Khan. Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_324.jpg
  • Mussadiq's brother..Campment of Tash Seri..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_295.jpg
  • Shirin Bu looking for her brother to come back with teh sheep herd. .Campment of Ortobil (Sufi), all the way at the end of the Little Pamir, near the Tajik/China border. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_260.jpg
  • Ghulam Ustad's sons looking for their sheep herd's return..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_247.jpg
  • Sheep herd leaving in the morning. Wolf attack on livestock is common..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_217.jpg
  • Naeem Man, young Boy, leaving early morning to herd the yaks for the day..Campment of Sary Tash..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_182.jpg
  • Anthropologist Ted Callahan getting a head shave from Roshan, son of the Khan. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_095.jpg
  • Border guards at the Tajik/Afghan border, where most of the opium and heroin found in Western countries goes through. On the road to the end of the Wakhan Corridor.Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_18.jpg
  • Butter is highly prized and kept inside the stomach of a sheep. Daily life at the Khan (chief) summer camp of Kara Jylga.<br />
<br />
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.
    MM8120_120625_02202.jpg
  • Our team, throwing equipment over a 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_0765_MM8120_120...jpg
  • 97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0744_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
  • 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...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_0586_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
  • 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
  • Girls comparing their jewelry in a yurt. At the camp of Tash Seri (Mustafa Qol's camp)...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0400_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Tella Bu (deceased Khan's youngest daughter) has epileptic seizures since 1 year. Kyrgyz think these are the work of Djinns, the local supernatural creatures..At the Qyzyl Qorum camp. It is the camp of the now deceased Khan (Abdul Rashid Khan, died in December 2009), and headed by the self proclaimed young Haji Roshan Khan (his son). Opium addicted Haji Roshan was never officially stated Khan and is therefore not accepted as leader by the entire Kyrgyz community. Near the Afghan-China border...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0427_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The best man takes a picture of the bride. After a two-day horse journey, Ikhbal will soon arrive at her husband's camp, near the China border, escorted by the groom's best man. The majority of women have never been more than a few miles from where they were born. This is Ikhbal's biggest journey..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0365_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A young Kyrgyz boy named Kher-u Din is getting a haircut. His mother is washing his hair. His head will then be shaved to "cure" a persistent headache...The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo Boi's camp...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0302_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_235.jpg
  • Sardar Khan and Khan Jon (Mookie)..Family relatives of Pir Shah Ismail in Qala-e Pinja.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_550.jpg
  • Nassim's young wife died recently. He himself almost died from pneumonia. He must move to his brother's campment with his young daughter so his wife's brother takes care of him..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_241.jpg
  • Portrait of Ustad Ghulam..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_234.jpg
  • Leaflet promoting vote for a Democratic afghanistan, on the wall of a mud house of an Afghan Kyrgyz in the Afghan Pamir.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_193.jpg
  • Every evening, Kyrgyz men and women gather their yak herds back to their camp..Qyzyl Qorum campment, Abdul Rashid Khan's camp (leader of the Afghan Kyrgyz). .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_158.jpg
  • Portrait of Mujaheed, one of the Khan's younger son, who will get married in summer 2008. He is 15 years old. Qyzyl Qorum campment, Abdul Rashid Khan's camp (leader of the Afghan Kyrgyz). .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_151.jpg
  • A narrow canyon. Trekking with yak herder Mohammad and Malang up the frozen Wakhan River, the only way up to the Little Pamir mountains, the extreme North-East of Afghanistan.<br />
Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_041.jpg
  • During a Buzkachi game, a player broke his leg. With the nearest hospital in Faizabad being 2 weeks away, this Kyrgyz man will have no other choice but wait for his injury to heal...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_0752_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Kyrgyz man tethers a yak which will be used to carry load on a caravan.  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_0669_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ooroon Boi's family arriving to the summer camp during migration..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_0641_MM8120_120...jpg
  • In the kicthen making "nan", the flat bread. 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_0635_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
  • 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...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.
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  • Detail of yak hair from the Afghan Pamir.
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  • Rice dish names Pilaf or Pulau. Groom's house. In Imit (just past Khandut), wedding celebration of Tawakal Shoh with famous singer/dancer named Alowat..Wakhi wedding ceremonies only takes place in teh winter months. The Wakhi do most of their business with Afghan Kyrgyz..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_528.jpg
  • Women fetching water..Wakhis outside in Sarhad, the first village coming down from the Little Pamir.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_493.jpg
  • Ice with the running river below..Trekking with yak herder Mohammad and Malang down the frozen Wakhan River, the only way up and down to the Little Pamir..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_487.jpg
  • Bibi Hawa picks up a stray lamb..Campment of Tshar Tash (Haji Osman's camp), in the Wakhjir valley, at the source of the Oxus..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_433.jpg
  • Portrait of Susaï (6 years old), Sultan's daughter..Campment of Tshar Tash (Haji Osman's camp), in the Wakhjir valley, at the source of the Oxus..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan valley, at the source of the Oxus..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_418.jpg
  • Opium pipe burning..Opium users inside Ooroon Boi's house, son of the Khan. Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_333.jpg
  • Opium users inside Ooroon Boi's house, son of the Khan. Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_319.jpg
  • Woman washing her hair. .Campment of Ortobil (Sufi), all the way at the end of the Little Pamir, near the Tajik/China border. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_282.jpg
  • Bactrian Camel running away..Campment of Ortobil (Sufi), all the way at the end of the Little Pamir, near the Tajik/China border. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_256.jpg
  • Old Kyrgyz tumb..Campment of Ortobil (Sufi), all the way at the end of the Little Pamir, near the Tajik/China border. .Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_251.jpg
  • Ghulam Ustad's sons looking for their sheep herd's return..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_242.jpg
  • Nassim packs his yurt. His young wife died recently. He himself almost died from pneumonia. He must move to his brother's campment with his young daughter so his wife's brother takes care of him..Campment of the "second" Sary Tash. Ustad's Ghulam's camp..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_233.jpg
  • On the road to the end of the Wakhan Corridor..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_26.jpg
  • Visit of a rehab center for opium addict in Khandud. Portraits of patients, all Wakhis..Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_22.jpg
  • Visit of a rehab center for opium addict in Khandud. Portraits of patients, all Wakhis. Afghanistan
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_21.jpg
  • Pegich, young wife of Er Ali Boi (married 2 years), the richest  "sane" man in Pamir, bakes bread. Er Ali Boi is one of the rare Kyrgyz to spend winter in a yurt.<br />
Campment of Esh Keli.<br />
Winter expedition through the Wakhan Corridor and into the Afghan Pamir mountains, to document the life of the Afghan Kyrgyz tribe. January/February 2008. Afghanistan
    Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_355.jpg
  • Overview of Er Ali Boi's summer camp. The borders of Tajikistan and China are at the far end of the plateau. The borders are sealed and guarded..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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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
  • The Khan's wife and daughter waiting while the yurt is being built..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_0604_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The mighty Pamir mountains, the frozen Chaqmaqtin Lake and a herd of yaks...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0469_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Arab found a dead migratory bird in the fodder. Arab and Afzal, two young sons of the deceased Khan, are leaving the Qyzyl Qorum camp with Bactrian camels to load up on "Wuch", the winter fodder for the animals. They fetch it at the autumn camp, an hour walk away...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0436_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Playing with a Bactrain camel. Arab and Afzal, two young sons of the deceased Khan, are leaving the Qyzyl Qorum camp with Bactrian camels to load up on "Wuch", the winter fodder for the animals. They fetch it at the autumn camp, an hour walk away...Trekking through the high altitude plateau of the Little Pamir mountains, where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0434_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Taking a rare break in their day, women gossip at the Khan's camp. The origin of the word Kyrgyz is believed by scholars and Kyrgyz alike to derive from two words - kyrk (forty) kyz (maidens) - a reference to the mythical progenitors of the Kyrgyz people..At the Qyzyl Qorum camp. It is the camp of the now deceased Khan (Abdul Rashid Khan, died in December 2009), and headed by the self proclaimed young Haji Roshan Khan (his son). Opium addicted Haji Roshan was never officially stated Khan and is therefore not accepted as leader by the entire Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0431_MM8120_120...jpg
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