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  • A yak head inside Mullah Bachik's house. The animal died of an unknown sickness. When a yak dies or is killed in summer, it is eaten quickly so the meat doesn’t perish. Andemin camp. <br />
<br />
From Ech Keli to Kyzyl Qorum.<br />
Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    IMG_0255.jpg
  • The shadow of a Mongolian horseman and a backpack belonging to a tourist in front of a guest yurt.
    Mongolia_culture_08_08.jpg
  • Writer David Quammen in a holy cave in Khovsgol region, on assignment for the National Geographic magazine.
    Mongolia_culture_08_25.jpg
  • Amur Turchin goes looking for his yak herd. Near Moron town, Khövsgöl province.
    Mongolia_culture_08_40.jpg
  • A man takes a break in a chair in the Gobi desert while his jeep is being repaired.<br />
Road trip with a Jeep in the Gobi region.
    IMG_4259.jpg
  • The smoke of a coal factory over a fence in Dalanzadgab.
    IMG_4420.jpg
  • A mongolian man trying to get reception on his mobile phone, in a yurt. Road trip with a Jeep in the Gobi region.
    IMG_4126.jpg
  • A young boy plays in a russian era playground near Bulgan town, Mongolia.<br />
<br />
Travels in the Gobi desert region.
    Mong_Gobi_210_69.jpg
  • In a run down hotel in Mongolia.
    Mong_General_01_02.jpg
  • View of the summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place. The mountains in the distance are in 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_0733_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
  • 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
  • Abdul Walli's yurt as night sets in - Made of interlaced sticks covered with felt, these portable homes are packed up and reassembled twice a year. Wooden doors are imported to the treeless plateau from lower altitudes...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_0683_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
  • Reaching a yurt in the night. 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_0703_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Setting up the yurt's center piece. Kyrgyz are nomads. Ooroon Boi's family, at 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_0640_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
  • 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_0579_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
  • Kids are happy with the only football in the Afghan Pamir, brought by an anthropologist in 2010...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_0420_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (hiding under the white veil) and sister Irasia arriving at Tash Seri camp (Mustafa Qol's camp) and being welcomed with "Borsot" (fried dough), yoghurt and tea by the local women of Tash Seri..With Ikhbal, the recently married woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp. She just exchanged the red veil of the unmarried girl for the white veil signifying that she is now a married woman...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_0393_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_0389_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Young or sick goats and lambs are kept indoors in cloth bags, in winter while the herds goes out in the Pamir..Sher Ali home. At the Andemin 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_0371_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ayeem Khan, Mamalai's daughter, feeding a sick goat kept inside the house..Inside Mamalai's home - an opium addict, father of Daryo Boi..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_0357_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Ikhbal (15 years old, on left) has been crying off and on for two days, with mother on right. Recently married, she is both sad to leave her family nest and anxious about her future at her husband's camp. Her mother also cries the pain of soon "losing" her daughter to the husband's family...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_0334_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Wakhi shepherd, hired by the Kyrgyz and paid one sheep per month, takes the sheep herd out every day..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_0296_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The mother of camp leader Haji Bootoo Boi, who just went to Haj, is reading the Holy Koran..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_0281_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Matthieu Paley washing..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_0277_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Matthieu holding a small rope to secure Malang, a Wakhi man, on slippery ice above the river. Malang taking a short cut along a dangerous patch on the frozen river - yak caravan can not follow, it must make a long detour...Trekking up the Wakhan frozen river, the only way up to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0254_MM8120_120...jpg
  • The tomb of a child that recently died. The Afghan Pamir region has the world's highest child mortality rate (52% of kids before the age of 5 die). Kids born in winter have less chance of survival that those born in summer. Between Ortobil and Kyzyl Qorum...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_128.jpg
  • Roshan (foreground), 27 years old, is the son of the late Abdul Rashid Khan, the former tribal leader of the Afghan Pamir. Abdul Rashid Khan was the last khan, not just among the Afghan Kyrgyz, but among any group of Kyrgyz, or Turkic-speakers, anywhere in the world. Roshan is now the current contested "Khan" of the 1100 Afghan Kyrgyz living year round in total seclusion on the Roof of the World at 14.000 feet. Many of them would like to transit to a democratic system - like the rest of Afghanistan - and refuse his authority..His wife is returning from fetching water with the family donkey. Temperature is of -25 F that day...Unique among the Turkic-speaking people, the Afghan Kyrgyz were never collectivized under a colonial power or encapsulated by any state...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_163_IMG_1837.jpg
  • Bibi Zoora. Haircuts on young Kyrgyz girls. Sary Tash campement...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_145_IMG_1626.jpg
  • Mujaheed and his horse...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_107_2_IMG_0964.jpg
  • Aziz, one of the son of the late Khan, during one of his 3 daily opium smoking session, in his home. He is completely addicted, having smoked regularly since the last 8 years..Kyzyl Qorum, campment of the former deceased Khan, Abdul Rashid Khan..Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_093_2_IMG_0835.jpg
  • Kyrgyz women bringing the yak herd back to its pen..In and around the campment of Kyzyl Qorum, campment of the former deceased Khan, Abdul Rashid Khan..Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_070_IMG_0401.jpg
  • Going to school, in Kret village, Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_032_IMG_3658.jpg
  • Electric poles in Sarhad village..Trekking back down from the Little Pamir, with yak caravan, over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_016_2_IMG_3373.jpg
  • Near Shimshal pass...Trekking through remote Karakoram, in the Shimshal, Braldu and Shaksgam valley, finding human remains in unexplored caves hinting to the existence of an ancient trading route between Baltistan and China. Summiting unclimbed 6000m peak. Northen Pakistan, on the border with China (Xinjiang).
    Pak_Braldu_906_41.jpg
  • Cooking corn on fire. Meeting with Kat, a Navajo Indian shepherd living in a traditional Hogan (the primary traditional home of the Navajo people, similar in appearance to a Yurt) in the Black Mesa. Black Mesa is an upland area in Navajo County, Arizona, it derives its dark appearance from the numerous seams of coal which run through it. .Kat resisted the relocation imposed by US law that  intended to encourage Native Americans to leave Indian reservations and assimilate into the general population - in order to better exploit natural ressources available on the reservations. The relocations played a decisive role in increasing the population of urban Indians...A 4-weeks road trip across the USA, from New York to San Francisco, on the steps of Kack Kerouac’s famous book “On the Road”.  Focusing on nomadic America: people that live on the move across the US, out of ideology or for work reasons.
    USA_Kerouac_OnTheRoad_11_80.jpg
  • Cowboy life at and around the Spanish Ranch, near Elko in Nevada. These cowboys run a wagon every year for a couple of months: taking a motorized wagon several hours away from the ranch, to set up camp and watch over their cattle during summer...A 4-weeks road trip across the USA, from New York to San Francisco, on the steps of Jack Kerouac’s famous book “On the Road”.  Focusing on nomadic America: people that live on the move across the US, out of ideology or for work reasons.
    USA_Kerouac_OnTheRoad_11_19.jpg
  • A shepherd protecting himself from the sun. Alichur area, Murghab district. In and around Bulunkul village...Driving on the Pamir Highway (M41) from Khorog through the Pamir mountains...Tajikistan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east. Tajikistan also lies adjacent to Pakistan separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor..Tajikistan became a republic of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic..It was the first of the Central Asian republic to gain independence in December 1991.
    99_Tajikistan_Pamir_09_22.jpg
  • A horse festival taking place near Murghab town, off the Pamir Highway, to try and revive the ancient Kyrgyz horse traditions, many of which have been lost during the Soviet era. Pamir mountains...Tajikistan, a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and People's Republic of China to the east. Tajikistan also lies adjacent to Pakistan separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor..Tajikistan became a republic of the Soviet Union in the 20th century, known as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic..It was the first of the Central Asian republic to gain independence in December 1991.
    99_Tajikistan_Pamir_09_17.jpg
  • Nassim's (Right) 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 (left) 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_236.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_499.jpg
  • Every evening, Kyrgyz men and women must gather yaks, sometimes by chasing them and scaring them by throwing dry dung at them..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_438.jpg
  • Sultan's family is getting water in the morning..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_397.jpg
  • 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_365.jpg
  • Detail fo Pegich's dress. Pegich, young wife of Er Ali Boi (married 2 years), the richest  "sane" man in Pamir. Er Ali Boi is one of the rare Kyrgyz to spend winter in a yurt..Campment of Esh Keli..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_356.jpg
  • Young men waiting for the sheep herd to return after a snow storm..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_208.jpg
  • Inside the Khan house, Matthieu Paley sees his pictures of Afghan Kyrgyz, shot few years earlier, on a wall.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_108.jpg
  • A young niece of the Khan brings a young lamb inside the house so it doesn't dir overnight because of the cold temperature.
    99_Afghanistan_Wakhan_Pamir_08_103.jpg
  • Roshan (right).In the settlement of Qyzyl Qorum, Abdul Rashid' Khan (leader of the Kyrgyz) camp, 2 Bactrian camels are taken out for mating (happens only in winter). .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_078.jpg
  • A Wakhi trader (left) and a Kyrgyz names Bootoo Boi, at the Chelab camp.<br />
Every evening, Kyrgyz gather their yak herds back to their camp.<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_064.jpg
  • Two shepherds, they spend all year herding sheep. Trekking with yak herder Mohammad and Malang up the frozen Wakhan River, the only way up 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_043.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
  • 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
  • A Mongolian couple playing guitar in a yurt.
    Mongolia_culture_08_74.jpg
  • Amur Turching catches his horse with a lasso. Near Moron town, Khövsgöl province.
    Mongolia_culture_08_38.jpg
  • Modern Mongolia: a nomadic Mongolian family moves campment, carrying their satellite dish and their yurt on a cart pulled by yaks.
    Mongolia_culture_08_01.jpg
  • A participant to a camel race festival in Bulgan. Road trip with a Jeep in the Gobi region.<br />
<br />
Travels in the Gobi desert region.
    Mong_Gobi_210_56.jpg
  • A buddhist temple in Dalanzadgab town.
    IMG_4469.jpg
  • Dead livestock due to the extreme cold. In the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan national park. Road trip with a Jeep.
    IMG_4033.jpg
  • Details of riding boots.<br />
<br />
A participant to a camel race festival in Bulgan. Road trip with a Jeep in the Gobi region.<br />
<br />
Travels in the Gobi desert region.
    Mong_Gobi_210_55.jpg
  • A young boy on horseback carrying a long pole to herd his livestock.
    Mong_98_Rescan_26.jpg
  • Trekking and camping in a tent in Mongolia.
    Mong_98_Rescan_07.jpg
  • An Ij Planeta, the most popular motorcycle in Mongolia, made in Russia.
    Mong_98_Rescan_29.jpg
  • An eagle hunter, called Aksakal (= white beard), returns home on horse back after hunting for rabbits, wolves and snow leopards, in Western Mongolis, in the Province of Bayan Olgii, at the base of the Tsaast uul mountain. this hunting practice is the traditional hunting technic among Mongolians, Kazaks, Kyrgyz etc
    Mong_Portfo_01_03.jpg
  • A Kazak horsemen, wearing a felt hat on his head, poses with his white horse in Mongolia.
    Mong_Portfo_01_28.jpg
  • Deep in the Pamir mountains, a nomad brings his herd of yaks back to camp after a heavy snowfall in one of High Asia's remotest region.  The sunset light is blue and orange.
    2_IMG_1980.jpg
  • The yarz or juniper tree can grow in altitudes up to 3800m. The inhalation of the smoke of burning juniper branches was once used to help shamans reach the world of "fairies". The tree still holds a special place in the heart of the Pamiri people..From Zan Kuk to Zardibar ("yellow door"). ..Trekking back down from the Little Pamir, with yak caravan, over the frozen Wakhan river.Trekking down and along the Wakhan river, the only way to exit the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0768_MM8120_120...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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • A Kyrgyz caravan progressing over the plain of Mirzo Murad, before reaching the Little Pamir plateau. They are coming down to Sarhad village to trade, a 5 days journey...Trekking up the Wakhan frozen river, the only way up to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0263_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Caravan of Shoh Wali, a Wakhi business man from Khadud, Wakhan. Going up to the Kyrgyz to sell his goods (cloth, candies, cigarettes, batteries etc). .Between Zan Kuk and Langar shepherd places...Trekking up the Wakhan frozen river, the only way up to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0257_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An Muslim Ismaili shrine full of colorful flags, near Baba Tangi village. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, Afghanistan.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0060_MM8120_12...jpg
  • The famed singer Mir Maftoon (translates from Farsi to "King of Charms") who has played worldwide, performs at a local wedding. People dance. In the border town of Ishkashim, on the Tajikistan - Afghanistan border. Hindukush mountains.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0045_MM812...jpg
  • Two Kyrgyz women returning home after watching over the yak herd..In and around Ech Keli, Er Ali Boi's camp, one of the richest Kyrgyz in the Little Pamir...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_177.jpg
  • A yak caravan entering the Pamir plateau. Near Bozoi Gumbaz..Trekking to the Little Pamir with yak caravan over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_028.jpg
  • Details of shore of frozen Chakmaktin (meaning Flint Stone) Lake..In and around Ech Keli, Er Ali Boi's camp, one of the richest Kyrgyz in the Little Pamir...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_186_IMG_2163.jpg
  • Chinor, daughter of Abdul Walli..In and around the campment of Kyzyl Qorum, campment of the former deceased Khan, Abdul Rashid Khan...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_159_IMG_1712.jpg
  • Matthieu Paley's pictures, gifted over the years, framed inside the Khan's house..Kyzyl Qorum, campment of the former deceased Khan, Abdul Rashid Khan...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_151_IMG_1775.jpg
  • Haircuts of a Kyrgyz woman...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_143_IMG_1611.jpg
  • A young Kyrgyz girl falls asleep on the floor, exhausted..Camp of Manara (Sufi camp), near the borders with China and Tajikistan...Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_115_2_IMG_1105.jpg
  • The winter mud house of the late Haji Abdul Rashid Khan, who died here in December 2009. He had led his people for 30 years at the time of his death. He was the last khan, not just among the Afghan Kyrgyz, but among any group of Kyrgyz, or Turkic-speakers, anywhere. His son recently took over the title of Khan. But being young and inexperienced, he has so far failed to rally his community...Kyzyl Qorum, campment of the former deceased Khan, Abdul Rashid Khan..Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_102_2_IMG_0710.jpg
  • Led by Kyrgyz men, a caravan of Bactrian camels carrying goods for the next camp..From Ech Keli to Kyzyl Qorum..Trekking with yak caravan through the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz community live all year, on the borders of China, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_063_2_IMG_0322.jpg
  • The view around Kabul, capital of Afghanistan...Flight with Kodiak plane from Kabul to Kret village (Wakhan Corridor), over the Panshir valley.
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  • In Deosai plateau, a park ranger shows us the way Himalayan Brown Bears sleep. Baltistan province, Karakoram mountains. Pakistan.
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  • Near Shimshal village...Trekking through remote Karakoram, in the Shimshal, Braldu and Shaksgam valley, finding human remains in unexplored caves hinting to the existence of an ancient trading route between Baltistan and China. Summiting unclimbed 6000m peak. Northen Pakistan, on the border with China (Xinjiang).
    Pak_Braldu_906_046.jpg
  • Red Power. Meeting with Kat, a Navajo Indian shepherd living in a traditional Hogan (the primary traditional home of the Navajo people, similar in appearance to a Yurt) in the Black Mesa. Black Mesa is an upland area in Navajo County, Arizona, it derives its dark appearance from the numerous seams of coal which run through it. .Kat resisted the relocation imposed by US law that  intended to encourage Native Americans to leave Indian reservations and assimilate into the general population - in order to better exploit natural ressources available on the reservations. The relocations played a decisive role in increasing the population of urban Indians...A 4-weeks road trip across the USA, from New York to San Francisco, on the steps of Kack Kerouac’s famous book “On the Road”.  Focusing on nomadic America: people that live on the move across the US, out of ideology or for work reasons.
    USA_Kerouac_OnTheRoad_11_73.jpg
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