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  • Matthieu Paley lifting off his tent to clean it. <br />
Mongolia is a trekker's paradise, with virtually unlimited possibilities of remote treks. Camping is available anywhere as land-ownership is impossible in Mongolia.
    Mong_General_01_24.jpg
  • Mongolia is a trekker's paradise, with virtually unlimited possibilities of remote treks. Camping is available anywhere as land-ownership is impossible in Mongolia. It is also easy to rent camels from local nomads and take a ride through the Gobi desert.
    Mong_Portfo_01_24.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
  • 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). September 2006.
    Pak_Braldu_906_08.jpg
  • A shrine...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_14.jpg
  • 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
  • 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_08.jpg
  • Sleeping out under the star, at the border between China and Pakistan. Pakistan..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_04.jpg
  • A flock of geese migrating through the Karakoram, flying above 5000m...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_057.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
  • The way to China...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_16.jpg
  • Mongolia is a trekker's paradise, with virtually unlimited possibilities of remote treks. Camping is available anywhere as land-ownership is impossible in Mongolia. Mareile in the back of a truck, while hitch hiking.
    Mong_98_Rescan_33.jpg
  • A marker on the trail, in Pakistan, near the border with China...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_07.jpg
  • The way to China...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_21.jpg
  • Snow leopard pug marks...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_19.jpg
  • A young shepherd...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). September 2006.
    Pak_Braldu_906_12.jpg
  • Young monks playing while listening to the High Lama speak at a ceremony near Khovsgol Lake.<br />
More than a hundred people traveled by horse and foot to hear Mongolia's high Lama speak at a ceremony honoring the placement of the first stone for the Dayan Derkh monastery, which is currently being rebuilt in Khövsgöl Province. The original structure was destroyed in 1938 by Soviet purges.
    Mongolia_culture_08_18.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.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0591_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
  • 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 is slipping on the frozen Wakhan river. Between Zang Kuk and  Zard-e Bar shepherd house..Going back down to Sarhad village with a yak caravan led by 2 Wakhi traders: Shur Ali and Roz Ali...Trekking down the Wakhan frozen river, the only way down to leave the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0497_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Two Wakhi traders are going down to the lower valleys with a yak caravan. .Going back down to Sarhad village with a yak caravan led by 2 Wakhi traders: Shur Ali and Roz Ali...Trekking down the Wakhan frozen river, the only way down to leave the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0491_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_0264_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Matthieu Paley's tent in the morning. It is -30 C. 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_0247_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A horse and yak caravan approaches the frozen Wakhan river, the only way up to the Little Pamir, the abode of the Afghan Kyrgyz, one of the remotest high altitude community in the world.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0240_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A filed of Colza, also known as rapeseed, in the village of Sarhad...In Sarhad village, inhabited by Wakhis people. It is the end of the jeepable road in the Wakhan corridor, and the beginning of the trek up to the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz live.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0063_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A custom officer stamps a passport, on the entry point into Afghanistan, from Tajikistan, at the town of Ishkashim.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0036_MM812...jpg
  • Langa Olssen, going to compete in Noumea, says he will win Gold...Nauru's Weightlifting Gym in Aiwo District (Aiwo's Boys Gym). Girls and boys train here every day starting at 5pm. Nauru's weightlifting champions (including the President of Nauru) have won several gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. Weightlifting is the pride of the nation..Although Nauru is the world's fattest country, with 94% of its population being overweight, teenagers are very fit and sportive. Amongst the favorite sports are weightlifting, Aussie Rule football (a kind of Rugby) and boxing. ..Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru is an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific.  Nauru was declared independent in 1968 and it is the world's smallest independent republic, covering just 21 square kilometers..Nauru is a phosphate rock island and its economy depends almost entirely on the phosphate deposits that originate from the droppings of sea birds. Following its exploitation it briefly boasted the highest per-capita income enjoyed by any sovereign state in the world during the late 1960s and early 1970s..In the 1990s, when the phosphate reserves were partly exhausted the government resorted to unusual measures. Nauru briefly became a tax haven and illegal money laundering centre. From 2001 to 2008, it accepted aid from the Australian government in exchange for housing a Nauru detention centre, with refugees from various countries including Afghanistan and Iraq..Most necessities are imported on the island..Nauru has parliamentary system of government. It had 17 changes of administration between 1989 and 2003. In December 2007, former weight lifting medallist Marcus Stephen became the President.
    Pacific_Nauru_10_38.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
  • 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 young boy on horseback carrying a long pole to herd his livestock.
    Mong_98_Rescan_26.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Vegetation has been covered with Phosphate dust around the only Phosphate plant in operation on Nauru...Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru is an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific.  Nauru was declared independent in 1968 and it is the world's smallest independent republic, covering just 21 square kilometers..Nauru is a phosphate rock island and its economy depends almost entirely on the phosphate deposits that originate from the droppings of sea birds. Following its exploitation it briefly boasted the highest per-capita income enjoyed by any sovereign state in the world during the late 1960s and early 1970s..In the 1990s, when the phosphate reserves were partly exhausted the government resorted to unusual measures. Nauru briefly became a tax haven and illegal money laundering centre. From 2001 to 2008, it accepted aid from the Australian government in exchange for housing a Nauru detention centre, with refugees from various countries including Afghanistan and Iraq..Most necessities are imported on the island..Nauru has parliamentary system of government. It had 17 changes of administration between 1989 and 2003. In December 2007, former weight lifting medallist Marcus Stephen became the President.
    Pacific_Nauru_10_52.jpg
  • Mining Phosphate on Nauru. Phosphate spreads in the ocean, during a "spit", to check the cantilever mechanism before the ship arrives. On the cantilever that loads Phosphate onto the ship...Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru is an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific.  Nauru was declared independent in 1968 and it is the world's smallest independent republic, covering just 21 square kilometers..Nauru is a phosphate rock island and its economy depends almost entirely on the phosphate deposits that originate from the droppings of sea birds. Following its exploitation it briefly boasted the highest per-capita income enjoyed by any sovereign state in the world during the late 1960s and early 1970s..In the 1990s, when the phosphate reserves were partly exhausted the government resorted to unusual measures. Nauru briefly became a tax haven and illegal money laundering centre. From 2001 to 2008, it accepted aid from the Australian government in exchange for housing a Nauru detention centre, with refugees from various countries including Afghanistan and Iraq..Most necessities are imported on the island..Nauru has parliamentary system of government. It had 17 changes of administration between 1989 and 2003. In December 2007, former weight lifting medallist Marcus Stephen became the President.
    Pacific_Nauru_10_03.jpg
  • Mongolian yak butter and thermos depicting a winning wrestler.
    Mongolia_culture_08_29.jpg
  • Scientist doing research studies on the Taimen.<br />
The Eg river where the Taimen is found. The Taimen is the world's largest salmon fish, it is also known as Siberian taimen and Siberian salmon, a species of fish in the salmon family.<br />
It is becoming a more well known game fish, particularly for fly fishermen.<br />
Mongolian tells many legends about this fish.
    Mongolia_culture_08_69.jpg
  • Trekking and camping near the Ureg Nuur lake, Uvz Province, Mongolia.
    Mong_98_Rescan_50.jpg
  • Landscape in Mongolia.
    Mong_98_Rescan_05.jpg
  • Kyrgyz men coming from surrounding camps, gather at Bibi Zohra's wedding. Following a Kyrgyz tradition, the future husband is given clothes that were sewn by his future wife...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_0753_MM8120_120...jpg
  • View of the summer camp of Muqur, Er Ali Boi's place. Behind the mountains in the distance is Tajikistan...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_0727_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Tella Bu, one of the daughter of the late Khan, and her husband Daryo Boi, after unloading the yaks, piles up all his worldy goods at the new summer camp. This represents everything he owns...Moving with the Khan (chief) family. The couple of Tella Bu and Daryo Boi family arrive 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_0678_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Young boy eating raw wild onion, the only vegetable in the Pamir. 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_0626_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
  • Juma Boi,  his pink boots and a slingshot to round up yaks..In camp of 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_0463_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Mujaheed taking the herd out...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_0416_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Visiting guests are preparing to leave after visiting 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...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_0412_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Haji Osman's wife, a Kyrgyz woman, is washing her hair..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_0326_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Kids playing with a parrot toy "Made in China" bought from a trader in Pakistan, a 2 weeks yak journey. 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_0307_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Aslam and Aisha Khan, son and daughter of Mullah Abdul Kassim, fetching water through a hole in the ice near camp. .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_0274_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Wakhi stick (named "Asoy"), gun called Muchkuch (means " mouse killer") and colorful Wakhi gloves...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_0259_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A jeep making its way through a river. Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0058_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Writer Mike Finkel in a photo studio. In the border town of Ishkashim, on the Tajikistan - Afghanistan border. Hindukush mountains.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0053_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A young listener of 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_0044_MM812...jpg
  • An exploratory trek in the Basho valley, Baltistan province, Karakoram mountains, Pakistan.
    N_Pak_Baltistan_11.jpg
  • Young girl friends. 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_23.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.<br />
<br />
The Kyrgyz settlement of Tchelab, near Chaqmaqtin lake, Haji Bootoo 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_120123_02655.jpg
  • Two young twin contestants at a Nadaam horserace (about 20 Km speed race). Youngest racer are between 5 and 7 years old.<br />
Winning a race is quite the feat—prizes for winners include horses, and sometimes cars.<br />
Near Moron town, Khövsgöl province.
    Mongolia_culture_08_49.jpg
  • Scientist doing research studies on the Taimen: the world's biggest salmon fish, near Khovsgol Lake, in the Egg-Ur watershed region.
    Mongolia_culture_08_75.jpg
  • A Shamanist shrine made of stacked up pieces of pine woods.<br />
The Eg river where the Taimen is found. The Taimen is the world's largest salmon fish, it is also known as Siberian taimen and Siberian salmon, a species of fish in the salmon family.<br />
It is becoming a more well known game fish, particularly for fly fishermen.<br />
Mongolian tells many legends about this fish.
    Mongolia_culture_08_78.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
  • 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.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0730_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Nemat Ullah, son of Abdul Walli..Installing solar panels that charge car batteries to provide electricty, mainly for light bulbs and 2 way radios...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_0658_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
  • 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
  • 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_0602_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_0600_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Setting up the yurt of the Khan, the tribal leader, during yearly summer migration. Afghan Kyrgyz are semi-nomadic people..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_0596_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 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
  • 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
  • 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. 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_0421_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Before a horse journey, horses are brought to a nearby icy river for drinking..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_0386_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Night shot. View over the central Little Pamir.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0403_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Crossing a pass during the 5 day winter journey out of the Pamir plateau, down to the lower valley..Up and over the Shower pass..Between Zang Kuk and  Zard-e Bar shepherd house..Going back down to Sarhad village with a yak caravan led by 2 Wakhi traders: Shur Ali and Roz Ali...Trekking down the Wakhan frozen river, the only way down to leave the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0500_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Yak caravan progressing on the frozen river..Between Zang Kuk and  Zard-e Bar shepherd house..Going back down to Sarhad village with a yak caravan led by 2 Wakhi traders: Shur Ali and Roz Ali...Trekking down the Wakhan frozen river, the only way down to leave the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0498_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
  • Tella Bu (deceased Khan's youngest daughter - wearing the white veil) has epileptic seizures since 1 year. Kyrgyz think these are the work of Djinns, the local supernatural creatures. Chinor (left, red veil) watched on. .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_0428_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Having tea and sitting around the winter home of Sher Ali. 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_0384_MM8120_120...jpg
  • With Ikhbal, 15, a recently married Kyrgyz woman  moving for the first time to her husband's camp..Arriving in Andemin. Going on horse back from Ech Keli to Andemin 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_0366_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Still crying, Ikhbal is dressed with a white Burqa to leave her childhood house forever and move to her husband's camp for the first time, a 2 days horse journey, her longest trip ever..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_0363_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Still crying, Ikhbal, 15,  is getting ready to leave her childhood house forever and move to her husband's camp for the first time, a 2 days horse journey, her longest trip ever..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_0362_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Jim Boi preparing for prayer..In Jim Boi (son of Er Ali Boi) and Gul Soon's yurt. They are one of the very rare Kyrgyz still spending the whole winter in a yurt...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_0347_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A Snow leopard track..Snow leopards are rare in the Pamir Plateau, but more present in the lower valleys...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_0252_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A broken wheel and axe. Between Khandud and Ishkashim..Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0060_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Mount Rakaposhi. People and places of the Hunza Valley, in the heart of the Karakoram mountain Range, North Pakistan.
    Pakistan_Hunza_1007_08.jpg
  • Baron Divavesi Waqa, the opposition leader. .He says he is victim to "Paba", a Nauruan tradition that allows any relative to come into your house and take anything they like, whenever you have had something good that happened in your life (like a promotion in your job, a birth, birthday etc). Therefore, he says, the interior of his house is quite empty...Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru is an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific.  Nauru was declared independent in 1968 and it is the world's smallest independent republic, covering just 21 square kilometers..Nauru is a phosphate rock island and its economy depends almost entirely on the phosphate deposits that originate from the droppings of sea birds. Following its exploitation it briefly boasted the highest per-capita income enjoyed by any sovereign state in the world during the late 1960s and early 1970s..In the 1990s, when the phosphate reserves were partly exhausted the government resorted to unusual measures. Nauru briefly became a tax haven and illegal money laundering centre. From 2001 to 2008, it accepted aid from the Australian government in exchange for housing a Nauru detention centre, with refugees from various countries including Afghanistan and Iraq..Most necessities are imported on the island..Nauru has parliamentary system of government. It had 17 changes of administration between 1989 and 2003. In December 2007, former weight lifting medallist Marcus Stephen became the President.
    Pacific_Nauru_10_35.jpg
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