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  • Ancient rock petroglyph depicting animals like ibex and Marco Polo sheep. The Pamir used to be a way between Persia and China on the old Silk Road. .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_0769_MM8120_120...jpg
  • An old Kyrgyz cemetery, between Ortobil and Kyzyl Qorum..Inspired by the shape of a yurt, an old dome shelter used as overnight stay during the busier Silk Road times...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_129.jpg
  • High above tree line, a winter caravan of traders relies on their sure-footed yaks to traverse a high pass – the only way up and down from the Afghan Pamir. Never a large tribe, Kyrgyz nomads roamed central Asia for centuries and were infamous for raiding caravans along the Silk Route.<br />
<br />
From Zan Kuk to Zardibar ("yellow door"). <br />
<br />
Trekking back down from the Little Pamir, with yak caravan, over the frozen Wakhan river.
    2_IMG_3102.jpg
  • High above tree line, a winter caravan of traders relies on their sure-footed yaks to traverse a high pass - the only way up and down from the Afghan Pamir. Never a large tribe, Kyrgyz nomads roamed central Asia for centuries and were infamous for raiding caravans along the Silk Route...From Zan Kuk to Zardibar ("yellow door"). ..Trekking back down from the Little Pamir, with yak caravan, over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_226_2_IMG_3105.jpg
  • High above tree line, a winter caravan of traders relies on their sure-footed yaks to traverse a high pass - the only way up and down from the Afghan Pamir. Never a large tribe, Kyrgyz nomads roamed central Asia for centuries and were infamous for raiding caravans along the Silk Route...
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_225_2_IMG_3102.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 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
  • Wakhi family..Inside Wakhi houselhold (local ethinc group), in Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_028_IMG_3337.jpg
  • Djamshed Pamiri just got a haircut. Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_017_IMG_3399.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
  • 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
  • Night exposure, Langar. With Djamshed Pamiri. .Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_023_IMG_3475.jpg
  • Wakhi women bringing cloth for cleaning, at  Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_019_IMG_3435.jpg
  • Young married couple in Tchelekand village, inhabited by Wakhis people. ..Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0055_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Baba Tangi village below Baba Tangi peak. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, Afghanistan.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0058_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Detail of a rope tied to a tree. Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_029_IMG_3505.jpg
  • Night exposure, Langar. With Djamshed Pamiri. .Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_025_IMG_3489.jpg
  • The frozen Wakhan river..Leaving Sarhad village (end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor), to trek up to the Little Pamir with yak caravan over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_002_IMG_9944.jpg
  • Doing business, an Afghan Kyrgyz with a Badakshi trader. 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_0065_MM8120_12...jpg
  • An old Wakhi man and his grand son..In Goz Khun village...Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0057_MM8120_12...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_0059_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A Wakhi family. They apply Henna on their feet and fingers to protect from the cold. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0048_MM812...jpg
  • Wakhi people traveling with a donkey and a horse. The woman is hidden under a white Burqa. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0047_MM812...jpg
  • Night shot, Langar. With Djamshed Pamiri and a yak caravan at rest...In and around Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_021_IMG_3472.jpg
  • Borderguards at the border police check in Sarhad village, inhabited by Wakhis people. It is the end of the jeepable road in the Wakhan corridor, and the beginning or the end of the trek up and down to the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz live.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0053_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A Wakhi boy with green eyes..Leaving Sarhad village (end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor), to trek up to the Little Pamir with yak caravan over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_035_IMG_9935.jpg
  • Djamshed Pamiri just got a haircut. Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_018_IMG_3400.jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0507_MM8120_120...jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0506_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Wakhi women cooking in a house 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_0066_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A young Wakhi boy in Warghund village...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_0062_MM8120_12...jpg
  • Inside a Wakhi home in Warghund village...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_0061_MM8120_12...jpg
  • At the border police check in Sarhad village, inhabited by Wakhis people. It is the end of the jeepable road in the Wakhan corridor, and the beginning or the end of the trek up and down to the Little Pamir where the Afghan Kyrgyz live.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0052_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A Wakhi family. They apply Henna on their feet and fingers to protect from the cold. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0049_MM812...jpg
  • A Wakhi boy..Inside Wakhi houselhold (local ethinc group), in Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_027_IMG_3238.jpg
  • Night exposure, Langar. With Djamshed Pamiri. .Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_024_IMG_3482.jpg
  • Lola and Kossim, boy who can speak some english, after wahsing cloth at Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_020_IMG_3463.jpg
  • Matthieu Paley shooting video on the Wakhan river..Leaving Sarhad village (end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor), to trek up to the Little Pamir with yak caravan over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_001_IMG_9949.jpg
  • Young married couple in Tchelekand village, inhabited by Wakhis people. ..Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0054_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A truck bringing goods to the Wakhan corridor, got stuck in the ice on the Wakhan river..Drive from Kret village to Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_013_IMG_3183.jpg
  • Ancient rock petroglyph depicting animals like ibex and Marco Polo sheep. The Pamir used to be a way between Persia and China on the old Silk Road. .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_0770_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A tree is dwarfed by the mighty Hindukush mountains. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0046_MM812...jpg
  • The village of Kret overlooked by the peak of Koh-e-Baba Tangi (6515m) is in the upper Kezget Valley. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0051_MM812...jpg
  • It takes about five days by jeep from Kabul to reach the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor visible below in the distance on this picture. Another five or six days, crossing over three high passes takes you to the edge of the Afghan Pamir plateau and the first Kyrgyz camp. A further four-day trek takes you to the China border and the last Kyrgyz camp...Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0508_MM8120_120...jpg
  • 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_0059_MM8120_12...jpg
  • The bride and friends. In Tchelekand village...Driving down from Sarhad village, end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, to Ishkashim town, on the Tajikistan border.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0056_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A young Wakhi man jumps over a river. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, Afghanistan.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0057_MM8120_12...jpg
  • The village of Kret overlooked by the peak of Koh-e-Baba Tangi (6515m) is in the upper Kezget Valley. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor.
    97_Afghanistan_Wakhan_036_0050_MM812...jpg
  • The eye of a yak..Leaving Sarhad village (end of the road in the Wakhan Corridor), to trek up to the Little Pamir with yak caravan over the frozen Wakhan river.
    98_Afghanistan_Pamir_006_IMG_9929.jpg
  • Wakhi women cooking in a house 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_0067_MM8120_12...jpg
  • A Wakhi man doing irrigation work in the Wakhan Corridor, near the town of Khandud. Driving up from Ishkashim town to Sarhad village, the end of the road in the Wakhan corridor, Afghanistan.
    96_Afghanistan_Wakhan_0056_MM8120_12...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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    98_Afghanistan_Wakhan_003_IMG_2903.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Yurt at 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_0724_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A yak, weighing about 700 Kg is caught before being sheared.  It is impossible to overestimate the importance of livestock to the Kyrgyz. Not only do they provide for most of the Kyrgyz's subsistence needs and serve as the medium of trade that allows the Kyrgyz to procure all the other goods they require, but livestock are also one of the main determinants of social status. In the Afghan Pamir, livestock equals wealth and is more valuable than money..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_0697_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The sheep and goat herd lit by flashlight. Evening at Nemat Ulla and Woolook Bu's 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_0631_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Aziz's horse sleep...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_0624_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
  • 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
  • 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 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 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 Wakhi porter carrying a load, high above the Wakhan river. Trekking up and along the Wakhan river, the only way to reach the high altitude Little Pamir plateau, home of the Afghan Kyrgyz community.
    97_Afghanistan_Pamir_0518_MM8120_120...jpg
  • A young boy with a dog..At Burgut Yor (Eagle's Nest) camp (Apendi 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_0477_MM8120_120...jpg
  • Two Wakhi caravan leaders Shur Ali and Roz Ali, guiding animals..With horse and yak caravan, on the way back. Between Ech Keli and Burgut Yor 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_0471_MM8120_120...jpg
  • On the Pamir plateau, at 4200m, a horseman is swept off his feet by the constant wind called "Bad-e Wakhan", which blows East most of the year, on the Afghan Pamir plateau..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_0467_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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Above place named Langar..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_0493_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
  • 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_0433_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
  • 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
  • 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 boiled goat is being prepared for the guests, during a wedding ceremony..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_0338_MM8120_120...jpg
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