Hike to a glacier

We were grateful that the schedule worked out for a final hike on Sunday with Hike Tajikistan. We joined a group of about 25 from the U.S., Russia, Germany, India, and more on a hike in a branch of the Varzob Gorge with the aim of reaching a glacier. The mini-buses parked above the Khoja Obi Garm hot springs resort. After a long stretch of poor road, it was a bit of a shock to see such extensive buildings.

I can’t imagine them ever being filled, given the economy and infrastructure here. But that’s not the point of this post—on to the hike.

We started out on a road that led through pasturelands, past the homes of cowherds and beekeepers.

We were passed by occasional cars and this truck carrying up some equipment for an electrical tower, but mostly we had the road to ourselves.

The path started off lush with grass and wildflowers...

  ...but then got a bit more barren (over-grazing? different soil? )

 

We (the slow contingent of our group of 25) took a break on a knoll looking back over a row of peaks…

…and ahead to the next ridge behind which was the promised glacier:

As if to welcome us to the glacier, a cold wind picked up, clouds rolled in, and some rain drops began to spit down on us. (It had been more than 93 in Dushanbe.)

  By the time we slow-pokes arrived, the fast group were packing up to return to the mini-buses. 

  But we lingered for tea, cookies, and photos. (Elena, one of our guides, a Korean-Tajik, carried the thermos, cups, and snacks.)

 

Our return trail was next to the river for a while.

Soon, our chilly experience seemed far away.

 

It was a total of 12.5 kilometers. We are thankful for strength, health, and the kind people who made it possible. And the beauty of God’s creation!