Deep in the heart of the Tajik Pamir Mountains, under the jagged peaks of the Shakhdara range lie dozens of glacial lakes, emanating the most vivid emerald hues. Setting out from Bachor, a remote village of around 50 households at an elevation of 3300m, our goal was to reach the 'gem of the Pamir' - Zaroshkul Lake, the largest in this range, lying at 4500m. Difficult trekking conditions resulted in a planned 2-day ascent becoming a 3-day slog - but gave as an extra night's camping on the shores of Tsaxinkul, a smaller, but in some ways even more dramatic lake at 4300m, just a few kilometres away from its bigger brother. Sharp, steep peaks rise more than a kilometre right in front of our faces, and the you can feel the glacier's katabatic winds cooling the tents. Perpetually clear, vividly blue skies, the strong high-altitude sun, and a breezeless morning gave us some incredible reflections and the will to continue onwards.
Morning reflections at Tsaxinkul Lake
Sunset at Zaroshkul Lake
Shakhdara Peaks Sunset
Tsaxinkul Lake
Glaciers above Zaroshkul Lake
Glaciers of Shakhdara Range
Tsaxinkul Lake
Jagged peaks above Tsaxinkul Lake
Shakhdara Peaks Sunset
Tsaxinkul Lake
Glaciers of Shakhdara Peaks
Glaciers flowing into Zaroshkul Lake
Sunrise at Zaroshkul Lake
Zaroshkul Glaciers
Emerald waters of Zaroshkul Lake
Glaciers of Shakhdara Peaks
Glaciers of Shakhdara Peaks
Sunrise over Zaroshkul Lake
Glaciers of Shakhdara Peaks
Early sunrise hits the Shakhara range, above Zaroshkul Lake
Jagged peaks rise a kilometre above Tsaxinkul Lake
The glacial stream from Zaroshkul flows to Tsaxinkul Lake.
Tsaxinkul Lake
