Crossing the AK-Baital Pass

The distance between Murghab and Karakul is only 130 km, but the route runs over the 4655 m high AK-Baital Pass. The route profile leads from 3612 m to 4655 m and then falls again to 4020 m. It is the highest pass of the Pamir Mountains.

In the hotel in Murghab, we get to know a British couple, Darren Broadhurst and Heulwen (Hels) Jones. They drive with three-wheeled bicycles, which give a better feeling of safety on the stony roads.

During dinner, I take the liberty of asking the question, whether it is not often frustrating for her as a woman because this journey requires a lot of strength. After a short break, where she says nothing and her partner takes a strange look at me, he explains that she is often the stronger one. They served both in the army ( Darren 30 years, Hels 22 years) and she is well trained.

As a result, I decided for myself not to ask such questions again in the future. Darren and Hels are now retired and have decided to cycle around the world. It fascinated us very much how they both with their friendly nature master the stresses and strains of life. They share their experiences on their blog Any Which You Can.

The next morning, we almost left at the same time, so that we could still film their departure.

At the end of the village, we visit a small local museum with an attached souvenir shop. In a high-lying valley, we follow a course of a river that carries only a little water.

On the left side, we see from a distance a former Soviet barracks.

On the right side, we see a large proportion of the border fence with China. The actual border is 2 to 5 km further east, but the fence marks a security area that may not be entered. The holes in the fence indicate that from time to time, one dares to enter the area.

Then we reach the signpost known from photos that announce the AK-Baital Pass. The pass summit is still some kilometers away, and we have to manage some meters of altitude. Numerous cyclists and motorcyclists are on their way.

At the top of the pass, the valley opens up and allows panoramic views both towards Kyrgyzstan and back towards Murghab.

Already before the pass, we are amazed by a large herd of goats. After the pass, we see a herd of cattle, and this at an altitude of more than 4000 m above sea level!

On half way between Murghab and Karakul, we explore still another old decayed caravansary, established 1895 by Russian soldiers. In the further course, we pass further abandoned houses from the Soviet time.

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Three and a half hours after our departure in Murghab, the Karakul with its turquoise-colored water lies in front of us.

White snow-covered mountaintop frames of, which climbs except for 7000 m the landscape offers fascinating views at which we cannot take our eyes off.

Please read on > Karakul – the lake in the crater of a meteor

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Text, photos and video: Copyright © myVideoMedia

Soundtracks in video:

• Make Me Nervous by djmo (c) copyright 2007
  Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/djmo/12274 Ft: BradSucks
• Don Quixote by bento box (c) copyright 2007
  Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/pjmny1/12079 Ft: narva9 with bento box
• St. Bernard mountain rescue by Fireproof_Babies (c) copyright 2007 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/Fireproof_Babies/11944 Ft: Anchor Mejans, Gurdonark, Old Dog
• out of time (jerry remix) by novaforma (c) copyright 2007
  Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/novaforma/9954

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