Summer in Central Asia

Apparently the word “summer” doesn’t mean much when you’re more than 4000m above sea level. Icy winds, rain, ice rain and snow are pretty common sights in this part of the world at all times of the year and these past few days we have bared the brunt of mountain weather in all its glory.

From frosted tents in the morning, to snotsicles while cycling and red-burned cheeks it has been a though few days. Some of us have managed the cold better than others, but for the most part we have had to make plans like buying blankets that are supposed to be stuffed with goose down but seem more like camel hair, to sharing a tent with a friend for some body heat, to improvising warm water bottles from tomato paste bottles at night.

A select few though have realised that the Russians’ idea of drinking vodka for warmth may be our best bet in fighting the cold… we are pretty close to this part of the world aren’t we?

However, despite the cold (or maybe because of it) we have been treated with the one spectacular sight after the other. From cresting a hill to have the magnificent Lake Karakul spread open before you, to watching the sun set over the hillside village of Murghab it is safe to say we will not forget this section of the tour… for better or for worse.    

    — Catharina Robbertze