HoA Day Four

CBT Yurt Camp to Sary Mogul, via Jiptik Pass

14.42km 

7hrs 45mins

858m total ascent

Our final day started with a steep climb, one that didn’t stop until we had once again climbed over 4,000m. Josh and I enjoyed putting the gas pedal on a little and watching the valley disappear below us and we made swift progress up towards the pass. We realized about halfway up that we had the snacks, so we left a packet of lollies in the middle of the track for Tommy and Orshi to find. We communicated through excited waves that they had found them, and they were very grateful to have an energy boost up the final zig zags. 

Once we reached the top we were rewarded with the most amazing views out towards Lenin Peak, and made a celebratory coffee to enjoy at the top. The whole group arrived at their own pace and it was so exciting watching everyone reach the pass and soak in the epic view. 

By the descent we felt like we were on the homeward stretch and started dreaming of the beers and chips that were on the menu for tonight. Once again we found a lovely spot for a scenic swim/splash and lunch, soaking our feet and filling our hats with water before continuing the walk down the valley. We walked through fields of yaks, horses and sheep as we made our way back to the road, my favorite being the herds of wild horses that scattered as we approached, cantering across the hillside. 

We thought we had booked a taxi (aka the wizard) but weren’t really sure where or when, so it was to all of our surprise when there was a car waiting at the road end, much earlier than we expected!! It wasn’t the wizard, but it was the Grandad of the guest house, so we figured the two had communicated somehow. I was very sad to say goodbye to this hike, as it had ended a couple of kilometers earlier than I expected!! The drive out was of course very scenic (yes, everything here is), and on the way we saw the wizard driving in. It worked out perfectly as about half our group was still on their way out, so the timing would be perfect. We got back to Sary Mogul and exploded all over the communal area, washing gear, sorting out food and of course, drinking some well deserved beers. 

I felt the most like myself I had felt in a while after being in the mountains, a stark contrast to the anxiety induced by our beloved Nina. We had many more mountain adventures planned for the Pamir and beyond, and this trip made me incredibly excited for a Central Asia trip filled with mountain adventures.